Molecular Interactions of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics with Lipid Membranes.

ABSTRACT: Levofloxacin is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic in clinical use that targets DNA gyrase in the cytosol. It is used in systemic applications via oral or intravenous route, and its pharmacokinetics and access to its molecular targets are strongly influenced by interactions with cellular membranes. We used NMR and MD simulations to investigate the physical state of levofloxacin in solution and its interactions with lipid membranes, assessing the role of membrane charge and antibiotic concentration. Using zwitterionic DOPC and negatively charged DOPC/DOPG lipid membranes, we observe concentration-dependent self-association of levofloxacin in solution below its solubility limits and association with lipid membranes with a preference for negatively charged bilayers. Below the solubil

SUBMITTER: Ralph D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12921846 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature