Abstract :Abstract
Hydraphiles are synthetic amphiphiles that form pores in bilayer membranes. A study was undertaken to determine if the formation of pores in liposomes would be reflected in the penetration of antibiotics into bacteria. The disruption of ion homeostasis by the pore-formers leads to microbial toxicity. Co-administration of hydraphiles at concentration = ½ MIC and antimicrobials to E. coli or P. aeruginosa showed potency enhancements of up to 30-fold. A possible mechanism is the enhancement of antibiotic influx owing to membrane disruption and/or altering the ion balance within the bacterial cells.