Asymmetric total synthesis of B-ring modified (−)-epicatechin gallate analogues and their modulation of β-lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

Two enantiomerically pure B-ring modified analogues of (−)-epicatechin gallate were synthesised and their modulation of β-lactam resistance using three strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (BB 568, EMRSA-15 and EMRSA-16) evaluated. Sub-inhibitory concentrations (12.5 and 25 mg/L) of the two analogues fully sensitised each of the three MRSA strains to oxacillin, reducing the MIC to less than 0.5 mg/L, identical to levels achieved with ECg. Lower concentrations demonstrated that the position and degree of hydroxylation of the B-ring is important for activity.