Damage to the Membrane Permeability and Cell Death of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Caused by Phlorotannins with Low Molecular Weight from Sargassum thunbergii

To understand the mode of action of low molecular weight phlorotannins (LMPs) from Sargassum thunbergii against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, effects of LMPs on the growth curve and the content changes of some substances in culture media were investigated, and those on morphological and ultramicrostructure were also observed by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that LMPs inhibited thalli growth at logarithmic phase and damaged the cell membrane and cell wall of tested bacteria which led to the leakage of cytoplasm and the deconstruction of membrane permeability. The present study indicates that LMPs as natural products in seaweeds deserve further investigation for food safety control and aquacultural drugs.