Probing, inhibition, and crystallographic characterization of metallo-β-lactamase (IMP-1) with fluorescent agents containing dansyl and thiol groups

A series of fluorescent probes, N-(5-(dimethylamino)-1- naphthalenesulfonamido(alkyl)_n)-3-thiopropionamide (DansylC _nSHs), were rationally designed to detect and inhibit metallo-β-lactamase (IMP-1). These compounds were shown to function as fluorescent probes for and inhibitors of metallo-β-lactamases. The X-ray crystallographic structure shown indicates the potential of these agents for use as a new fluorescent probes for metallo-β-lactamases.