Antimicrobial peptide pleurocidin synergizes with antibiotics through hydroxyl radical formation and membrane damage, and exerts antibiofilm activity

► We aimed to evaluate the combination effect of pleurocidin with antibiotics. ► Most combinations between pleurocidin and antibiotics showed synergistic effects. ► We investigated the mechanism(s) involved in the synergistic effects. ► The synergisms were induced by hydroxyl radical production and membrane damage. ► Additionally, we indentified that pleurocidin exerted antibiofilm effect.