Asparenomycins A, B and C, new carbapenem antibiotics. V. Inhibition of .BETA.-lactamases.

Abstract
Asparenomycins (ASM) A, B and C inhibited a wide range of .beta.-lactamases, including cephalosporinases and penicillinases, usually at concentrations < 3 .mu.M. On studying the mechanism of inhibition of .beta.-lactamases produced by gram-negative bacteria by ASM A, it was concluded that ASM A inhibited the .beta.-lactamases by acylating the enzymes. The inhibition was progressive with time. The inhibitor formed stable complexes with the enzyme. Before completing inhibition of 1 molecule of the enzyme, 1.8 molecules of the inhibitor were hydrolyzed.