minocycline-EDTA

A combination preparation containing the broad-spectrum, semi-synthetic tetracycline antibiotic minocycline and the chelator ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. Minocycline exhibits bacteriostatic activity by binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit and preventing binding of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex during protein translation; this results in an inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis and, consequently, an inhibition of bacterial cell growth. EDTA may cause the dispersal and killing of biofilms by chelating metal ions important to the stabilization of biofilm structure. The two agents in this combination may act synergistically to eradicate bacteria embedded in biofilms.