Potential Inhibitors of Bascillus anthracis’ Metallo- β-Lactamase by Hydroxamate Functional Groups and G-Quadruplex Aptamers

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem among many strains of bacteria, especially within the populations that most commonly infect hospital patients. A variety of molecules have been found that are capable of inhibiting the enzymes responsible for conveying resistance in a number of bacterial strains, yet inhibition among certain strains of bacteria remains elusive. This study focuses on the inhibition of the metallo-β- lactamase enzyme found in Bascillus anthracis by novel hydroxamic acid-containing molecules and G-quadruplex-based DNA aptamers. These molecules proved to be potent inhibiting molecules and therefore present a promising avenue for further research to combat antibiotic resistance in bacteria.