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
Poster presentation at the 19th Belgian Organic Synthesis Symposium – Associate Professor Nikola Cindro, PhD
Associate Professor Nikola Cindro, PhD, participated in the 19th Belgian Organic Synthesis Symposium, held from July 5 to 10, 2026, in Leuven, Belgium. Nikola presented a poster titled “Total Synthesis
Invited lecture at Drava ChemiCon 2026 – Associate Professor Nikola Cindro, PhD
Associate Professor Nikola Cindro, PhD, delivered an invited oral lecture titled “Diastereoselective Construction of Tertiary Alcohols by the Addition of Different Grignard Reagents to the Sugar Derived Lactones” at the
Poster presentations at the 5th Medicinal Chemistry Symposium
Our senior group members Alma Ramić, PhD, and Doroteja Lončarić, PhD, and PhD student Mirko Duvnjak participated at The 5th Molecules Medicinal Chemistry Symposium, held from May 14 to 17,
Poster presentations at the 16th Meeting of Young Chemical Engineers – Associate Professor Nikola Cindro, PhD & Gregor Talajić, PhD
Our PI, Associate Professor Nikola Cindro, PhD, and senior group member Gregor Talajić, PhD, participated in the 16th Meeting of Young Chemical Engineers, held from February 19 to 20, 2026,
Erasmus guest – Luc Bombail
We are pleased to welcome Luc Bombail from the University of Poitiers, France, for a short Erasmus research visit. His time with our group was marked by engaging discussions, valuable
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
Contact us
Address
University of Zagreb
Faculty of Science
Horvatovac 102A
HR-10000 Zagreb
Croatia
Department
Department of Chemistry
Division of Organic Chemistry