Identifying the important structural elements of brominated furanones for inhibiting biofilm formation by Escherichia coli

A collection of structurally closely related furanones was synthesized to identify the most important structural elements in brominated furanones for inhibiting the formation of bacterial biofilms. The results suggest that a conjugated exocyclic vinyl bromide on the furanone ring is the most important structural element for the non-toxic but inhibition activity for Escherichia coli biofilm formation. Furanones bearing monosubstituted bromide groups on saturated carbons were found to have a toxic effect that attenuates the bacterial growth.

Graphical abstractThe most important and essential structural element of brominated furanones for inhibiting the formation of biofilm by Escherichia coli is identified.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide