Synthesis and evaluation of novel chromogenic peptidase substrates based on 9-(4'-aminophenyl)-10-methylacridinium salts as diagnostic tools in clinical bacteriology.

The synthesis and initial evaluation of novel chromogenic substrates with potential in the detection and differentiation of cultured bacterial colonies are described. The substrates were readily hydrolysed by specific aminopeptidase activity to release the chromogen, 9-(4'-aminophenyl)-10-methylacridinium salt, which provided a clear visual indication of the presence of the corresponding bacteria.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel chromogenic aminopeptidase substrates for microorganism detection and identification.

The amides 8a-e and 10a-c were prepared as chromogenic aminopeptidase substrates. A range of microorganisms were grown in the presence of these compounds and coloured colonies were produced in several cases after addition of acetic acid-thus giving potential methods for the detection of aminopeptidase activity and for microorganism identification.