Mechanism of Biological Action of a New Benzindazole Compound

Abstract

A new hydroxybenzindazole compound containing nitrogen in the 11 and 12 positions inhibited growth of Bacillus subtilis W23 and Escherichia coli but showed little effect on Pseudomonas fluorescens NND when added to the growth medium in concentrations up to 86 μg/ml. However, P. fluorescens cells grown in the presence of the benzindazole lysed during continued incubation. Inhibition and lysis were both concentration dependent. The benzindazole compound showed enhanced antibacterial action when used in combination with selected antibiotics. The methoxybenzindazole was an equally effective inhibitor. Results suggest that the benzindazoles act at the cell surface producing a reversible distortion in the molecular architecture which disorganizes but does not destroy the integrity of the membrane structure.