Inhibition of light emission from the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri after exposure to triclosan and related hygiene care products.

The affect of the anti-microbial agent triclosan (alternative names Microban and Irgasan DP300) on the light emission by the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri was determined. Triclosan at concentrations greater than 0.2% (w/v) caused cell lysis and immediate (< 5 s) loss of light emission. Exposure to triclosan at lower concentrations caused a decrease in light output over time. The rate of the decrease in light output followed a cuboid relationship, of which the initial rate (first 60 s) of light loss was proportional to the concentration of triclosan. The effect on light output by two commercially available hygiene products containing triclosan also caused a similar response in light loss. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.