A Small Molecule for Controlled Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Due to the short half-life of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as a superoxide radical, controlled and localized generation of ROS is challenging. Here, we report a rationally designed small-molecule 1c that generates ROS only when triggered by a bacterial enzyme. We provide evidence for 1c predictably enhancing the intracellular superoxide radical in a model bacterium. Spatiotemporal control over ROS generation offered by 1c should help better understand stress responses in bacteria to increased ROS.