Ruthenium based antimicrobial theranostics - using nanoscopy to identify therapeutic targets and resistance mechanisms in Staphylococcus aureus.

ABSTRACT: In previous studies we reported that specific dinuclear RuII complexes are particularly active against pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria and, unusually for this class of compounds, appeared to display lowered activity against Gram-positive bacteria. With the aim of identifying resistance mechanisms specific to Gram-positive bacteria, the uptake and antimicrobial activity of the lead complex against Staphylococcus aureus SH1000 and other isolates, including MRSA was investigated. This revealed differential, strain specific, sensitivity to the complex. Exploiting the inherent luminescent properties of the RuII complex, super-resolution STED nanoscopy was used to image its initial interaction with S. aureus and confirm its cellular internalization. Membrane damage assays and transmission elec

SUBMITTER: Smitten KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7012045 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature