Metal Complex Derivatives of Azole: a Study on Their Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities

Four new zinc complex derivatives of azoles and ligands were synthesized and isolated as white air-stable solids and characterized by elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectra. The elemental analysis, theoretical calculations and NMR show that the complexes likely have a 1: 1 (M: L) stoichiometry and tetrahedral geometry. To evaluate the biological activity of the complexes and to discuss the role of metal ions and structural properties, the ligands and their metal complexes have been studied. Their antimicrobial activity was determined in vitro by agar-well diffusion and broth microdilution against nine bacterial strains and seven fungal strains with clinical relevance. In vitro assays showed that the complexes exhibited moderate antibacterial and/or antifungal activities. The antimicrobial activity was found to be more active for the metal complexes than the ligands. The metal complexes that contained copper and cobalt, respectively, displayed notable antibacterial and antifungal effects against all the tested bacterial strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration 50 (MIC50) values were in the range 2454-0.7 mu g mL(-1). Metal complexes were more effective at inhibiting bacteria than fungi. The results could provide a high-potential solution for antimicrobial growth resistance, for both bacteria and fungi.