Provided herein are cell-free systems for generating carbapenems, e.g., a compound of the Formula (I):

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or salts thereof; wherein , R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound generated by the inventive cell-free system, and use of these compounds and compositions for the treatment of bacterial infections.