Modulating the development of E. coli biofilms with 2-aminoimidazoles

The synthesis of a 20 member 2-aminoimidazole/triazole pilot library is reported. Each member of the library was screened for its ability to inhibit or promote biofilm development of either Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii. From this screen, E. coli-selective 2-aminoimidazoles were discovered, with the best inhibitor inhibiting biofilm development with an IC₅₀ of 13 μM. The most potent promoter of E. coli biofilm formation promoted biofilm development by 321% at 400 μM.