Product Description
Kanamycin sulfate monohydrate 70560-51-9
AI Product Description
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Kanamycin sulfate monohydrate is a widely utilized aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from the soil bacterium *Streptomyces kanamyceticus*. Its chemical identity is defined by the molecular formula C18H36N4O11·H2SO4·H2O, representing the complex of the active kanamycin base with sulfuric acid and one molecule of water. The substance is cataloged under the CAS Registry Number 8069-78-5, which serves as its unique identifier in global chemical databases. This white to off-white crystalline powder is highly soluble in water but practically insoluble in organic solvents, making it ideal for aqueous formulations used in both clinical and laboratory settings.
As a broad-spectrum bactericidal agent, Kanamycin sulfate monohydrate functions by irreversibly binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria. This interaction disrupts protein synthesis, leading to the production of non-functional proteins and ultimately causing bacterial cell death. It demonstrates significant efficacy against a variety of Gram-negative organisms, including *Escherichia coli*, *Klebsiella pneumoniae*, and *Proteus* species, as well as certain Gram-positive strains like *Staphylococcus aureus*. Due to its mechanism of action, it is frequently employed as a second-line treatment for tuberculosis when first-line drugs are ineffective or contraindicated, and it plays a crucial role in managing severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Beyond human medicine, this compound is extensively used in molecular biology research as a selective agent. In genetic engineering, it is added to culture media to maintain plasmids containing the *kanamycin resistance gene* (often abbreviated as *KanR*). This allows researchers to distinguish between cells that have successfully taken up recombinant DNA and those that have not, facilitating the cloning and propagation of specific genetic sequences. Additionally, it is applied in agricultural biotechnology to select transformed plant cells during the development of genetically modified crops. While effective, its use requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects such as nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, necessitating precise dosage control in therapeutic applications. Overall, Kanamycin sulfate monohydrate remains an indispensable tool in modern pharmacology and biotechnology.