Repurposed anticancer agent becomes sound-activated antibacterial drug candidate

A sound-activated antibacterial offers a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics for deep-tissue bacterial infections. Upon exposure to ultrasound, the sono-sensitive ruthenium complex generates reactive oxygen species that can damage bacterial DNA and biofilms without triggering the evolution of resistance. The team behind the work believes that this blend of general mechanism and localised effect provides a powerful framework for treatments that could beat antibiotic resistant microorganisms.