Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Oxygen-Bridged Metal Complexes

Abstract

This research investigates the synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of oxygen-bridged metal complexes with significant antimicrobial and anticancer activities. The study involved the synthesis of novel oxygen-bridged complexes using transition metals including copper(II), nickel(II), cobalt(II), and iron(III) with various organic ligands. The objective was to develop metal complexes with enhanced bioactivity compared to their free ligands. Methodologically, complexes were synthesized via conventional condensation methods and characterized using spectroscopic techniques including IR, UV-Vis, NMR, and mass spectrometry. The pharmacological evaluation was conducted through antimicrobial assays against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, antifungal testing, and cytotoxicity studies against cancer cell lines. Results demonstrated that oxygen-bridged metal complexes exhibited superior antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 1.56-32 μg/mL against various bacterial strains, significantly outperforming standard antibiotics. Anticancer evaluation revealed IC50 values in the range of 2.0-34 μM against different cancer cell lines, with selectivity indices exceeding 10, indicating preferential toxicity toward cancer cells over normal cells. The enhanced bioactivity was attributed to the synergistic effect of metal coordination, improved membrane permeability, and generation of reactive oxygen species. Discussion revealed that the oxygen-bridging mode enhanced stability and bioavailability of the complexes. In conclusion, oxygen-bridged metal complexes represent promising therapeutic agents with dual antimicrobial and anticancer properties, warranting further clinical investigation.