6′′‐Thioether Tobramycin Analogues: Towards Selective Targeting of Bacterial Membranes

Amphiphilic tobramycin analogues with potent antibacterial activity against tobramycin-resistant bacteria were synthesized. Most analogues were found to be less prone to deactivation by aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes than tobramycin. These compounds target the bacterial membrane rather than the ribosome (see picture). The lipophilic residue of these analogues is key to their antibacterial potency and selectivity towards bacterial membranes.