| abstract |
The compound N-(β-ketocaproyl)L-homoserine lactone is shown to be an autoinducer that enhances gene expression in a wide variety of microorganisms. Use can be made of this property for diagnostic purposes, e.g. when gene expression causes bioluminescence or antibiotic production, or to promote bacterial growth. The invention claims use for these purposes of the compound and analogues of formula (1) where n is 2 or 3, each of X and Y is O, S or NH, and R is optionally-substituted C1-C12 alkyl or acyl. Some of these are also claimed as new compounds. |