Delta-lactams are a class of cyclic compounds characterized by a four-membered lactam ring, which contains a nitrogen atom. They are important in medicinal chemistry due to their potential as antibiotics and their ability to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. Their unique structure allows them to interact with specific enzymes, making them effective against certain types of bacteria. These compounds are structurally related to beta-lactams, which include well-known antibiotics like penicillin. Delta-lactams have garnered interest for their potential to overcome antibiotic resistance and for their use in developing new therapeutic agents. Research continues to explore their applications in treating various infections.