Firmocidin, an antimicrobial molecule produced by staphylococcus epidermidis

Abstract

The disclosure provides for novel antimicrobial agents, methods of making, and methods of use thereof.

1 . A compound selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) Formula I:   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 -R 18  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, acyl halide, carbonate, carboxylic acid, ester, hydroperoxide, peroxide, ether, hemiacetal, hemiketal, acetal, orthoester, orthocarbonate ester, amide, amine, imine, imide, azide, diimide, cyanate, nitrate, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, thiol, sulfide, disulfide, sulfoxide, sulfone, sulfinic acid, sulfonic acid, thicyanate, thione, thial, phosphine, phosphonic acid, phosphate, phosphodiester, boronic acid, boronic ester, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (b) Formula II 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 11 -X 19  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 19 -R 34  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, acyl halide, carbonate, carboxylic acid, ester, hydroperoxide, peroxide, ether, hemiacetal, hemiketal, acetal, orthoester, orthocarbonate ester, amide, amine, imine, imide, azide, diimide, cyanate, nitrate, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, thiol, sulfide, disulfide, sulfoxide, sulfone, sulfinic acid, sulfonic acid, thicyanate, thione, thial, phosphine, phosphonic acid, phosphate, phosphodiester, boronic acid, boronic ester, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (c) Formula III 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein,
 X 20 -X 30  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 35 -R 54  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, acyl halide, carbonate, carboxylic acid, ester, hydroperoxide, peroxide, ether, hemiacetal, hemiketal, acetal, orthoester, orthocarbonate ester, amide, amine, imine, imide, azide, diimide, cyanate, nitrate, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, thiol, sulfide, disulfide, sulfoxide, sulfone, sulfinic acid, sulfonic acid, thicyanate, thione, thial, phosphine, phosphonic acid, phosphate, phosphodiester, boronic acid, boronic ester, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (d) Formula IV 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein,
 X 31 -X 38  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 55 -R 69  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 6 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 6 )alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, acyl halide, carbonate, carboxylic acid, ester, hydroperoxide, peroxide, ether, hemiacetal, hemiketal, acetal, orthoester, orthocarbonate ester, amide, amine, imine, imide, azide, diimide, cyanate, nitrate, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, thiol, sulfide, disulfide, sulfoxide, sulfone, sulfinic acid, sulfonic acid, thicyanate, thione, thial, phosphine, phosphonic acid, phosphate, phosphodiester, boronic acid, boronic ester, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 derivatives or analogs of Formulas I-IV thereof, including pharmaceutical salts and prodrugs; and 
 wherein the compound has antimicrobial activity. 
 
     
     
         2 . A compound of  claim 1 , wherein the compound comprises at least 5 carbon atoms, at least 5 nitrogen atoms, at least 5 hydrogen atoms, and at least one oxygen atom and is selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) Formula I:   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 -R 18  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amide, amine, imine, imide, nitrate, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (b) Formula II 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 11 -X 19  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 19 -R 34  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amide, amine, imine, imide, nitrate, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (c) Formula III 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein,
 X 20 -X 30  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 35 -R 54  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amide, amine, imine, imide, nitrate, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (d) Formula IV 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein,
 X 31 -X 38  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 55 -R 69  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amide, amine, imine, imide, nitrate, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 derivatives or analogs of Formulas I-IV thereof, including pharmaceutical salts and prodrugs; and 
 wherein the compound has antimicrobial activity. 
 
     
     
         3 . A compound of  claim 2 , wherein the compound comprises at least 5 carbon atoms, at least 5 nitrogen atoms, at least 5 hydrogen atoms, and at least one oxygen atom and is selected from the group consisting of: 
       (a) Formula I(a): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 , R 3 , R 7 , R 9 , R 11 , R 13 , R 15 , and R 17  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (b) Formula II(a) 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 11 -X 19  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 19 , R 23 , R 25 , R 27 , R 29 , R 31 , and R 33  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (c) Formula III(a) 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein,
 X 20 -X 30  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 35 , R 37 , R 41 , R 43 , R 45 , R 47 , R 49 , R 51 , and R 53 , are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (d) Formula IV(a) 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein,
 X 31 -X 38  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 55 , R 57 , R 59 , R 61 , R 63 , R 65 , R 67 , and R 69  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 derivatives or analogs of Formulas I(a)-IV(a) thereof, including pharmaceutical salts and prodrugs; and 
 wherein the compound has antimicrobial activity. 
 
     
     
         4 . The compound of  claim 3 , wherein the compound has the molecular formula of C 5 H 5 N 5 O and comprises Formula I(a): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 , R 3 , R 7 , R 9 , R 11 , R 13 , R 15 , and R 17  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence. 
 
     
     
         5 . The compound of  claim 4 , wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         6 . The compound of  claim 3 , wherein the compound has the molecular formula of C 5 H 5 N 5 O and comprises Formula II(a): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 , R 3 , R 7 , R 9 , R 11 , R 13 , R 15 , and R 17  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence. 
 
     
     
         7 . The compound of  claim 6 , wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         8 . The compound of  claim 3 , wherein the compound has the molecular formula of C 5 H 5 N 5 O and comprises Formula III(a): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 , R 3 , R 7 , R 9 , R 11 , R 13 , R 15 , and R 17  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence. 
 
     
     
         9 . The compound of  claim 8 , wherein the compound has a structural formula of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         10 . The compound of  claim 3 , wherein the compound has the molecular formula of C 5 H 5 N 5 O and comprises Formula IV(a): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 , R 3 , R 7 , R 9 , R 11 , R 13 , R 15 , and R 17  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence. 
 
     
     
         11 . The compound of  claim 10 , wherein the compound has a structural formula of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         12 . A method for inhibiting the growth of a bacterium or fungus comprising contacting the bacterium or fungus with an inhibiting effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         13 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising contacting the bacterium or yeast with at least one additional antimicrobial agent. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the contacting is in vitro. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the contacting is in vivo. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the contacting is through topical administration. 
     
     
         19 . A compound of  claim 18 , wherein the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         20 . A method of treating an infection or a dermatological disorder comprising administering an effective amount of a composition of  claim 1  to a subject. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the infection comprises a bacterial, fungal, parasitic or viral infection. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the dermatological disorders comprise wounds, diabetic ulcers, acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, pyodermas, and burn wounds. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the composition is formulated for topical administration. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the composition is formulated for systemic administration. 
     
     
         25 . A firmocidin compound, prepared from a cultured strain of  S. epidermidis  having a molecular ionic mass [M+H] +  of about 152.0567 and wherein the antimicrobial agent inhibits the growth of Group A  streptococcus  (GAS), Group B  streptococcus  (GBS),  S. aureus , while not inhibiting the growth of  S. epidermidis.    
     
     
         26 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 25 , wherein the agent has at least one hydroxyl group. 
     
     
         27 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 25 , wherein the firmocidin compound's EI-MS spectrum has m/z fragment peaks of about at 54.2, 66.2, 81.2, 91.2, 93.1, 108.1, 121.1, 134.1, 135.1, 136.1, and 151.1. 
     
     
         28 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 25 , wherein the firmocidin compound is not cytotoxic to HaCaT cells or SZ95 sebocyte cells when used at concentrations of 100 ug/ml or less. 
     
     
         29 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 25 , wherein the firmocidin compound has the molecular formula of C 5 H 5 N 5 O. 
     
     
         30 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 29 , wherein the firmocidin compound comprises a structure selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) Formula I(a):   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 , R 3 , R 7 , R 9 , R 11 , R 13 , R 15 , and R 17  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (b) Formula II(a) 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 11 -X 19  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 19 , R 23 , R 25 , R 27 , R 29 , R 31 , and R 33  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (c) Formula III(a) 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein,
 X 20 -X 30  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 35 , R 37 , R 41 , R 43 , R 45 , R 47 , R 49 , R 51 , and R 53 , are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 (d) Formula IV(a) 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein,
 X 31 -X 38  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 55 , R 57 , R 59 , R 61 , R 63 , R 65 , R 67 , and R 69  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence; 
 derivatives or analogs of Formulas I(a)-IV(a) thereof, including pharmaceutical salts and prodrugs; and 
 wherein the compound has antimicrobial activity. 
 
     
     
         31 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 30 , wherein the firmocidin compound has the molecular formula of C 5 H 5 N 5 O and comprises Formula I(a): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 , R 3 , R 7 , R 9 , R 11 , R 13 , R 15 , and R 17  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence. 
 
     
     
         32 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 31 , wherein the firmocidin compound is selected from the group consisting of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         33 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 30 , wherein the firmocidin compound has the molecular formula of C 5 H 5 N 5 O and comprises Formula II(a): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 , R 3 , R 7 , R 9 , R 11 , R 13 , R 15 , and R 17  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence. 
 
     
     
         34 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 33 , wherein the firmocidin compound is selected from the group consisting of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         35 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 30 , wherein the firmocidin compound has the molecular formula of C 5 H 5 N 5 O and comprises Formula III(a): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 , R 3 , R 7 , R 9 , R 11 , R 13 , R 15 , and R 17  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence. 
 
     
     
         36 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 35 , wherein the firmocidin compound has a structural formula of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         37 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 30 , wherein the firmocidin compound has the molecular formula of C 5 H 5 N 5 O and comprises Formula IV(a): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 X 1 -X 10  are each independently either a C, N or O; 
 R 1 , R 3 , R 7 , R 9 , R 11 , R 13 , R 15 , and R 17  are each independently selected from the group comprising H, D, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl, hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkenyl, optionally substituted hetero-(C 1 -C 2 )alkynyl, hydroxyl, ketone, aldehyde, carbonate, amine, imine, nitrile, nitroso, and no atom if bound to X that has reached its maximum valence. 
 
     
     
         38 . The firmocidin compound of  claim 37 , wherein the firmocidin compound has a structural formula of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         39 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the firmocidin compound of  claim 25  and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. 
     
     
         40 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 39 , wherein the composition is suitable for oral, parenteral, or topical administration. 
     
     
         41 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 40 , wherein the topical dosage form is either in the form of a cream, ointment, gel, spray or lotion. 
     
     
         42 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 39 , further comprising one or more additional therapeutic agents. 
     
     
         43 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 42 , wherein the one or more therapeutic agents is selected from the group consisting of antibiotics, sepsis treatments, steroidal drugs, anti-fungal agents, and antipruritics. 
     
     
         44 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 43 , wherein the antibiotic is selected from the group consisting of amoxicillin, ampicillin, arsphenamine, azithromycin, aztreonam, azlocillin, bacitracin, carbenicillin, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefamandole, cefazolin, cephalexin, cefdinir, cefditorin, cefepime, cefixime, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, cefpodoxime, cefprozil, ceftazidime, ceftibuten, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, chloramphenicol, cilastin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, clindamycin, clofazimine, cloxacillin, colistin, dalfopristan, demeclocycline, dicloxacillin, dirithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, enafloxacin, enviomycin, ertepenem, ethambutol, flucloxacillin, fosfomycin, furazolidone, gatifloxacin, geldanamycin, gentamicin, herbimicin, imipenem, linezolid, lomefloxacin, loracarbef, mafenide, moxifloxacin, meropenem, metronidazole, mezlocillin, minocycline, mupirozin, nafcillin, neomycin, netilmicin, nitrofurantoin, norfloxacin, oxytetracycline, penicillin, piperacillin, platensimycin, polymixin B, prochlorperazine, prontocil, quinupristine, rifabutin, roxithromycin, spectinomycin, sulfacetamide, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, teicoplanin, telithromycin, tetracycline, thioacetazone, thioridazine, ticarcillin, tobramycin, trimethoprim, troleandomycin, trovafloxacin, and vancomycin. 
     
     
         45 . A method for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of an infection by a foreign agent or a dermatological disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the firmocidin compound of  claim 25 . 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein the foreign agent is a bacterium, parasite, virus, or fungus. 
     
     
         47 - 50 . (canceled) 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein the dermatological disorders comprise wounds, diabetic ulcers, acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, pyodermas, and burn wounds.