Synergism between the Synthetic Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Peptide (SAAP)-148 and Halicin

• Main Authors: Miriam E. van Gent (Author), Tanny J. K. van der Reijden (Author), Patrick R. Lennard (Author), Adriëtte W. de Visser (Author), Bep Schonkeren-Ravensbergen (Author), Natasja Dolezal (Author), Robert A. Cordfunke (Author), Jan Wouter Drijfhout (Author), Peter H. Nibbering (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2022-05-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Recently, using a deep learning approach, the novel antibiotic halicin was discovered. We compared the antibacterial activities of two novel bactericidal antimicrobial agents, i.e., the synthetic antibacterial and antibiofilm peptide (SAAP)-148 with this antibiotic halicin. Results revealed that SAAP-148 was more effective than halicin in killing planktonic bacteria of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) <i>Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, especially in biologically relevant media, such as plasma and urine, and in 3D human infection models. Surprisingly, SAAP-148 and halicin were equally effective against these bacteria residing in immature and mature biofilms. As their modes of action differ, potential favorable interactions between SAAP-148 and halicin were investigated. For some specific strains of AMR <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i> synergism between these agents was observed, whereas for other strains, additive interactions were noted. These favorable interactions were confirmed for AMR <i>E. coli</i> in a 3D human bladder infection model and AMR <i>S. aureus</i> in a 3D human epidermal infection model. Together, combinations of these two novel antimicrobial agents hold promise as an innovative treatment for infections not effectively treatable with current antibiotics.

Item Description

10.3390/antibiotics11050673
2079-6382