Concepedia

Abstract

Mutasynthesis—a very potent tool? The two chlorine atoms attached to the aglycon of vancomycin-type glycopeptide antibiotics (see structure) have considerable influence on the antibiotic activity of each compound. By combining molecular genetic methods and chemical synthesis these chlorine atoms can be replaced by fluorine atoms. The described approach may also be applicable to modifying other parts of the glycopeptide molecule.