Due to the rapid mutation of pathogenic microorganisms, superbugs have evolved, which are antibiotic resistant. Antibiotic-resistant germs may share their resistance with other germs making them untreatable. The search for new antibiotic compounds to combat bacterial resistance has led researchers to explore metal-containing compounds. Metal compounds possess distinctive modes of action and can form a wider range of three-dimensional geometries when compared to traditional organic antibiotic compounds. Most recently, 23 previously synthesized compounds containing metals such as silver, manganese, zinc, ruthenium, and iridium were re-explored and were found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activities. Still, information regarding titanium(IV) complexes and their antimicrobial properties are not available. In this work, seven novel titanium(IV) complexes were reproduced in the laboratory, characterized, and screened by the Community for Open Antimicrobial Drug Discovery for antimicrobial activity. The compounds were selected for evaluation because they do not display cytotoxic activity against mammalian cell lines. Of the seven complexes, Ti(deferasirox)2 and Ti(HBED) showed activity against the various bacterial strains tested and were selected for further dose response studies. Furthermore, Ti(deferasirox)2 showed to be effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including the potentially deadly methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with activity down to the nanomolar range. Exploring new types of antibiotics within already existing metal-containing compounds may be a promising approach to overcome bacterial resistance.

Exploring titanium(IV) metal complexes as potential antimicrobial compounds

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.