Secapin: a promising antimicrobial peptide against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

INTRODUCTION

, renowned for its exceptional multidrug resistance and its role as a prevalent nosocomial pathogen, poses a formidable challenge to conventional antibiotic therapies. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of Secapin, an antimicrobial peptide, against multidrug-resistant (MDR) . Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying Secapin's antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were elucidated.

METHODS

The antimicrobial and antibiofilm effectiveness of Secapin against MDR was assessed through a series of experiments. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Secapin were determined using established protocols. Time-kill kinetic analysis was performed to assess the concentration-dependent bactericidal effect of Secapin. Additionally, the capacity of Secapin to impede biofilm formation and eradicate biofilms was investigated. Hemolytic potential was evaluated using human red blood cells, while mammalian cell viability was examined at varying Secapin concentrations.

RESULTS

Secapin exhibited robust bactericidal activity at minimal concentrations, with an MIC of 5 µg/mL and an MBC of 10 µg/mL against MDR . The time-kill kinetic analysis confirmed the concentration-dependent efficacy of Secapin in diminishing bacterial viability. Moreover, Secapin demonstrated the ability to prevent biofilm formation and eliminate established biofilms. Notably, Secapin exhibited no hemolytic activity and preserved mammalian cell viability up to a concentration of 100 µg/mL.

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the substantial potential of Secapin as a potent agent against multidrug-resistant , showcasing its efficacy in both antibacterial and antibiofilm capacities. The favorable attributes of Secapin, characterized by its minimal hemolytic effects and high mammalian cell viability, position it as a promising contender in the fight against antibiotic resistance.