Antimicrobial (viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic) mechanisms of action of boron-containing compounds

Exploration of boron-containing compounds (BBC) has allowed us to introduce them into the antimicrobial toolbox. Natural and synthetic BCC have shown antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo. Also, crystal structures and in silico assays have been described to support the safe use to treat infectious diseases in humans. As examples, boric acid, Tavaborole, and Vaborbactam are now available in a human application. In this chapter, we describe the introduction of BCC as antimicrobial agents. This includes the advances in the understanding of their mechanisms of action for limiting viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections; mainly from the analysis of obtained crystal structures of targeted proteins. In addition, the scope of drug-designing strategies, as well as their chemico-biological properties are found, suggesting advantages in the boron-free compounds, taking into account potential action on drug-resistance microorganisms.