Groundbreaking Macrolones Antibiotic Targets Bacteria in Two Ways

New Study Reports Combination of Two Antibiotics Yields Double Blow

Semi-Synthetic Antibiotic Halts Protein Synthesis and Bacteria

A groundbreaking study from the University of Illinois Chicago unveils macrolones, a new type of antibiotic that targets bacteria in two ways, making it 100 million times more effective than traditional antibiotics. Published in Nature Chemical Biology, the study shows how macrolones are made from macrolides, which stop protein synthesis in bacteria, and fluoroquinolones, which stop bacteria from reproducing.

This dual-action mechanism makes macrolones highly effective against bacteria that have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. In experiments, macrolones were found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including some that are resistant to all other antibiotics.

The study's lead author, Dr. Jiantao Guo, said that macrolones are a promising new weapon in the fight against antibiotic resistance. "We are excited about the potential of macrolones to help us overcome the growing threat of antibiotic resistance," Guo said.

Macrolones are still in the early stages of development, but the study's findings suggest that they could have a major impact on the treatment of bacterial infections.