Research could advance the discovery of antibiotics with a novel mechanism of action that will attack key bacterial toxins.

“After nearly a century of searching for bioactive natural products, bacteria still constitute a major target of modern drug discovery,” researcher explains

Chemists have developed a method that produces cyclic depsipeptides in a single step with high yields and in unusually large sizes, ranging up to rings with 60 atoms

“We are taking the problem and trying to turn it into a solution,” scientist says

Approach could lower cost and eliminate need for antibiotics during biofuel production

Group is convinced that one key to realizing the potential within these antibiotic powerhouses is a better understanding of the evolutionary history and ecology of the bacteria

More recent clinical research in China has provided some preliminary evidence that CHM can alleviate the symptoms of UTIs and reduce the rate of recurrence

Team hopes to shorten time, difficulty in measuring their effectiveness, potential

Study also determines that the oral provocation or challenge test, with appropriate follow up, was a more efficient and safer screening method

“We need new strategies to block development of resistance and to prolong the life of antibiotics, and we believe our work has revealed a promising direction.”