Antibacterial activity of acyclic decapeptide analogs of gramicidin S.

Three acyclic decapeptide analogs of gramicidin S, although found to possess antibacterial activity, apparently have modes of action which differ from that of the naturally occurring cyclic antibiotic. In contrast to the immediate action of gramicidin S, one of the decapeptides produced complete bacteriostasis only after several cell divisions had occurred. Furthermore, mixtures of gramicidin S with either of two of the acyclic peptides were synergistic. Some implications of these findings are discussed.