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Published on: January 22, 2021

Bacteriostatic activity of a perfluorooctyl bromide emulsion and its interaction with antibiotics against selected

Fredy Leonardo Carreño Hernández1,2,3, Maritza Torres3,4, Jairo Alejandro Gaitán3,5

  • 1Clinical Research, School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes Bogotá, D.C., 111711  Colombia.

Journal of Applied Microbiology
|July 8, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Emulsified perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOBe) shows bacteriostatic effects against resistant bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. PFOBe also enhances antibiotic effectiveness, indicating its potential as an adjuvant antimicrobial strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health threat.
  • Perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) has demonstrated in vitro bacteriostatic activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • The antimicrobial efficacy of emulsified PFOB (PFOBe) against key resistant pathogens remains uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of PFOBe on the growth of antibiotic-resistant strains of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae.
  • To determine if PFOBe exhibits bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity.
  • To evaluate the potential synergistic effects of PFOBe when combined with conventional antibiotics.

Main Methods:

  • Time-kill assays were conducted to evaluate the activity of PFOBe and antibiotic-PFOBe combinations.
  • Resistant and susceptible strains of K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus were utilized.
  • Scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe morphological changes in bacterial cell walls.

Main Results:

  • PFOBe demonstrated bacteriostatic activity against all tested bacterial strains, including resistant and susceptible phenotypes.
  • Limited enhancement of antibiotic efficacy was observed when PFOBe was used in combination with antibiotics.
  • Significant structural alterations in bacterial cell walls were noted, varying with bacterial strain and treatment.

Conclusions:

  • PFOBe exhibits inherent bacteriostatic properties against Gram-negative and Gram-positive resistant bacteria.
  • PFOBe shows potential as an adjuvant agent, enhancing the activity of existing antibiotics.
  • Further research into PFOBe as an antimicrobial strategy is warranted given its demonstrated efficacy.
Keywords:
antibacterial activityantibiotic adjuvantmultidrug-resistant bacteriaperfluorocarbon emulsionperfluorooctyl bromide

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