The synthesis of a cephalosporin that could lead to the development of a new colorimetric test for bacterial concentration is described. This highly conjugated compound contains a strained four-membered ring, which is readily opened upon attack of �-lactamase, causing the release of the compound's 3-substituent (2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide). The release of the 3-substituent is important because it forms a violet-colored complex with Fe, allowing for a colorimetric method for determining bacteria concentrations to be developed. Without the �-lactamase produced by bacteria there would be no release of the 3-substituent, and hence, no color change. Therefore, a correlation may be made between the intensity of the violet color and the concentration of bacteria present. The color changes will be followed quantitatively by measuring changes in absorption using UV-VIS, and this data will then be used to form a calibration curve which will show the relationship between bacteria concentration and the color change's absorptions.

Studies towards the development of a colorimetric method for determination of bacterial concentration

245th National Meeting (2013)

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