We characterize the rate-limiting interaction of the antibiotic enrofloxacin with OmpF, a
channel from the outer cell wall of Escherichia coli. Reconstitution of a single OmpF trimer
into planar lipid membranes allows measurement of the ion current through the channel.
Penetration of antibiotics causes ion current blockages, and their frequency allows a
conclusion on the kinetics of channel entry and exit. In contrast to other antibiotics,
enrofloxacin is able to block the OmpF channel for several milliseconds, reflecting high …