Projects
Microorganisms as source of new antibiotics – From total synthesis to new chemical space and methodology (MicroSynTotal)
Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant problem in the global healthcare system. One solution is the development of new synthetic analogs of existing classes of antibiotics; however, bacteria can more easily modify their resistance mechanisms to such compounds.
Antimicrobial resistance represents a significant challenge in the global healthcare system. One potential solution is the development of new synthetic analogs of existing antibiotic classes. However, bacteria can more easily modify their resistance mechanisms against such compounds. A more sustainable solution to this problem lies in the development of new classes of antimicrobial compounds.
Our Mission
The focus of our group is to explore new chemical space isolated from natural sources such as microorganisms and plants. Our journey usually starts with a molecule that has been isolated, structurally characterized and significant in vitro activity has been determined. We are especially interested in potential new antibiotics. After identifying new molecule we start retrosynthesis & synthesis of the target and revaluate activity on the synthetic sample. If there is significant activity we move on to the SAR studies and further biological testing. Even in early phase we consider scalability and aim to develop new methodologies to obtain easier access to bulk quantities of potential new drug candidates.
Blog
New team member – Marin Knežević
We are pleased to welcome univ. mag. chem. Marin Knežević as a new PhD researcher in our team. His interest in experimental research and commitment to scientific work will support
New team member – Mario Oraić
We are happy to welcome univ. mag. chem. Mario Oraić, who joined our group as a PhD researcher. With a strong background in chemistry and great motivation, he is contributing
New team member – Dr. Doroteja Lončarić
We are happy to welcome Dr. Doroteja Lončarić as a collaborator on our research project. She brings strong scientific experience and enthusiasm for experimental work and project development. We look
Erasmus guest – Ilias Timotheidis
We recently hosted Ilias Timotheidis from the University of Regensburg as an Erasmus guest researcher who joined us for a short exchange visit. The collaboration provided valuable discussions and insights,
Total Synthesis of (+)-Penicyclone A and Evaluation of Biological Activity Including Intermediate Compounds
Mirko Duvnjak; Gregor Talajić; Jurica Baranašić; Nea Baus Topić; Hana Čipčić Paljetak; Nikola Cindro Penicyclone A is a polyketide compound with a unique and intriguing structure recently isolated from the
Invited lecture at Adriatic NMR Meeting 2025 – Associate Professor Nikola Cindro, PhD
Associate Professor Nikola Cindro, PhD, delivered an invited oral lecture entitled “Mechanochemical Anion-Templated Synthesis of Cyclopeptides” at the Adriatic NMR Meeting 2025, held from September 18 to 20, 2025, in
Contact us
Address
University of Zagreb
Faculty of Science
Horvatovac 102A
HR-10000 Zagreb
Croatia
Department
Department of Chemistry
Division of Organic Chemistry