Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of a biocompatible silver complex based on 2,2′-bipyridine and 5-sulfoisophthalate

•A new antibacterial Ag complex, Ag(bpiy)2(H2SIP)·(H2O)2, was synthesized.•Silver complex containing 2,2′-bipyridine with the biocompatibility was investigated as antibacterial agent.•The antibacterial activity of the complex was evaluated against the selected bacteria.

A new antibacterial complex, Ag(bpiy)2(H2SIP)·2H2O, was synthesized, based on an idea of combining the antibacterial properties of 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) with the biocompatibility of Ag ions and the solubility of 5-sulfoisophthalate (H2SIP−). The complex was fully characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectra, ultraviolet spectra and thermal analyses. The single molecule structure consists of three parts, that is, a metal coordination cation ([Ag(bipy)2]+), an independent anion (H2SIP−) and two solvent water molecules. The antibacterial effects were evaluated by minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and inhibition zone testing. The results indicate that the silver complex has the superior bacteriostatic activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis).

Graphical abstractA biocompatible silver complex containing 2,2′-bipyridine and 5-sulfoisophthalate was synthesized. The antibacterial effects of the complex against the selected bacteria are higher than the commercial antibiotics ampicillin and roxithromycin.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide