Biofilm inhibition by a new Mn(II) complex with sulfamethoxazole: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and crystal structure

• The metal complex [Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3] was synthesized and characterized.
• The crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods.
• The complex crystallizes in the cubic crystal system, space group Pa-3.
• IR, Raman and UV–Vis spectra show the coordination of the ligand.
• The activity against S. aureus was evaluated.

The reaction in alkaline aqueous solution between sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and manganese (II) chloride produces colorless crystals with formula [Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3], which was characterized by UV–Vis, IR and Raman spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The crystal structure of [Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3] complex has been solved by X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the cubic Pa-3 space group with a = 19.5476(1) Å, and Z = 8 molecules per unit cell. [Mn(SMX)3]− complex is at a crystallographic special position of C3 symmetry with the Mn(II) ion cis-coordinated to three equivalent sulfamethoxazole molecules acting as bidentate ligands in a propeller-like conformation. [Mn(H2O)6]2+ hydrate ion is at crystal special position of S6 symmetry with the metal in an almost perfect octahedral coordination with six water molecules. At 100 μg/mL Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3] and SMX, inhibited the Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation by 92% and 54%, respectively. However, at the same concentration Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3] and SMX inhibited the planktonic bacterial growth by 52% and 81%, respectively. The Mn(II) complex inhibited the biofilm formation in values higher than 35% at the concentration 0.5 μg/mL. These results suggest that the metal complex [Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3] is a good candidate for the development of new antimicrobial agent acting in part as bactericidal but mainly as antipathogenic agent.

The crystal structure of [Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3] complex has been solved by X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the cubic Pa-3 space group with a = 19.5476(1) Å, and Z = 8 molecules per unit cell. [Mn(SMX)3]− complex is at a crystallographic special position of C3 symmetry with the Mn(II) ion cis-coordinated to three equivalent sulfamethoxazole molecules acting as bidentate ligands in a propeller-like conformation. [Mn(H2O)6]2+ hydrate ion is at crystal special position of S6 symmetry with the metal in an almost perfect octahedral coordination with six water molecules.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide