Poly(propylenamine) dendrimers modified with 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro microbiological tests of their Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes

• New PPA dendrimer, modified with 1,8-naphthalimide units was synthesized.
• Cooper and zinc complexes with dendrimer were obtained.
• SEM and spectral methods were used for dendrimers characterizations.
• Metal complexes demonstrate good antimicrobial activity.

The paper describes the modification of the periphery of first and third generation poly(propylenamine) dendrimers with 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide units as well as the formation of their Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes. The new dendrimers and metal complexes have been characterized by electronic (UV–Vis and fluorescence), FTIR and NMR and MALDI-TOF analytical methods. The results have shown that the Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions form complexes with the dendrimer ligands. Photophysical experiments have been performed in organic solvents of different polarity. The metal complexes formed between the dendrimers and Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions have been studied with regards to potential microbiological activity. In vitro antimicrobial screening of the newly synthesized metallodendrimers revealed promising antimicrobial activity, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the complexes were determined. The results suggest that the new metal complexes could find application in designing new antimicrobial preparations to control the spread of infections.

The peripheral modification of poly(propylenamine) dendrimers from first and third generation with 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide and their Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes was described. The dendrimers as ligands and the respective metal ions have been characterized by electronic (UV–Vis and fluorescence), FTIR and NMR and MALDI-TOF analytical methods. In vitro antimicrobial screening of the newly synthesized metallodendrimers has revealed promising antimicrobial activities against six bacteria and antifungal activity against two yeasts. The various antimicrobial activities and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the complexes have been determined. The results suggest that the new metal complexes could find application in designing new antimicrobial preparations to control the spread of infections.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide