Abstract: The invention relates to D-Ala-D-Ala ligase inhibitors having the formula: wherein R1 is NH2; R2 is NH2; R3 is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, and alkylamino; and R4 and R4? are each independently hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted, linear, branched, or cyclic, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, acyl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group wherein one or more carbon or hydrogen atoms may be substituted by a substituent selected from amino, alkylamino, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, thio, halogen, nitro, and carbonyl; wherein NR4R4? incorporates a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group, wherein the substituents are selected from alkoxy, halogen, alkyl, and alkylene, and wherein said naphthyl group in NR4R4? is bonded to N through a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene moiety. These compounds have antibacterial properties based on their ability to bind and inhibit D-Ala-D-Ala ligase, a critical pathway enzyme in bacterial cell-wall synthesis, and are suitable for various antibacterial uses.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery of a new class of heterocyclic compounds having, for example, antibacterial properties. The D-Ala-D-Ala ligase enzyme is a critical pathway enzyme in the bacterial cell-wall synthesis. The compounds can bind to and inhibit the enzyme D-Ala-D-Ala ligase. The new compounds' activity combined with their ability to cross bacterial cell membranes makes them suitable for use as antibacterial drugs or other antibacterial applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds and to their use in the medical treatment or prophylaxis of bacterial infections, or their use as antiseptics, sterilizants, or disinfectants.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitrofuran-containing compounds, compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compound compositions. The compounds and compositions comprising them are useful for treating disease or disease symptoms. The invention also provides for methods of making the compounds, and methods for identifying compounds with desired biological activity.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that certain small molecules can bind to the ATP binding site of D-Ala-D-Ala ligase, even in the absence of the enzyme's substrate, and can cause a conformational change in the enzyme structure similar to that which occurs upon binding of ATP and substrate to the enzyme. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that such a conformational change is required for either activation or inhibition of the enzyme. The information obtained from this discovery has enabled identification of key interactions in the active site of the enzyme, as well as the design and opimization of inhibitors.

Abstract: A method for sustained release of molecules from gels or microcapsules has been developed. The method is based on controlling the gel state using chelating agents or ion transfer. The method is particularly useful for controlling the rate of release of insolubilized proteins into physiological solutions.