Medicinal chemistry with a focus on natural compounds

Alexander Titz’s research group focuses on biofilms, which is a slimy layer that bacteria produce to physically protect themselves against the immune system and against antibiotics. For example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a dreaded hospital pathogen, is a member of this group of bacteria and uses biofilm to protect itself against antibiotics. It is becoming increasingly multidrug resistant. Scientists are now developing substances that can dissolve biofilms and consequently render the bacteria vulnerable. They use highly active inhibitors that target lectins which function as adhesives in the biofilm. Furthermore, in the search for novel antibiotics, natural secondary metabolites obtained from bacteria and plants are tested on problematic pathogens for their antibiotic efficacy.