Synthetic PolymerPhytoextract Combinations as Alternative Therapeutics Against AntimicrobialResistant Uropathogens Causing Septicemia: An Integrated Experimental and In Silico Investigation

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), driven in part by irrational antibiotic usage, has intensified the incidence of septicemia caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens. This study evaluated the antimicrobial potential of two phytochemicals—allicin (Allium sativum) and plumbagin (Plumbago spp.)—administered alone and in combination with polyethylene glycol (PEG)–citric acid polymeric modulators as a combinatorial therapeutic strategy. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using bioassays and time–kill kinetic studies against two natural isolates (Strain A and Strain B). Septicemia-associated effects were examined through micrometric analysis of white blood cell (WBC) morphology in infected human blood samples. Molecular docking simulations targeting the bacterial cytoskeletal protein (PDB ID: 1JCF) were performed to evaluate ligand binding affinity. Strain A exhibited high susceptibility to both phytochemicals, achieving significant growth inhibition within 30–120 min. The PEG–citric acid formulation (1:6 ratio; Polymer 2) enhanced antimicrobial kinetics. In contrast, Strain B demonstrated partial resistance, with transient growth suppression followed by regrowth at 150–210 min. Infection induced marked WBC shrinkage (2.84 µm to 1.72 µm), indicative of septicemic stress, whereas polymer-assisted phytochemical treatment partially restored cellular morphology (2.44 µm). Docking analysis revealed stable ligand–protein interactions, with plumbagin exhibiting lower binding energy and greater thermodynamic stability than allicin. These findings suggest that polymer-modulated phytochemical systems represent a promising alternative strategy against MDR-associated septicemia.