Decavanadate-Bearing Guanidine Derivatives Developed as Antimicrobial and Antitumor Species

To obtain biologically active species, a series of decavanadates (Hpbg)4[H2V10O28]·6H2O (1) (Htbg)4[H2V10O28]·6H2O; (2) (Hgnd)2(Hgnu)4[V10O28]; (3) (Hgnu)6[V10O28]·2H2O; and (4) (pbg = 1-phenyl biguanide, tbg = 1-(o-tolyl)biguanide, gnd = guanidine, and gnu = guanylurea) were synthesized and characterized by several spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV-Vis, and EPR) as well as by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound (1) crystallizes in space group P-1 while (3) and (4) adopt the same centrosymmetric space group P21/n. The unusual signal identified by EPR spectroscopy was assigned to a charge-transfer π(O)→d(V) process. Both stability in solution and reactivity towards reactive oxygen species (O2- and OH·) were screened through EPR signal modification. All compounds inhibited the development of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis bacterial strains in a planktonic state at a micromolar level, the most active being compound (3). However, the experiments conducted at a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) indicated that the compounds do not disrupt the biofilm produced by these bacterial strains. The cytotoxicity assayed against A375 human melanoma cells and BJ human fibroblasts by testing the viability, lactate dehydrogenase, and nitric oxide levels indicated compound (1) as the most active in tumor cells.

Copper (II) Species with Improved Anti-Melanoma and Antibacterial Activity by Inclusion in β-Cyclodextrin

To improve their biological activity, complexes [Cu(bipy)(dmtp)₂(OH₂)](ClO₄)₂·dmtp (1) and [Cu(phen)(dmtp)₂(OH₂)](ClO₄)₂·dmtp (2) (bipy 2,2'-bipyridine, phen: 1,10-phenantroline, and dmtp: 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo [1,5-a]pyrimidine) were included in β-cyclodextrins (β-CD). During the inclusion, the co-crystalized dmtp molecule was lost, and UV-Vis spectra together with the docking studies indicated the synthesis of new materials with 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios between complexes and β-CD. The association between Cu(II) compounds and β-CD has been proven by the identification of the components' patterns in the IR spectra and powder XRD diffractograms, while solid-state UV-Vis and EPR spectra analysis highlighted a slight modification of the square-pyramidal stereochemistry around Cu(II) in comparison with precursors. The inclusion species are stable in solution and exhibit the ability to scavenge or trap ROS species (O₂·^- and HO·) as indicated by the EPR experiments. Moreover, the two inclusion species exhibit anti-proliferative activity against murine melanoma B16 cells, which has been more significant for (2)@β-CD in comparison with (2). This behavior is associated with a cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Compared with precursors, (1a)@β-CD and (2a)@β-CD exhibit 17 and 26 times more intense activity against planktonic Escherichia coli, respectively, while (2a)@β-CD is 3 times more active against the Staphylococcus aureus strain.

Antiproliferative Copper(II) Complexes Bearing Mixed Chelating Ligands: Structural Characterization, ROS Scavenging, In Silico Studies, and Anti-Melanoma Activity

Melanoma is a skin cancer characterized by rapid growth and spread for which current therapies produce both resistance and increased risk of infection. To develop new anti-melanoma biocompatible species, the series of complexes Cu(N-N)(bzac)(X)⋅nH₂O (N-N: 1,10-phenanthroline/2,2′-bipyridine, Hbzac: 1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione, X: NO₃/ClO₄, and n = 0, 1) was studied. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed a mononuclear structure for all complexes. The ability of the complexes to scavenge or trap reactive oxygen species such as O₂⋅⁻ and HO⋅ was proved by EPR spectroscopy experiments. All complexes inhibited B16 murine melanoma cells in a dose-dependent and nanomolar range, but the complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline were more active. Moreover, comparative activity on B16 and healthy BJ cells revealed a therapeutic index of 1.27–2.24. Bioinformatic methods were used to calculate the drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic, pharmacogenomic, and pharmacodynamic profiles of the compounds. The results showed that all compounds exhibit drug-likeness features, as well as promising absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties, and no toxicity. The pharmacodynamics results showed that the neutral species appear to be good candidates for antitumor molecular targets (Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1, DNA-(apurinic or apyrimidinic site) lyase or Kruppel-like factor 5). Furthermore, the pharmacogenomic results showed a good affinity of the copper(II) complexes for the human cytochrome. These results recommend complexes bearing 1,10-phenanthroline as good candidates for developing drugs to melanoma alternative treatment.

Biological Activity of Triazolopyrimidine Copper(II) Complexes Modulated by an Auxiliary N-N-Chelating Heterocycle Ligands

Novel complexes of type [Cu(N-N)(dmtp)2(OH2)](ClO4)2·dmtp ((1) N-N: 2,2'-bipyridine; (2) L: 1,10-phenantroline and dmtp: 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine) were designed in order to obtain biologically active compounds. Complexes were characterized as mononuclear species that crystallized in the space group P-1 of the triclinic system with a square pyramidal geometry around the copper (II). In addition to the antiproliferative effect on murine melanoma B16 cells, complex (1) exhibited low toxicity on normal BJ cells and did not affect membrane integrity. Complex (2) proved to be a more potent antimicrobial in comparison with (1), but both compounds were more active in comparison with dmtp-both against planktonic cells and biofilms. A stronger antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect was noticed against the Gram-positive strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Both electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae studies indicated that the complexes were scavengers rather than reactive oxygen species promoters. Their DNA intercalating capacity was evidenced by modifications in both absorption and fluorescence spectra. Furthermore, both complexes exhibited nuclease-like activity, which increased in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

Soft synthesis and characterization of goethite-based nanocomposites as promising cyclooctene oxidation catalysts

Goethite based nanocomposites with a different composition such as 6FeO(OH)·MnO(OH)·0.5H₂O (Mn-composite), xFeO(OH)·M(OH)₂·yH₂O (Co-composite (M: Co, x = 12, y = 3), Ni-composite (M: Ni, x = 7, y = 2)) and xFeO(OH)·MO·yH₂O (Cu-composite (M: Cu, x = 5.5, y = 3), Zn-composite (M: Zn, x = 6, y = 1.5)) have been prepared by a soft chemical synthesis consisting in acetate hydrolysis. The data provided by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-Vis-NIR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Mössbauer spectra account for a slight modification of all composites' physicochemical properties compared to the starting material. Powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations revealed the secondary phase nature and presence along with that of goethite. The TEM data are also consistent with a nano rod-like morphology with a 5–10 nm width and an average length of 40 nm. The catalytic oxidation of cyclooctene with O₂ using isobutyraldehyde as reductant and acetonitrile as a solvent was performed in batch conditions for 5 h at room temperature. The selectivity for the epoxide was higher than 99% for all tested solids. The conversion of cyclooctene decreased from 55% to 4% following the same order of variance as the base/acid sites ratio: Mn-composite > Fe-composite > Co-composite > Ni-composite > Zn-composite > Cu-composite. The 6FeO(OH)·MnO(OH)·0.5H₂O (Mn-composite) exhibited the most promising catalytic activity in cyclooctene oxidation, which can be correlated with the redox ability of Mn(iii) combined with the increased base character of this solid. The catalytic activity of this sample decreases by 10% after several successive reaction cycles.

Goethite based nanocomposites with different compositions (6FeO(OH)·MnO(OH)·0.5H₂O, xFeO(OH)·M(OH)₂·yH₂O or xFeO(OH)·MO·yH₂O where M = Co, Ni, Cu or Zn) have been prepared by a soft chemical synthesis via acetate hydrolysis.

New Cobalt (II) Complexes with Imidazole Derivatives: Antimicrobial Efficiency against Planktonic and Adherent Microbes and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Features

Three novel Co(II) complexes of the type [Co(C₄H₅O₂)₂L₂] (where C₄H₅O₂ is methacrylate anion; L = C₃H₄N₂ (imidazole; HIm) (1), C₄H₆N₂ (2-methylimidazole; 2-MeIm) (2), C₅H₈N₂ (2-ethylimidazole; 2-EtIm) (3)) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques, thermal analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray crystallography revealed for complexes (1) and (2) distorted trigonal bipyramid stereochemistry for Co(II), meanwhile for complex (3) evidenced that the unit cell comprises three molecular units with interesting structural features. In each unit, both stereochemistry adopted by metallic ion and coordination modes of carboxylate anions are different. The screening of antimicrobial activity revealed that Candida albicans planktonic cells were the most susceptible, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 7.8 μg/mL for complexes (1) and (2) and 15.6 μg/mL for complex (3). Complexes (1) and (2) proved to be more active than complex (3) against the tested bacterial strains, both in planktonic and biofilm growth state, with MIC and minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) values ranging from 15.6 to 62.5 μg/mL, the best antibacterial effects being noticed against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Remarkably, the MBEC values obtained for the four tested bacterial strains were either identical or even lower than the MIC ones. The cytotoxicity assay indicated that the tested complexes affected the cellular cycle of HeLa, HCT-8, and MG63 cells, probably by inhibiting the expression of vimentin and transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1). The obtained biological results recommend these complexes as potential candidates for the development of novel anti-biofilm agents.

Improvement in the Pharmacological Profile of Copper Biological Active Complexes by Their Incorporation into Organic or Inorganic Matrix

Every year, more Cu(II) complexes are proven to be biologically active species, but very few are developed as drugs or entered in clinical trials. This is due to their poor water solubility and lipophilicity, low stability as well as in vivo inactivation. The possibility to improve their pharmacological and/or oral administration profile by incorporation into inorganic or organic matrix was studied. Most of them are either physically encapsulated or conjugated to the matrix via a moiety able to coordinate Cu(II). As a result, a large variety of species were developed as delivery carriers. The organic carriers include liposomes, synthetic or natural polymers or dendrimers, while the inorganic ones are based on carbon nanotubes, hydrotalcite and silica. Some hybrid organic-inorganic materials based on alginate-carbonate, gold-PEG and magnetic mesoporous silica-Schiff base were also developed for this purpose.

Rare-Earth Metal Complexes of the Antibacterial Drug Oxolinic Acid: Synthesis, Characterization, DNA/Protein Binding and Cytotoxicity Studies

"Drug repositioning" is a current trend which proved useful in the search for new applications for existing, failed, no longer in use or abandoned drugs, particularly when addressing issues such as bacterial or cancer cells resistance to current therapeutic approaches. In this context, six new complexes of the first-generation quinolone oxolinic acid with rare-earth metal cations (Y³⁺, La³⁺, Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺, Gd³⁺, Tb³⁺) have been synthesized and characterized. The experimental data suggest that the quinolone acts as a bidentate ligand, binding to the metal ion via the keto and carboxylate oxygen atoms; these findings are supported by DFT (density functional theory) calculations for the Sm³⁺ complex. The cytotoxic activity of the complexes, as well as the ligand, has been studied on MDA-MB 231 (human breast adenocarcinoma), LoVo (human colon adenocarcinoma) and HUVEC (normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells) cell lines. UV-Vis spectroscopy and competitive binding studies show that the complexes display binding affinities (K_b) towards double stranded DNA in the range of 9.33 × 10⁴ - 10.72 × 10⁵. Major and minor groove-binding most likely play a significant role in the interactions of the complexes with DNA. Moreover, the complexes bind human serum albumin more avidly than apo-transferrin.

Anti-biofilm Fe3O4@C18-[1,3,4]thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ium-2-thiolate Derivative Core-shell Nanocoatings

The derivatives 5,7-dimethyl[1,3,4]thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ium-2-thiolate (1) and 7-methyl-5-phenyl[1,3,4]thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ium-2-thiolate (2) were fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their supramolecular structure is built through both π–π stacking and C=S–π interactions for both compounds. The embedment of the tested compounds into Fe₃O₄@C₁₈ core-shell nanocoatings increased the protection degree against Candida albicans biofilms on the catheter surface, suggesting that these bioactive nanocoatings could be further developed as non-cytotoxic strategies for fighting biofilm-associated fungal infections.

X-ray Crystal Structure, Geometric Isomerism, and Antimicrobial Activity of New Copper(II) Carboxylate Complexes with Imidazole Derivatives

Five new copper(II) acrylate complexes (acr is the acrylate anion: C₃H₃O₂) with imidazole derivatives (2-methylimidazole/2-MeIm, 5-methylimidazole/5-MeIm, 2-ethylimidazole/2-EtIm) of type: cis-[Cu(2-RIm)₂(acr)₂]·xH₂O ((1): R = –CH₃, x = 2; (4): R = –CH₂–CH₃, x = 0), trans-[Cu(2-RIm)₂(acr)₂] ((2): R = –CH₃; (5): R = –CH₂–CH₃) and trans-[Cu(5-RIm)₂(acr)₂] ((3): R = –CH₃) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), electronic reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry. The single crystal X-ray diffraction study of complexes (2) and (5) reveals that the copper(II) ion is located on an inversion center and show elongated octahedral geometry completed by two coplanar bidentate acrylates and two unidentate imidazole derivatives displayed in trans positions. For complex (4) the single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that the copper(II) ion is in a distorted octahedral environment which can be easily confused with a trigonal prism completed by two bidentate acrylates and two unidentate imidazole derivatives displayed in cis positions. These results indicate the fact that complexes (4) and (5) are the geometric isomers of the same compound bis(acrylate)-bis(2-ethylimidazole)-copper(II). Complexes (1) and (2), as well as (4) and (5), were produced simultaneously in the reaction of the corresponding copper(II) acrylate with imidazole derivatives in methanol solution. Furthermore, in order to be able to formulate potential applications of the obtained compounds, our next goal was to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the synthesized complexes against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungal strains, of both clinical and ecological importance (biodeterioration of historical buildings). The trans isomers (2) and (5), followed by (4) have shown the broadest range of antimicrobial activity. In case of (1) and (2) isomers, the trans isomer (2) was significantly more active than cis (1), while the cis isomer (4) proved to be more active than trans (5). Taken together, the biological evaluation results indicate that the trans (2) was the most active complex, demonstrating its potential for the development of novel antimicrobial agents, with potential applications in the biomedical and restoration of architectural monuments fields.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, Antimicrobial Activity, and In Vitro Biocompatibility of New Unsaturated Carboxylate Complexes with 2,2'-Bipyridine

The synthesis, structural characterization, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial properties of four new complexes formed by employing acrylate anion and 2,2'-bipyridine are reported herein. X-ray crystallography revealed the trinuclear nature of [Mn₃(2,2'-bipy)₂(C₃H₃O₂)₆] (1), meanwhile complexes with general formula [M(2,2'-bipy)(C₃H₃O₂)₂(H₂O)_x]∙yH₂O ((2) M: Ni, x = 1, y = 0; (3) M: Cu, x = 1, y = 0; (4) M: Zn, x = 0, y = 1; 2,2'-bipy: 2,2'-bipyridine; C₃H₃O₂: acrylate anion) were shown to be mononuclear. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 128 μg mL^-1 was recorded for all four tested complexes against Candida albicans, for complex (3) against Escherichia coli, and for complex (4) against Staphylocococcus aureus. Compounds (3) and (4) were also potent efflux pumps activity inhibitors (EPI), proving their potential for use in synergistic combinations with antibiotics. Complexes (1)-(4) revealed that they were not cytotoxic to HCT-8 cells. They also proved to interfere with the cellular cycle of tumour HCT-8 cells by increasing the number of cells found in the S and G2/M phases. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential of zinc and copper complexes for use in the development of novel antimicrobial and anti-proliferative agents.

Synthesis, Physico-chemical Characterization, Crystal Structure and Influence on Microbial and Tumor Cells of Some Co(II) Complexes with 5,7-Dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine

Three complexes, namely [Co(dmtp)₂(OH₂)₄][CoCl₄] (1), [Co(dmtp)₂Cl₂] (2) and [Co(dmtp)₂(OH₂)₄]Cl₂∙2H₂O (3) (dmtp: 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine), were synthesized and characterized by spectral (IR, UV-Vis-NIR), and magnetic measurements at room temperature, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex (1) crystallizes in monoclinic system (space group C2/c), complex (2) adopts an orthorhombic system (space group Pbca), and complex (3) crystallizes in triclinic system (space group P1). Various types of extended hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions provide a supramolecular architecture for all complexes. All species were evaluated for antimicrobial activity towards planktonic and biofilm-embedded microbial cells and influence on HEp-2 cell viability, cellular cycle and gene expression.

Synthesis and Structural Investigation of New Bio-Relevant Complexes of Lanthanides with 5-Hydroxyflavone: DNA Binding and Protein Interaction Studies

In the present work, we attempted to develop new metal coordination complexes of the natural flavonoid 5-hydroxyflavone with Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III). The resultant hydroxo complexes have been characterized by a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including fluorescence, FT-IR, UV-Vis, EPR and mass spectral studies. The general chemical formula of the complexes is [Ln(C₁₅H₉O₃)₃(OH)₂(H₂O)_x]·nH₂O, where Ln is the lanthanide cation and x = 0 for Sm(III), x = 1 for Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III) and n = 0 for Sm(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), n = 1 for Eu(III), respectively. The proposed structures of the complexes were optimized by DFT calculations. Theoretical calculations and experimental determinations sustain the proposed structures of the hydroxo complexes, with two molecules of 5-hydroxyflavone acting as monoanionic bidentate chelate ligands. The interaction of the complexes with calf thymus DNA has been explored by fluorescence titration and UV-Vis absorption binding studies, and revealed that the synthesized complexes interact with DNA with binding constants (K_b) ~ 10⁴. Human serum albumin (HSA) and transferrin (Tf) binding studies have also been performed by fluorescence titration techniques (fluorescence quenching studies, synchronous fluorescence spectra). The apparent association constants (K_a) and thermodynamic parameters have been calculated from the fluorescence quenching experiment at 299 K, 308 K, and 318 K. The quenching curves indicate that the complexes bind to HSA with smaller affinity than the ligand, but to Tf with higher binding affinities than the ligand.

Synthesis and characterization of some new complexes of magnesium (II) and zinc (II) with the natural flavonoid primuletin

Two new metal complexes formulated as [Mg(L)₂(H₂O)₂]·H₂O (1) and [Zn(L)₂(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O (2), where HL = 5-hydroxyflavone (primuletin), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, molar conductance, IR, UV-Vis, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, fluorescence and mass spectra. In solid state, complexes had shown higher fluorescence intensities comparing to the free ligand, and this behavior is appreciated as a consequence of the coordination process.

Prospects for new antimicrobials based on N,N-dimethylbiguanide complexes as effective agents on both planktonic and adhered microbial strains

Metal-free N,N-dimethylbiguanidium acetate and novel complexes M(DMBG)(2)(CH(3)COO)(2).nH(2)O (M: Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) were screened for their antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria and fungal (Candida albicans) strains. The ability of compounds to inhibit the microbial adherence ability to the inert substratum as well as their cytotoxicity was also assessed. Our results are demonstrating that some of the tested compounds are exhibiting potent antimicrobial activity accompanied by low cytotoxicity on HeLa cells. The complexes were characterized using microanalytical, IR, EPR, (1)H NMR as well as UV-vis methods. The redox behaviour of complexes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The new derivative (HDMBG)(CH(3)COO) crystallizes in the monoclinic P2(1)/n space group as X-ray single-crystal data indicate.

Novel antipathogenic strategies against adherent enterobacterial strains isolated from the hospital environment

The emergence of the bacterial antibiotic multi-resistance made more and more stringent the developing of new anti-microbial strategies. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antimicrobial potential of six (6) newly synthesized chemical compounds (derivating from phenantroline and dimethylguanin-copper complex combinations) versus 97 enterobacterial strains isolated from the hospital environment. The qualitative screening of the antimicrobial activity of the chemical compounds was performed by an adapted diffusion method. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the active chemical compounds were established by Mueller Hinton broth microdillution method. The tested chemical compounds were also tested for their ability to inhibit microbial adherence and biofilm development on inert substrata by a simple microtiter method. All six chemical compounds proved to have antimicrobial activity versus the most of the tested strains, the phenantroline derivatives exhibiting higher antimicrobial activity than the dimethylguanidine-copper complex combinations. The subinhibitory concentrations of the tested chemical products slightly inhibited the adherence ability of the bacterial strains to the inert substratum. Our results demonstrated that phenantroline derivatives may represent a new strategy of antimicrobial treatment, simultaneously with the bactericidal effect, the subinhibitory concentrations of these newly synthesized chemical compounds decreasing the adherence ability of bacteria to the inert substratum.