Cocrystals of antibiotics: enhancing antimicrobial efficacy through crystal engineering
摘要
Antibiotic resistance is a significant cause of numerous deaths, as reported by the World Health Organization, affecting both developed and developing regions. This emphasizes the crucial need for innovative approaches in drug development. Additionally, the pharmaceutical research field faces a significant challenge due to the low solubility of oral drugs, impacting a substantial percentage of formulated drugs. Recently, cocrystallization has emerged as a novel method that offers a unique advantage by enabling the formation of noncovalent structures involving at least two distinct molecules, with one being an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). In this review, we explore the potential of pharmaceutical cocrystals as alternative medicinal products. The specific physicochemical features of APIs can be enhanced while preserving their antimicrobial behavior. Hence, cocrystal engineering provides a promising approach to addressing challenges related to drug solubility and antimicrobial resistance.
Graphical abstract