Understanding and probing small molecule uptake in cells is challenging, requiring sterically large chemical labels, or radioactive isotopes. Here, the uptake of deuterated sugars by Mycobacterium smegmatis, a non-pathogenic model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has been investigated using ion-beam (nuclear reaction) analysis demonstrating a new technique for label-free nutrient acquisition measurement.

•This research aimed to specifically detect ribofuranoside carbohydrates.•Fluorescent boronic acid probes identified that specifically detect ribofuranoside.•Concentration dependent detection of ribofuranoside with 3-biphenylboronic acid.•Determination of the affinity of the probe for ribofuranoside.Epimerisation between ribofuranose and arabinofuranose sugars is crucial in several biosynthetic pathways, but is typically challenging to monitor. Here, we have screened for fluorescent boronic acids that can be used as molecular probes for the specific detection of ribofuranose over arabinofuranose sugars in solution. We show excellent specificity of the fluorescent response of 3-biphenylboronic acid to ribofuranose at physiological pH. This provides a tool for in situ monitoring of carbohydrate modifying enzymes and provides a viable alternative to traditional radiolabelled assays.

The synthesis and inhibitory potencies of a novel series of 3,5-diaryl-1H-pyrazoles as specific inhibitors of prokaryotic arylamine N-acetyltransferase enzymes is described. The series is based on hit compound 1 3,5-diaryl-1H-pyrazole identified from a high-throughout screen that has been carried out previously and found to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.A series of novel 3,5-diaryl-1H-pyrazole inhibitors were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of prokaryotic arylamine N-acetyltransferase enzymes.

Understanding and probing small molecule uptake in cells is challenging, requiring sterically large chemical labels, or radioactive isotopes. Here, the uptake of deuterated sugars by Mycobacterium smegmatis, a non-pathogenic model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has been investigated using ion-beam (nuclear reaction) analysis demonstrating a new technique for label-free nutrient acquisition measurement.