Description
Vancomycin Hydrochloride is a high-purity glycopeptide antibiotic trusted by researchers for its precision and potency in studying Gram-positive bacterial inhibition. With ≥900 µg/mg potency and USP-certified purity, this compound is ideal for applications including MIC profiling, resistance modeling in MRSA and VRE, nanoparticle-based delivery research, and biofilm penetration assays.
Its compatibility with liposomal and silica-based nanocarriers enables controlled release and enhanced efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Researchers can rely on GoldBio’s USP-grade vancomycin for robust data, reproducibility, and superior performance across antimicrobial resistance and drug delivery studies.
TESTED AGAINST BOTH SENSITIVE AND RESISTANT CELLS AT GOLD BIOTECHNOLOGY LAB.
Key Specifications & Identity
| Property |
Value / Description |
| Synonyms / Alternate Names |
Vancomycin HCl; Vancomycin Hydrochloride |
| CAS Number |
1404-93-9
|
| PubChem CID |
14970
|
| Molecular Formula |
C₆₆H₇₅Cl₂N₉O₂₄ · HCl (salt form)
|
| Molecular Weight |
1,485.71 g/mol (including HCl)
|
| Potency |
> 1,000 µg vancomycin equivalent per mg (on anhydrous basis)
|
| Solubility |
Soluble in water
|
| Storage & Handling |
Store desiccated at –20 °C, protected from moisture and light
|
Mode of Action & Biological Relevance
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Vancomycin is an antibiotic whose primary mode of action is inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Specifically, it binds to the D-Ala–D-Ala terminal residues of peptidoglycan precursors, preventing polymerization and cross-linking.
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Because it targets Gram-positive cell wall pathways, vancomycin is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp.).
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In research settings, it is often used at selective concentrations to suppress unwanted Gram-positive bacterial growth in mixed cultures or to apply selective pressure in antibiotic resistance studies.
Suggested Applications & Usage Notes
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Selective media / contamination control
Incorporate vancomycin into culture media (bacterial, plant, mammalian) to suppress Gram-positive contaminants while allowing growth of desired organisms.
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Antibiotic resistance / susceptibility assays
Use as a reference antibiotic in MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) testing, resistance screening, or mechanistic studies.
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Combination / synergy experiments
Combine with other antibiotics (e.g. β-lactams, aminoglycosides) to investigate synergistic or antagonistic interactions in bacterial systems.
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Modeling resistance evolution / genetic studies
Apply vancomycin stress in evolutionary experiments or to select for resistant mutants for downstream genomic/phenotypic analysis.
Common Research Applications:
(Click each for more information)
Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing and MIC Profiling
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Purpose: Used as a gold-standard glycopeptide for determining MIC values in Gram-positive pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp.
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How It Works: Vancomycin inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis by binding the D-Ala-D-Ala moiety, preventing bacterial cell wall crosslinking. MIC profiling determines the lowest concentration inhibiting visible growth.
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Applications: Clinical microbiology research, MIC creep surveillance, and benchmarking resistance in MRSA and VRE strains.
van Hal, S. J., Lodise, T. P., & Paterson, D. L. (2012). The clinical significance of vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration in Staphylococcus aureus infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 54(6), 755–771.
Modeling Resistance Mechanisms in Gram-Positive Pathogens
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Purpose: Used to induce, track, and characterize vancomycin resistance phenotypes such as VISA and VRE.
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How It Works: Exposure of bacteria to vancomycin in vitro facilitates selection of strains with cell wall thickening, altered targets (D-Ala-D-Lac), or horizontal gene transfer mechanisms such as the vanA operon.
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Applications: Genetic and phenotypic resistance analysis, molecular pathway studies, and mechanism-of-action research.
Arthur, M., & Courvalin, P. (1993). Genetics and mechanisms of glycopeptide resistance in enterococci. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 37(8), 1563–1571.
Nanoparticle and Liposomal Drug Delivery Systems
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Purpose: Improve vancomycin bioavailability, intracellular delivery, and pharmacokinetics using encapsulation in nanocarriers.
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How It Works: Vancomycin is encapsulated in liposomes, PLGA nanoparticles, or related delivery systems to improve tissue penetration and macrophage uptake.
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Applications: MRSA infection modeling, controlled-release testing, and delivery optimization in host–pathogen systems.
Sande, L., et al. (2012). Liposomal encapsulation of vancomycin improves killing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a murine infection model. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 67(9), 2191–2194.
Biofilm Penetration and Disruption Studies
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Purpose: Evaluate vancomycin’s ability to inhibit and disrupt bacterial biofilms, especially when delivered via advanced materials.
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How It Works: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles and similar carriers improve delivery of vancomycin to embedded bacterial cells within biofilms.
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Applications: MRSA biofilm inhibition, implant surface coatings, and chronic infection models.
Memar, M. Y., et al. (2023). Antibacterial and biofilm-inhibitory effects of vancomycin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Archives of Microbiology, 205(1), 109.
Selective Media for Isolation of Gram-Negative Bacteria
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Purpose: Suppress Gram-positive bacteria to enable isolation of Gram-negative strains in complex environmental or clinical samples.
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How It Works: Vancomycin is incorporated into selective media to inhibit Gram-positive growth while allowing resistant Gram-negative organisms such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) to grow.
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Applications: Environmental sampling, hospital-acquired infection surveillance, and food safety testing.
Nordmann, P., Poirel, L., & Dortet, L. (2012). Rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 18(9), 1503–1507.
Usage Tips:
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Always validate effective concentration for your specific organism/culture system; vancomycin’s effective range depends on strain sensitivity.
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Solubilize fresh stocks in sterile water; filter-sterilize if necessary.
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Use matched vehicle or salt controls to account for ionic / osmotic effects.
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Refer to the Certificate of Analysis (COA) to confirm potency and lot-specific data before use.
Safety & Disclaimer
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For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
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Vancomycin can be hazardous; handle in compliance with institutional safety protocols (PPE, containment, fume hood).
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Avoid inhalation, ingestion, or contact with skin/eyes.
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Dispose of waste and unused material in accordance with institutional and regulatory guidelines for antibiotics and chemical agents.
Storage/Handling:
Store desiccated at -20°C. Soluble in water.
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