ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Cocrystals of antibiotics: enhancing antimicrobial efficacy through crystal engineering

Amin Alvani, Ali Shayanfar, and Raha Kaviani

Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

E-mail: rahakvn@gmail.com

Received: 16 September 2024  Accepted: 31 January 2025

Abstract:

Antibiotic resistance is a significant cause of numerous deaths, as reported by the World Health Organization, affecting both developed and developing regions. This emphasizes the crucial need for innovative approaches in drug development. Additionally, the pharmaceutical research field faces a significant challenge due to the low solubility of oral drugs, impacting a substantial percentage of formulated drugs. Recently, cocrystallization has emerged as a novel method that offers a unique advantage by enabling the formation of noncovalent structures involving at least two distinct molecules, with one being an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). In this review, we explore the potential of pharmaceutical cocrystals as alternative medicinal products. The specific physicochemical features of APIs can be enhanced while preserving their antimicrobial behavior. Hence, cocrystal engineering provides a promising approach to addressing challenges related to drug solubility and antimicrobial resistance.

Graphical abstract

Keywords: Antibiotics; Pharmaceutical cocrystals; Crystal engineering; Antimicrobial resistance; Drug bioavailability; Pharmaceutical solubility

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-03938-4

Chemical Papers 79 (5) 2679–2694 (2025)