Overview

• Using atomic force microscopy on single E. coli cells, researchers recorded rapid surface bulges followed by frantic outer-membrane production and shedding that opened gaps for antibiotic entry.
• Dormant cells with halted membrane biogenesis resisted damage, whereas metabolically active cells were efficiently killed by the drug.
• Providing sugar reawakened dormant E. coli and restored susceptibility, with killing observed after about 15 minutes.
• Under conditions where killing occurred, the team measured increased release of outer-membrane material and widespread protrusions; when bacteria were inactive, the antibiotic bound with little structural disruption.
• Published in Nature Microbiology, the work underscores that polymyxins are last-resort agents and supports reassessing efficacy tests and pursuing combinations that stimulate membrane production or rouse persister cells.