O,O-Dibenzyl-(-)-actinonin is a protected derivative of the natural product actinonin. Used in biochemical research as a potent inhibitor of bacterial peptide deformylase (PDF), making it valuable in the development of novel antibiotics. It shows activity against a range of pathogenic bacteria, including resistant strains, and serves as a lead compound in antimicrobial drug design. Additionally, it is employed in studies related to protein maturation and post-translational modifications in prokaryotes. Its selective action helps in understanding bacterial growth mechanisms without affecting mammalian cells significantly.