Copper Complexes with Antibacterial Activity

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Antibiotic resistance is a major issue worldwide, leading to many deaths, particularly in developing countries. An enzyme family, the metallo-beta-carbapenemases, have recently been identified as a an important target to overcome antibiotic resistance. Copper complexes are effective at inhibiting this enzyme through transmetallation. In this PhD project, we will design, synthesise and analyse series of copper pyrithione complexes, which are proposed to be effective inhibitors of the carbapenemase enzymes. We will develop structure to activity relationships and identify important properties of the complexes, such as solubility, lipophilicity, bacterial cell uptake and biological activity against the resistant bacteria. The project combines synthetic chemistry with aspects of biochemistry. Our collaborators in India will be involved with the bacterial testing against antibiotic resistant bacteria.