Water-soluble copper pyrithione complexes with cytotoxic and antibacterial activity

Org Biomol Chem. 2023 Mar 22;21(12):2539-2544. doi: 10.1039/d2ob01224c.

Abstract

Copper Pyrithione, [Cu(PyS)2] has shown excellent biological activity against cancer cells and bacterial cells, however, it has extremely low aqueous solubility, limiting its applicability. Herein, we report a series of PEG-substituted pyrithione copper(II) complexes with significantly increased aqueous solubility. While long PEG chains lead to a decrease in bioactivity, the addition of short PEG chains leads to improved aqueous solubility with retention of activity. One novel complex, [Cu(PyS1)2], has particularly impressive anticancer activity, surpassing that of the parent complex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Coordination Complexes* / pharmacology
  • Copper / pharmacology
  • Organometallic Compounds* / pharmacology
  • Solubility
  • Water

Substances

  • copper pyrithione
  • Water
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Copper
  • Coordination Complexes