Disruption of biological membranes by hydrophobic molecules: a way to inhibit bacterial growth

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biophysics
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• The bacterial cell membrane is a promising target for antimicrobial agents due to its essential role in cell viability.
• Hydrophobic molecules offer potential for membrane disruption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of propofol (PFL) and cannabidiol (CBD) in nanodroplets against bacterial membranes.
• To evaluate the impact of PFL and CBD on the biophysical properties of bacterial model membranes.
• To demonstrate the direct effects of these agents on the cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria.

Main Methods:

• Calorimetric measurements to assess drug-induced changes in model bacterial membranes.
• Incubation experiments to determine the inhibition of colony-forming units (CFUs) of E. coli and S. aureus.
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence microscopy to visualize membrane disruption.

Main Results:

• Propofol and cannabidiol significantly altered the transition temperature, enthalpy of cohesion, and cooperativity of bacterial model membranes.
• Both agents demonstrated inhibition of bacterial growth, with propofol showing a more pronounced effect.
• Microscopic analysis confirmed visible disruption of bacterial cell membranes, particularly with propofol treatment.

Conclusions:

• Propofol and cannabidiol, delivered via nanodroplets, effectively target and disrupt bacterial cell membranes.
• These findings present a promising avenue for developing new antimicrobial strategies against drug-resistant bacteria.
• The study highlights the potential of hydrophobic molecules in combating infections, especially skin infections.