Benzimidazole Derivatives as Antibacterial Drugs

These bisbensimidazole derivatives are a new family of modified small molecules that are highly selective and effective in preventing bacterial resistance. The market for antibacterial drugs stood at $43.9 billion in 2014, representing a large market for both animals and humans. New approaches for the discovery of antibacterial drugs and antibacterial coatings are important in the fight against bacterial resistance. Bacterial DNA topoisomerases are one class of enzymes that help in regulating DNA topology and are very good targets for the development of anticancer or antibacterial agents. Clemson University researchers have developed a new family of modified small molecules that include bisbenzimidazole derivatives as antimicrobials and topoisomerase inhibitors. These modified compounds offer several advantages over existing topoisomerase inhibitors, such as being highly selective and effective in preventing antibacterial activity. These compounds therefore are excellent candidates for clinically relevant antibacterial agents.