Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2025
An In Vitro Enzymatic Assay to Measure Transcription Inhibition by GalliumIII and H3 5,10,15-trispentafluorophenylcorroles
Published on: March 18, 2015
Advancement of Gallium and Gallium-Based Compounds as Antimicrobial Agents
Fupeng Li1, Fengxiang Liu1, Kai Huang1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
With the abuse and misuse of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance has become a challenging issue in the medical system. Iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens pose serious threats to global human life and health because the efficacy of traditional antibiotics has been greatly reduced and the resulting socio-economic burden has increased. It is important to find and develop non-antibiotic-dependent antibacterial strategies because the development of new antibiotics can hardly keep pace with the emergence of resistant bacteria. Gallium (III) is a multi-target antibacterial agent that has an excellent antibacterial activity, especially against MDR pathogens; thus, a gallium (III)-based treatment is expected to become a new antibacterial strategy. However, some limitations of gallium ions as antimicrobials still exist, including low bioavailability and explosive release. In recent years, with the development of nanomaterials and clathrates, the progress of manufacturing technology, and the emergence of synergistic antibacterial strategies, the antibacterial activities of gallium have greatly improved, and the scope of application in medical systems has expanded. This review summarizes the advancement of current optimization for these key factors. This review will enrich the knowledge about the efficiency and mechanism of various gallium-based antibacterial agents and provide strategies for the improvement of the antibacterial activity of gallium-based compounds.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat. Gallium (III) shows promise as a novel antibacterial strategy, with recent advancements in nanomaterials and synergistic approaches significantly enhancing its efficacy against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Materials Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens due to antibiotic abuse poses a significant global health challenge.
- Traditional antibiotics are losing efficacy, necessitating the development of alternative antibacterial strategies.
- Gallium (III) exhibits potent antibacterial activity, particularly against MDR strains, making it a candidate for new treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in optimizing gallium (III)-based antibacterial agents.
- To explore strategies for overcoming limitations such as low bioavailability and rapid release of gallium ions.
- To provide insights into the mechanisms and applications of improved gallium-based compounds.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on gallium (III) as an antibacterial agent.
- Analysis of advancements in nanomaterial and clathrate technologies for gallium delivery.
- Examination of synergistic antibacterial strategies involving gallium.
Main Results:
- Nanomaterials and clathrates have significantly improved gallium's bioavailability and controlled its release.
- Synergistic approaches enhance the overall antibacterial efficacy of gallium-based treatments.
- Optimized gallium compounds demonstrate expanded applications in medical systems.
Conclusions:
- Gallium (III), when engineered with advanced materials and strategies, offers a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
- Further research into gallium-based agents can lead to effective treatments against challenging multidrug-resistant infections.
- Optimized gallium compounds represent a viable strategy to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
![Automated Preparation of [68Ga]Ga-3BP-3940 on a Synthesis Module for PET Imaging of the Tumor Microenvironment](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F68356.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Related Concept Videos
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness
01:16Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy
01:30Bacterial Signaling
01:23Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
01:28Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...