Bacillus polymyxa prazmowski migula, Aerosporin

Antibiotic which inhibits PKC via bacterial membrane binding mechanism. Effective against gram negative bacteria. Polymyxins bind to the cell membrane and alter its structure making it more permeable. The resulting water uptake leads to cell death. They are cationic, basic proteins that act like detergents (surfactants}. Side effects include neurotoxicity and acute renal tubular necrosis. it is commonly used in the topical first aid preparation Neosporin. Polymyxin B belongs to a family of polypeptides with attached fatty acid, acting as a cationic detergent at physiological pH, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Polymyxin B is bactericidal for gram-negative, and has little to no effect on gram-positive since cell wall is too thick to permit access to membrane