Use of slime dispersants to promote antibiotic penetration through the extracellular polysaccharide of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Agents with the potential to reduce Pseudomonas aeruginosa alginate viscosity (slime dispersants) were shown to promote the diffusion of antipseudomonal antibiotics through alginate but were more effective in facilitating the diffusion of gentamicin than that of ceftazidime. EDTA increased the diffusion rates of these antibiotics by factors of 4.0 and 1.5, respectively, although sodium chloride significantly reduced viscosity and enhanced gentamicin diffusion.