Teicoplanin: chemical, physico-chemical and biological aspects.

The structure determination and the physico-chemical properties of teicoplanin, a new glycopeptide antibiotic of the vancomycin-ristocetin family are presented. Some biological studies and the mechanism of action at the molecular level are discussed. Analytical test methods, such as HPLC assay, bioassay and enzymatic assay are described. The antimicrobial activity of teicoplanin and of some relevant acid and basic hydrolysis products are also discussed.