Scientists Capture Molecular Movie of Penicillin Formation

Photo: TOI Science

Researchers at the University of Oxford used ultrafast X-ray free-electron lasers to observe the formation of penicillin in real time. They documented the enzymatic action of isopenicillin N synthase converting a linear peptide into penicillin scaffolds. Key discoveries include a thioaldehyde intermediate and a monocyclic β-lactam, providing insights for future antibiotic development and medical biology.

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