The hybrid compounds of cationic pillararene and efflux pump inhibitor show synergistic effect against Gram-negative bacteria

Abstract

A novel antibiofilm agents were designed by integrating cationic pillararene with an efflux pump inhibitor. The hybrid compounds were prepared and characterized by NMR and HRMS. These compounds exhibited potent activity to inhibit the biofilm formation and disrupt the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the synergistic effect of the hybrid compounds was observed in combination with antibiotics, especially against P. aeruginosa. The hybridization strategy not only reduced the dosages required for efflux pump inhibitor but also enhanced the antibacterial efficacy of antibiotics, making it promising approach for developing antibacterial drugs.