Polyethylene glycol-induced internalization of bacteria into fungal protoplasts: electron microscopic study and optimization of experimental conditions.

We studied the mechanism of internalization of Escherichia coli into Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and optimized the experimental conditions. Transmission electron microscope studies revealed that the principal factor involved in the internalization was the degree of cell aggregation attained. Internalization occurred mainly by an endocytosis-like mechanism and took place during the elimination of PEG. The optimum conditions were to treat a mixed pellet of both microorganisms with 15% PEG and then gradually dilute the polymer. The same conditions were applied to E. coli and Aspergillus nidulans, with similar results.