Poster Presentation 11th Annual Conference of the International Chemical Biology Society 2022

Synthesizing Conjugates to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (#147)

Lily P. Kenchington-Evans 1 , Anthony D. Verderosa 1 , Mark A.T. Blaskovich 1
  1. Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, AUS

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to global health, and novel approaches to combat multi-drug resistant and extensively resistant bacteria are urgently needed.1 The rise of AMR is attributed to 1) anthropogenic use and misuse 2) intrinsic bacterial resistance factors, including efflux pumps and 3) transmission of resistance genes between bacteria.2 Importantly, most pathogenic bacterial species form biofilms – a homo or heterogenous community of microorganisms adhered to a surface encased in a protective coating. The recalcitrance of these biofilms to antimicrobials is a major contributor to AMR and chronic infections in patients.3 New antibiotics are urgently needed to curb the health and economic burden and restock the dwindling antibiotic pipeline. One approach to address AMR is the synthesis of antibiotic hybrids, defined herein as a compound with two conjugated pharmacophores.4 This project aims to develop dual-acting drugs to target biofilms through an antibiotic-biofilm disruptor hybrid, utilising broad-spectrum sulfonamide antibiotics. Synthesis of these hybrids involves the addition of an azido handle to the antibacterial agents of interest, subsequent linkage through a bis alkyne linker, thus employing Cu(I) catalysed “click” chemistry for conjugation. Upon successful synthesis these conjugates will be tested against planktonic bacteria and biofilms to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations and synergistic effects. If successful, the conjugation between an antibiotic and a biofilm disrupting agent has potential to improve treatment to chronic infections caused by these bacterial communities. 

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