Abstract
Metalloproteins feature protein scaffolds and metal centers, which can contain one or more metal atoms such as iron, copper, or zinc. Dinuclear copper assemblies are encountered in the active centers of various metalloproteins and can catalyze intricate chemical reactions of biological importance, such as the conversion of methane to methanol. Methane is a highly stable molecule difficult to activate. Despite decades of research, direct methane to methanol conversion with high selectivity is still a great challenge and a need remains for cost-effective catalysts. Further, the oxidation/oxygenation of hydrocarbons has been recognized to play a role in infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, the production of synthetic catalysts that can mimic the functionality of those metalloproteins has broad applications.FIU inventors have synthesized a dinuclear copper complex showing catalytic activity towards oxidation or oxygenation of hydrocarbons. The Cu(I)-Cu(I) resting state of the complex is oxidized by dioxygen to a Cu(II)-OH-Cu(II) species. The latter reacts with hydrocarbons either dehydrogenating them with formation of H2O or oxygenating them by adding its O-atom to the substrate. Upon reaction with hydrocarbons, the complex returns to the Cu(I)-Cu(I) state, closing the catalytic cycle.Benefit
Cost-effective and sustainable as copper is an Earth-abundant metal Catalysts use atmospheric oxygen as oxidant at ambient temperatureLigands of the complexes are readily availablePeripheral ligand substitution can produce catalysts tailored to specific applicationsCatalysts are easy to prepare under ambient conditions: no inert atmosphere or special instrumentation requiredLow grade hydrocarbons can be used as substratesMarket Application
PetrochemicalsPharmaceuticalsSpecialty chemicals
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is currently an alarming issue and
several health organizations throughout the World have already declared
bacterial resistance towards antibiotics as "catastrophic". The
Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) has expressed significant concern
on antibacterial resistance, in particular regarding the multi-drug resistant
bacteria (MDR), which have been singled out as an imminent threat to US public
health. These circumstances have prompted the research community in recent
years to focus on developing alternative chemotherapeutics to combat
antibacterial resistance.FIU inventors have synthesized novel dinuclear silver(I)
pyrazolido complexes that can be used for the treatment of microbial infections
and for the growth inhibition and killing of microbes on surfaces or in
compositions of matter such as food or cosmetics. Slow and sustainable delivery of Ag+ ions under a
physiological milieu by dissociation of the compound is crucial to its
effective antibacterial action, ensuring also that the Ag-based antimicrobial
is not being overused, which might cause other undesirable side effects.
Appropriately designed Ag(I) coordination complexes can meet these requirements;
the introduction of specific ancillary ligands tunes the lability of Ag+
ions and modulates water solubility, facilitating the cellular internalization
process of the therapeutics. Consequently, the latter exert more efficient antibacterial
effect in a lower dosage and accentuate the eradication process of the
pathogens along with the concurrently released bioactive silver from the
respective complexes without inadvertent side-effects.
Benefit
Effective against drug resistant bacterial strainsAttenuate infection without the creation of resistant bacteria or adverse effectsProvide slow release of bioactive silverMarket Application
Creams/patches/bandages to treat burn wounds and other skin infectionsTreatment and prevention of infections caused by multidrug resistant Gram-positive, Gram-negative, fungal, and viral infectionsSurface treatment of surgical instruments, medical and healthcare devices, and food processingPublications
Syntheses and X-ray crystal structures
of a family of dinuclear silver(I)pyrazolates: Assessment of their
antibacterial efficacy against P. aeruginosa with a soft tissue and skin
infection model; Polyhedron, 154 (2018), pp. 390-397
