Antimicrobial activity of a ferrocene-substituted carborane derivative targeting multidrug-resistant infection

Multidrug resistance (MDR) of bacteria is still an unsolved serious problem to threaten the health of human beings. Developing new antibacterial agents, therefore, are urgently needed. Herein, we have explored the possibility to design and synthesize some novel antibacterial agents including ferrocene-substituted carborane derivative (Fc2SBCp1) and have evaluated the relevant antibacterial action against two clinical common MDR pathogens (i.e., Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in vitro and in vivo. The results demonstrate that in vitro antimicrobial activity of Fc2SBCp1 could be gradually transformed into a bactericidal effect from a bacteriostatic effect with the increasing concentration of the active carborane derivative, which can also prevent biofilm formation at concentrations below MIC (i.e., minimal inhibitory concentration). Biocompatibility studies indicate that there exists no/or little toxic effect of Fc2SBCp1 on normal cells/tissues and leads to little hemolysis. In vivo studies illustrate that the new carborane derivative Fc2SBCp1 is highly effective in treating bacteremia caused by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa as well as interstitial pneumonia caused by S. aureus. This raises the possibility for the potential utilization of the new ferrocene-substituted carborane derivatives as promising antibacterial therapeutic agents against MDR bacterial infections in future clinical applications.