Cas number: 1405-20-5
Molecular Formula: C56H100N16O17S
Molecular Weight: 1301.6 g/mol
It is a white to off-white powder derived from the
bacterium Bacillus polymyxa. It is one of our strategic
active pharmaceutical ingredients for dermal ointments.
It is easily soluble in water (50mg/mL) and stable in
acidic solutions.It is almost insoluble in organic solvents
such as ethers, ketones, esters, hydrocarbons, etc.
For example, its solubility in ethanol is 0.115 mg/mL.
But it is a very hygroscopic chemical so you may want to
handle it quickly to avoid leeching moistures from the
air.
its neutral solution can be placed at room temperature for
a week without affecting its potency. While its alkaline
solution is unstable.
There are two types of Polymyxins: Polymyxin B and
Polymyxin E(also known as colistin). Polymyxin B is
composed of polymyxins B1, B1-I, B2, B3, and B6.
Polymyxins B1 and B2 are considered major components. These
related components are structurally identical except for a
different fatty acid group on each fraction.
Results from in vitro studies have shown marginal
differences in MIC data when comparing the fractions.
Mechanism of Polymyxin B’s Bactericidal Effects is as
below: Polymyxin B binds to the cell membrane and alters
its structure, making it more permeable.
The resulting water uptake leads to cell death of bacteria.
Polymyxin B is a cationic basic peptide that acts like
detergent.
Polymyxin B can be used for urinary tract infections and
meningitis as it exerts bactericidal effects against almost
all Gram-negative bacilli except the Proteus and Neisseria
genera.