Identification of an iridium(III) complex with anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity

Lihua Lu, Li Juan Liu, Wei Chieh Chao, Hai Jing Zhong, Modi Wang, Xiu Ping Chen, Jin Jian Lu, Ruei Nian Li*, Edmond Dik Lung MA*, Chung Hang Leung*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

63 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Group 9 transition metal complexes have been widely explored as therapeutic agents due to their unique geometry, their propensity to undergo ligand exchanges with biomolecules and their diverse steric and electronic properties. These metal complexes can offer distinct modes of action in living organisms compared to carbon-based molecules. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial and anti-proliferative abilities of a series of cyclometallated iridium(III) complexes. The iridium(III) complex 1 inhibited the growth of S. aureus with MIC and MBC values of 3.60 and 7.19 1/4M, respectively, indicating its potent bactericidal activity. Moreover, complex 1 also exhibited cytotoxicity against a number of cancer cell lines, with particular potency against ovarian, cervical and melanoma cells. This cyclometallated iridium(III) complex is the first example of a substitutionally-inert, Group 9 organometallic compound utilized as a direct and selective inhibitor of S. aureus.

Original languageEnglish
Article number14544
JournalScientific Reports
Volume5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Sept 2015

Scopus Subject Areas

  • General

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