Colistin is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the polymyxin class. Colistin works by disrupting the structure of bacterial cell membranes, leading to leakage of cellular contents and ultimately bacterial cell death. It's often considered a "last-resort" antibiotic due to its potential side effects and the emergence of resistant strains.
CAT No: R2242
CAS No:1066-17-7
Chemical Name:N-[(2S)-4-amino-1-[[(2S,3R)-1-[[(2S)-4-amino-1-oxo-1-[[(3S,6S,9S,12S,15R,18S,21S)-6,9,18-tris(2-aminoethyl)-3-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-12,15-bis(2-methylpropyl)-2,5,8,11,14,17,20-heptaoxo-1,4,7,10,13,16,19-heptazacyclotricos-21-yl]amino]butan-2-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-5-methylheptanamide
Colistin is a cyclic polypeptide antibiotic belonging to the polymyxin class, renowned for its potent activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Structurally, it is composed of a decapeptide ring with a fatty acid tail, conferring amphipathic properties that enable interaction with bacterial membranes. In biochemical research, colistin is of significant interest due to its mechanism of disrupting the integrity of the outer membrane in susceptible microorganisms. Its unique mode of action and specificity for lipopolysaccharide-rich membranes make it a valuable tool for probing microbial physiology, resistance mechanisms, and membrane biochemistry.
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing: Colistin serves as a reference compound in antimicrobial susceptibility assays, particularly for evaluating the resistance profiles of clinical and environmental isolates of Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and various Enterobacteriaceae. Researchers utilize it in standardized disk diffusion, broth microdilution, and agar dilution methods to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and to benchmark the efficacy of novel antimicrobial agents or resistance-modifying strategies. Its inclusion in such assays is crucial for monitoring trends in polymyxin resistance and for guiding the development of next-generation antibiotics.
Membrane permeability studies: Due to its well-characterized interaction with bacterial outer membranes, colistin is frequently employed in studies investigating membrane permeability and integrity. It acts by binding to lipid A components of lipopolysaccharides, leading to destabilization and increased permeability of the bacterial envelope. Researchers utilize it to induce controlled membrane disruption, enabling the assessment of membrane-targeting compounds, the characterization of bacterial defense mechanisms, and the elucidation of transport processes across the outer membrane.
Resistance mechanism elucidation: The compound is instrumental in dissecting the molecular basis of polymyxin resistance, including the identification and functional analysis of resistance genes such as mcr-1 and modifications in lipid A biosynthesis pathways. By exposing bacterial populations to colistin under defined conditions, scientists can select for resistant mutants, analyze genetic adaptations, and study phenotypic consequences. These investigations advance understanding of resistance evolution and inform strategies to mitigate the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.
Biochemical tool for membrane protein studies: Owing to its ability to selectively permeabilize Gram-negative bacterial membranes without causing complete lysis, colistin is used as a biochemical tool to facilitate the extraction and functional analysis of outer membrane proteins. Its application allows researchers to access membrane-embedded proteins in their native environment, supporting studies on protein-lipid interactions, transporter function, and the assembly of membrane complexes. Such investigations are essential for drug discovery efforts targeting bacterial envelope components.
Endotoxin release and quantification research: The interaction of colistin with lipopolysaccharides can induce the release of endotoxins from bacterial cells, making it a valuable agent for studies focused on endotoxin quantification and the assessment of immune-stimulatory properties of bacterial products. By modulating the dosage and exposure conditions, researchers can model endotoxin release dynamics, evaluate the efficacy of endotoxin removal strategies, and investigate the role of bacterial lysis in innate immune activation. These applications contribute to a deeper understanding of host-pathogen interactions and the safety evaluation of biopharmaceutical preparations.
If you have any peptide synthesis requirement in mind, please do not hesitate to contact us at . We will endeavor to provide highly satisfying products and services.
Creative Peptides is a trusted CDMO partner specializing in high-quality peptide synthesis, conjugation, and manufacturing under strict cGMP compliance. With advanced technology platforms and a team of experienced scientists, we deliver tailored peptide solutions to support drug discovery, clinical development, and cosmetic innovation worldwide.
From custom peptide synthesis to complex peptide-drug conjugates, we provide flexible, end-to-end services designed to accelerate timelines and ensure regulatory excellence. Our commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation has made us a preferred partner across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and personal care industries.
Read More