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Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection
Published on: October 25, 2013
Nisin, alone and combined with peptidoglycan-modulating antibiotics: activity against methicillin-resistant
W Brumfitt1, M R J Salton, J M T Hamilton-Miller
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London NW3 2PF, UK.
Objective:
We have sought ways to circumvent resistance, by combining nisin with other antibiotics known to target bacterial cell wall biosynthesis.
Methods:
Twenty strains each of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) were tested in vitro by standardized methods against nisin alone and combined with bacitracin, ramoplanin and chloramphenicol.
Results:
Ramoplanin was the most potent compound, and bacitracin had the least activity. Two-way synergy was observed with nisin and ramoplanin. However, chloramphenicol was clearly antagonistic to the activity of nisin.
Conclusions:
Observations of synergy between nisin and ramoplanin against MRSA and VRE offer a promising approach to the concept of combining nisin with inhibitors of cell wall peptidoglycan. Further investigations are needed in order to develop this approach as a clinical possibility.
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