Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance is currently considered a major public health problem. This subject underscores the critical need for novel and enhanced antibacterial agents with a novel molecular structure and a new target to prevent cross-resistance. Copper exhibits antimicrobial properties by disrupting bacterial cell membranes and interfering with cellular processes. Copper complexes enhance these properties, offering improved stability and targeted antibacterial activity. Their ability to release copper ions can gradually enhance efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Therefore, investigating the antibacterial properties of new copper complexes is of significance.

Methods: In this study, the antibacterial activity of [Cu(dimethylbpy)₂Cl]PF₆ complex was examined against several Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, klebsiella pneumoniae, salmonella typhi and Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The antibacterial activity of [Cu(dimethylbpy)₂Cl]PF₆ complex and Gentamicin (as standard compound) were determined using the microplate method. All concentrations were repeated three times. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined both using the unaided eye and absorbance at 490 nm.

Results: The [Cu(dimethylbpy)₂Cl]PF₆ complex showed higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. Among the assayed bacterial strains, the complex was most effective against Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values of 100 and 250 μM, respectively.

Conclusion: This complex displayed antimicrobial potential against some bacterial strains. Therefore, this complex may be used as an effective antibacterial agent in the treatment of infection caused by some bacterial strains, but further research is needed.

Graphical Abstract