The antimicrobial efficacy and DNA binding activity of some copper(II) complexes of 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane

Results suggest that these copper(II) complexes have different modes of action to established antibiotics ampicillin and 5-fluorocytosine, and represent potential for antimicrobial drug development. Most significantly, these compounds appear to be bactericidal against non-dividing as well as thriving Gram-positive bacteria.89