Resistance to polymyxins when treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections limit therapeutic options.Here, we report the synthesis of a nickel (Ni) doped Zinc oxide (NZO) combined with black phosphorus (BP) (NZB) nanocomposite and its synergistic action with polymyxin B (PolB) against polymyxin-resistant Escherichia coli harboring mobilized colistin resistance (mcr-1) gene.NZB and PolB combination therapy expressed a specific and strong synergy against Mcr-1 expressing E.
coli cells.The underlying mechanism of the Ball - Glove Batting - Womens synergy is the charge neutralization of the E.coli cell surface by NZB, resulting in a more feasible incorporation of PolB to E.
coli.The synergistic concentration of NZB with PolB was proved biocompatible.Thus, the NZB is the first biocompatible nano-adjuvant Dishwasher Mains On-Off Switch to polymyxins against polymyxin-resistant E.
coli cells, recognizing the physical status of bacteria instead of known adjuvants targeting cellular gene products.Therefore, NZB has the potential to revive polymyxins as leading last-resort antibiotics to combat polymyxin-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.