Chirality Could Be Key Tool against Antibiotic Resistance

Scientists use chiral technology to attack a specific disease and paves the way towards a more targeted approach to killing pathogens.

Scientists at the University of Warwick in the UK have created a new synthetic class of helix-shaped molecules that they believe could be a key tool in the worldwide battle against antibiotic resistance.

By twisting molecules around iron atoms they have created what they term ‘flexicates’, which are active against MRSA and E coli but which also appear to have low toxicity, reducing the potential for side-effects.

The research uses chiral technology to attack a specific disease and paves the way towards a more targeted approach to killing pathogens. In the case of E coli and MRSA, it is the S enantiomer that is most effective.

Professor Peter Scott of the University of Warwick’s chemistry dep