A research team at Utrecht University discovered how the antibiotic plectasin works by forming large structures that trap bacteria on the cell surface, similar to Velcro. This novel mechanism could lead to the development of more effective antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. The study utilized advanced biophysical techniques to uncover the detailed process by which plectasin targets bacterial cells. The presence of calcium ions was found to enhance plectasin’s activity, indicating potential for future antibiotic development. The lead author, Markus Weingarth, believes this discovery opens new possibilities for designing better drugs to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
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Advanced techniques reveal plectasin’s velcro-like action against bacteria
