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School of Pharmacy researchers generate novel antibacterial compounds to target bacterial biofilms
A collaborative research programme led by Dr. Tim O’Sullivan and Prof. Cormac Gahan has resulted in the discovery of potent compounds which target resistant, pathogenic bacteria.
The compounds, called furanones, inhibit the production of bacterial biofilms. Bacterial biofilms are highly drug-resistant and facilitate bacterial growth in multiple layers of protective polysaccharides. Generation of novel synthetic furanones by Dr. Therese Lyons and subsequent screening in pathogenic bacteria by Dr. Jorge Pinheiro identified several novel compounds capable of inhibiting bacterial sensing processes known to control biofilm formation. Further studies will analyse the molecular modes of action in bacterial inhibition and will determine the potential clinical efficacy of the compounds. The work was recently published in the journals Future Medicinal Chemistry and the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. The research was supported by Future University of Egypt & the UCC School of Pharmacy PhD fund.
Gómez AC, Lyons T, Mamat U, Yero D, Bravo M, Daura X, Elshafee O, Brunke S, Gahan CGM, O'Driscoll M, Gibert I, O'Sullivan TP. 2022. Synthesis and evaluation of novel furanones as biofilm inhibitors in opportunistic human pathogens. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 242:114678.
Pinheiro J, Lyons T, Heras VL, Recio MV, Gahan CG, O'Sullivan TP. 2023. Investigation of halogenated furanones as inhibitors of quorum sensing-regulated bioluminescence in Vibrio harveyi. Fut. Med. Chem. 15(4):317-332.