Several synthetic endeavors towards complex natural products and their derivatives are currently underway. Main efforts are focused on highly saturated structurally congested compounds showing antibiotic and antihelminthic bioactivity.
structural truncation and simplified scaffolds typically serves as starting points for bioactivity profiling and activity optimization. Total synthesis is thus not the main target but rather the exploration of the activity shown by the natural products.
Thanks to a Marie Skłodowska Curie fellowship (H2020  - grant number 660668) we are investigating the antimicrobial proprieties of a number of abyssomicin C truncated derivatives.  This project aims to offer a solid solution to the dwindling effectiveness of antibiotics against infectious diseases caused by the development of antimicrobial resistant bacteria.