Exploration of Rhenium Bisquinoline Tricarbonyl Complexes for their Antibacterial Properties

Metal complexes are a promising compound class against antimicrobial resistance. In exploring transition metal compounds, rhenium tricarbonyl has emerged as a promising scaffold. In article 10.1002/cbic.202400435, Angelo Frei and co-workers prepare eight novel rhenium bisquinoline tricarbonyl complexes, observing significant activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, these complexes show significant human cell toxicity, challenging their prospects as metalloantibiotics. The authors conduct the first mode of action studies, revealing pore formation in bacterial membranes. Their straightforward synthesis and tunability suggest potential for further optimization to enhance bacterial specificity.