Zwittermicin A: A Promising Aminopolyol Antibiotic from Biocontrol Bacteria

(+)-Zwittermicin A is a highly polar, water-soluble aminopolyol antibiotic isolated from the soil-born bacterium B. cereus with significant activity against phytopathogenic fungi. The rising interest in zwittermicin A as a “green” biopesticide, has stimulated studies of its unique biosynthesis, mechanism of action and its organic synthesis. This review summarizes the current state of this antibiotic. A main focus of this review is the description of the chemistry of this compound including its synthesis.