Sensitization of KPC and NDM Klebsiella pneumoniae To Rifampicin by the Human Lactoferrin-Derived Peptide hLF1-11

Insights into the Mechanisms of Reuterin against Staphylococcus aureus Based on Membrane Damage and Untargeted Metabolomics

Reuterin is a dynamic small-molecule complex produced through glycerol fermentation by Limosilactobacillus reuteri and has potential as a food biopreservative. Despite its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, the underlying mechanism of action of reuterin is still elusive. The present paper aimed to explore the antibacterial mechanism of reuterin and its effects on membrane damage and the intracellular metabolome of S. aureus. Our results showed that reuterin has a minimum inhibitory concentration of 18.25 mM against S. aureus, based on the 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde level. Key indicators such as extracellular electrical conductivity, membrane potential and permeability were significantly increased, while intracellular pH, ATP and DNA were markedly decreased, implying that reuterin causes a disruption to the structure of the cell membrane. The morphological damage to the cells was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Subsequent metabolomic analysis identified significant alterations in metabolites primarily involved in lipid, amino acid, carbohydrate metabolism and phosphotransferase system, which is crucial for cell membrane regulation and energy supply. Consequently, these findings indicated that the antibacterial mechanism of reuterin initially targets lipid and amino acid metabolism, leading to cell membrane damage, which subsequently results in energy metabolism disorder and, ultimately, cell death. This paper offers innovative perspectives on the antibacterial mechanism of reuterin, contributing to its potential application as a food preservative.

The Combination of Antibiotic and Non-Antibiotic Compounds Improves Antibiotic Efficacy against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Bacterial antibiotic resistance, especially the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, urgently requires the development of effective treatment strategies. It is always of interest to delve into the mechanisms of resistance to current antibiotics and target them to promote the efficacy of existing antibiotics. In recent years, non-antibiotic compounds have played an important auxiliary role in improving the efficacy of antibiotics and promoting the treatment of drug-resistant bacteria. The combination of non-antibiotic compounds with antibiotics is considered a promising strategy against MDR bacteria. In this review, we first briefly summarize the main resistance mechanisms of current antibiotics. In addition, we propose several strategies to enhance antibiotic action based on resistance mechanisms. Then, the research progress of non-antibiotic compounds that can promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria through different mechanisms in recent years is also summarized. Finally, the development prospects and challenges of these non-antibiotic compounds in combination with antibiotics are discussed.