Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of pivalic and benzoic acid-complexed Cu and Mn complexes

Abstract

The complexes of Cu and Mn metals with carboxylates (pivalic acid and benzoic acid) and imidazole were prepared and characterized. The synthesized complexes were screened for antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. The FTIR technique was used for characterization. The antibacterial assay revealed that the ligand and complexes are active against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pasteurella multocida bacterial strains. The haemolytic assay revealed that [Cu(imi)(N3)] and [MnIII(piv)(imi)(N3)] were nontoxic, whereas [Cu(piv)(imi)] and [MnIII(Benz)(imi)(OCH3)] showed moderate toxicity, and [Mn(Him)(N3)2] was highly toxic against human red blood cells (RBCs). Results revealed that Cu and Mn complexes with carboxylates (pivalic acid and benzoic acid) have antimicrobial activities. However, haemlytic assay revealed that the metal complex cytotoxicity was variable and biological activity evaluatuion of newly synthesized metals complexes is suggested for safe applications.