Applications and Opportunities in Using Disulfides, Thiosulfinates, and Thiosulfonates as Antibacterials

Area of Science:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Sulfur-containing molecules possess a rich history of biological activity, particularly as antibacterial agents.
• Organosulfur compounds derived from natural sources have been historically employed for treating infections.
• Numerous established antibiotics incorporate sulfur-based structural components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review sulfur-containing antibacterial compounds.
• To focus on disulfides, thiosulfinates, and thiosulfonates.
• To explore future development opportunities in this field.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles and databases.
• Analysis of chemical structures and reported bioactivities.
• Synthesis of information on historical and current applications.

Main Results:

• Sulfur compounds, including disulfides, thiosulfinates, and thiosulfonates, exhibit notable antibacterial properties.
• Natural organosulfur compounds have a long-standing role in infection treatment.
• Modern antibiotics frequently feature sulfur moieties.

Conclusions:

• Sulfur-containing compounds represent a vital class of antibacterial agents.
• Further research into disulfides, thiosulfinates, and thiosulfonates may yield novel therapeutic strategies.
• The historical success and current presence of sulfur in antibiotics underscore their therapeutic relevance.