I am currently working on a mechanistic study that deals with stereoselective $\beta$-lactam formation. I am well aware that there is a class of antibiotics, that involve this particular functional group. However, the wikipedia article of this compound class does not offer very much to continue, apart from the antibiotics.
Are there any other uses of the $\beta$-lactam moiety in general, apart from drug design?
I would like to be able to view my research in a broader scope. Since my part is more focussed on the reaction mechanism of the synthesis, I have not been too much concerned about the main purpose of this particular functional group, yet. This is of course apart from the obvious drug design process. For me this is just a question of interest.
As I am resurrecting this question, I am in particular looking for some interesting publications about the above mentioned question. However, I am willing to recognise, that the most common use is in drug design. If someone from this area of expertise could provide a source as a starting point for more research in this area.