Nafcillin Sodium Salt (monohydrate) is a beta-lactamase-resistant antibiotic belonging to the penicillin class. It is a derivative of penicillin. It is used to study infections caused by Staphyloccus strains that are resistant to Penicillin G such as endocarditis and osteomyelitis.
Nafcillin Sodium Salt is soluble in water.
| Mechanism of Action |
β-lactams interfere with PBP (penicillin binding protein) activity involved in the final phase of peptidoglycan synthesis. PBP’s are enzymes which catalyze a pentaglycine crosslink between alanine and lysine residues providing additional strength to the cell wall. Without a pentaglycine crosslink, the integrity of the cell wall is severely compromised and ultimately leads to cell lysis and death. Resistance to β-lactams is commonly due to cells containing plasmid encoded β-lactamases. Binding of Nafcillin to PBP's inhibits the proteins' transpeptidase and carboxypeptidase functions, both essential for bacterial cell wall synthesis. |
| Microbiology Applications |
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium causes gastroenteritis and can form biofilms that have high resistance to antibiotics. Authors reviewed the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs) and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) of Nafcillin and results were 8 µg/mL and 32 µg/mL, respectively. THis was verified by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) which showed a reduction of biofilm formation in the presence of Nafcillin. This study demonstrated Nafcillin ability to disrupt biofilms of S. Typhimurium (Narimisa, 2024). |
| Spectrum | Nafcillin is narrow-spectrum antibiotic, with activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. |
| Molecular Formula | C21H21N2O5SNa•H2O |
| References |
Guzmán F (2012) Beta lactams antibiotics (penicillins and cephalosporins) mechanism of action. Medical Pharmacol. Narimisa N et al (2024) Inhibitory effects of Nafcillin and diosmin on biofilm formation by Salmonella typhimurium. BMC Microbiol 24:522 |
