Fast-Tracking Science: Modeling LPS to Tackle Drug Resistance

The outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria are notoriously difficult for antimicrobials to penetrate. A major contributor to this resistance is lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a complex molecule that limits diffusion across the membrane.

Researchers at the University of Oxford have now developed an innovative simulation model that enables faster diffusion kinetics of LPS, while still preserving the essential biophysical properties of the membrane. This advancement opens new possibilities for studying membrane dynamics with greater accuracy and efficiency.

By combining laboratory work with advanced computational models, scientists can now generate rich datasets to better understand the complex behavior of LPS. This work could ultimately pave the way for more effective antimicrobial strategies.

Authors: Astrid F. Brandner, Dheeraj Prakaash, Alexandre Blanco Gonzalez, Fergus Waterhouse, and Syma Khalid.
Relationship between LPS structure and bacterial resistance