Copper-Coordinated Thiazoles and Benzothiazoles as Antimicrobial Agents: Comparison
View Latest Version
Please note this is a comparison between Version 1 by DAVID MORALES-MORALES and Version 2 by Lindsay Dong.

Thiazole and benzothiazole are present in different structures with interesting biological effects and are used to develop new effective antimicrobial agents. Moreover, nitrogen atoms that are present in this heterocycle allow for coordination with various metals, forming metal complexes that enhance the biological activity of organic ligands that are often used as commercial drugs.

  • thiazole
  • benzothiazole
  • copper complexes
  • heterocycles
  • azoles
  • antibacterial
  • antifungal

1. Introduction

Heterocycles that contain nitrogen atoms in their structure play an important role in the discovery of new drugs, and such is the case with azoles, which occupy a privileged place in the chemical, biological and medical area due to their contributions to the synthesis of new compounds with therapeutic potential in humans [1]. Among the azoles, it can highlight thiazole (1,3-thiazole), which is one of the most important heterocycles in organic chemistry and in the design of molecules of biological interest [2][3][2,3]. This compound is made up of a five-membered unicycle and contains a sulphur atom (hydrogen bond acceptor) in the S1 position and a nitrogen atom (donor of an electron pair) in the N3 position [4][5][4,5] (Figure 1). The unsubstituted thiazole has a minimal formula, C3H3NS, and is a versatile building block enabling new drug development. It is found in several synthetic substances and in some natural compounds [6][7][6,7]. For example, vitamin B1 (thiamine) contains in its global structure the thiazole nucleus, which serves as an electron trap and participates in the decarboxylation of α-ketoacids and helps the normal functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) due to its role in the synthesis of acetylcholine [8]. In addition, thiazoles are part of various natural products such as alkaloids, steroids, and flavones, among others [9][10][9,10].
Inorganics 11 00185 g001 550
Figure 1.
General structure of thiazole and benzothiazole.

2. Antibacterial and Antifungal Thiazole-Copper(II) Complexes

2.1. Copper Complexes with Monodentate Thiazole Ligands

Sulfathiazole, a sulfa drug, is mainly used in the treatment of respiratory tract and digestive system infections, as well as skin and urinary tract infections [11][66]. This compound can act as a ligand due to the acidic behaviour of the –SO2–NH– site, forming an anionic donor supported by the presence of O, N and/or S atoms in the adjacent heterocyclic ring. This drug was used as a ligand, along with the co-ligand dien (diethylenetriamine) and the copper(II) atom in the Tz-01 complex. Another monodentate sulfathiazole-based mononuclear coordination complex (Tz-02) was obtained; this presented a slightly distorted square pyramidal environment around the copper(II) ion. In addition to sulfathiazole (STz), Tz-02 contains 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as a secondary ligand. The antimicrobial activity of Tz-02 and its free ligand against bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa and E. coli) and fungi (C. albicans and A. flavus) was determined using the microdilution technique. MIC values in S. aureus did not show antibacterial activity for free ligand and Tz-02 (>512 µg/mL).  The neutral complex Tz-03 was obtained with octahedral geometry around the central metal ion. To determine their antibacterial and antifungal activity, the aminothiazole ligand and Tz-03 were tested against human pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) and fungi (A. niger, A. flavus) using the ditch-plate method. Tz-03 showed a larger zone of inhibition for bacteria (12 mm) and fungi (2–9 mm) than the free ligand (0–5 and 0–6 mm, respectively) [12][69]. Finally, the antibacterial activity of a new series of coordination complexes (Tz-04a–Tz-04e) with a distorted octahedral geometry was evaluated against E. coli, B. subtilis and B. cereus using the twofold serial dilution method (Figure 2). /media/item_content/202305/6459df94637f0inorganics-11-00185-g006.png
Inorganics 11 00185 g006 550
Figure 26.
Copper complexes with monodentate thiazole ligands.

2.2. Copper Complexes with Bidentate Thiazole Ligands

On the other hand, coordination complexes that use bidentate ligands that contain different thiazole derivatives in their structure have been reported; such is the case with
Tz-05, which presented a square planar geometry around the metal centre. In the study, the antimicrobial activity was investigated using the disk diffusion method against the bacteria (
, which presented a square planar geometry around the metal centre. In this study, the antimicrobial activity was investigated using the disk diffusion method against the bacteria (
E. coli
,
S. aureus
,
P. aeruginosa
,
B. subtilis
), and the fungi (
C. albicans
and
A. flavus
).
The antimicrobial activity of
Tz-06
was described using a new chalconoid ligand. In this compound, there are keto groups and π-olefin bonds that act as the preferred binding sites for metal ions. In
Tz-06,
the nitrogen atom of the thiazole and the oxygen of the carbonyl group act as effective donors on the metal bond to obtain a complex with a square planar geometry. 
Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has been used as an organic ligand in coordination complexes to produce better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and to study their chemical characteristics. In
Tz-07
, meloxicam acts in a monobasic bidentate manner and coordinates through the oxygen of the amide and the nitrogen of the thiazole rings, forming a complex with a slightly distorted octahedral geometry.
Tz-07
was tested on several species of bacteria (
E. coli
,
S. aureus
,
S. typhi
,
Citrobacter
and
Listeria
) and fungi (
A. niger
and
P. expansum
) using the disk diffusion method and calculating the value of MIC.
On the other hand,
Tz-08
was obtained with two bidentate ligands coordinated to the metal centre and was evaluated in
S. aureus
by the agar diffusion method.
Tz-08
did not show relevant antibacterial activity in
S. aureus; however, the scholars mention that it would be important to test this hexacoordinated copper(II) complex using other microorganism species to prove its potential [13]. The heterobimetallic mixed complexes (
; however, the scholars mention that it would be important to test this hexacoordinated copper(II) complex using other microorganism species to prove its potential [74]. The heterobimetallic mixed complexes (
Tz-09a–TZ-09c
) presented an octahedral geometry and were evaluated in the
S. aureus
and
E. coli
strains by the agar disk diffusion method.
Tz-09a
and
Tz-09c
were highly sensitive against
S. aureus
, while the same complexes exhibited resistance against
E. coli
.
Tz-09b
presented resistance against both bacteria. 
Tz-10
was reported to have a distorted octahedral geometry and was tested for its antibacterial activity on
S. aureus
,
B. subtilis
,
E. coli
, and
Streptococcus
and for its antifungal activity on
C. albicans
and
A. niger
by the agar well diffusion method.
Tz-10
showed an antibacterial inhibition zone of 12–15 mm and an antifungal inhibition zone of 8–10 mm, respectively. In addition, the MIC values of
Tz-10 were determined, and ranges of 17–22 μg/mL for antibacterial activity and 13–22 μg/mL for antifungal activity were found, respectively [14]. Sulfathiazole was used again, but this time as a bidentate ligand, and the hexacoordinated copper(II) complex (
were determined, and ranges of 17–22 μg/mL for antibacterial activity and 13–22 μg/mL for antifungal activity were found, respectively [76]. Sulfathiazole was used again, but this time as a bidentate ligand, and the hexacoordinated copper(II) complex (
Tz-11
) was obtained, which presented a distorted octahedral geometry. The complex was tested in bacteria such as
S. aureus
,
E. coli
and
P. aeruginosa
by determining the MIC value. 
Tz-12
was prepared from
N
-(2-thiazolyl)-1
H
-benzotriazole-1-carbothioamide, a polydentate ligand with several coordination sites (benzotriazole, carbothioamide, and thiazole). The thiazole donor sites (N and C-S-) of two ligand molecules were coordinated with a copper(II) ion, obtaining a structure with a square planar geometry. Preliminary biological screening was carried out at 20 mg/mL with
S. aureus
and
E. coli
. 
 Two new tetracopper(II) (
Tz-13a
–
Tz-13b
) complexes with a square-pyramidal geometry were reported. The in vitro antibacterial activities of
Tz-13a-b
were qualitatively determined by the paper disc method against
S. aureus
,
B. subtilis
,
E. coli
,
P. vulgaris
and
P. aeruginosa
. Furthermore, the complexes were evaluated by calculating the MIC value using the microdilution broth method. Both complexes showed good antibacterial activity (10–16 mm for
Tz-13a
and 12–20 mm for
Tz-13b
) against the selected microorganisms. In addition,
Tz-13a
presented MIC values in the range of 50 to 180 μM, while
Tz-13b
was in the range of 25 to 140 μM against the selected microorganisms. The scholars deduced that the higher activity of
Tz-13b
may be due to the better permeability of the
trans-oxamido structure of the bacterial cells [15].
In
-oxamido structure of the bacterial cells [79].
In
Tz-14
, the organic ligand was coordinated through the nitrogen atom of the thiazole ring and the amino group linked to C2, and it acted in a bidentate manner. According to the spectroscopic results, the geometry of
Tz-14
was square planar. The disk diffusion method was used to measure the antimicrobial activity of
Tz-14
against different bacteria (
S. pyogenes
,
P. aeruginosa
and
E. coli
) and a fungus (
Candida
). 
In the
Tz-15a
–
Tz-15e
complexes, the scholars did not report the structure; however, spectral studies revealed that the ligand is attached to the metal ion through the nitrogen atoms of the azomethine group and the thiazole ring. The effect of the anions on the antibacterial activity of the ligand and its metal complexes against the strains
P. aeruginosa
,
K. pneumoniae
,
S. typhi
,
V. cholera
and
B. megaterium
was examined. The free ligand presented a low zone of inhibition for
K. pneumoniae
and
P. aeruginosa
(2 mm) and a slightly higher one for the other three bacteria (6–8 mm).
Tz-15e
and
Tz-15b
produced a very high inhibition halo for
P. aeruginosa
(28–22 mm) and
K. pneumoniae
(18–12 mm), and in other bacteria, the inhibition halo was low (8–10 mm).
Tz-15d
showed moderate inhibition (6–18 mm) for all bacteria tested. The least effective bactericides were
Tz-15a
(4–8 mm) and
Tz-15c
(2–10 mm). The difference in the antibacterial activity of the
Tz-15a
–
Tz-15e was related to the anions present in the complexes [16].
For
was related to the anions present in the complexes [81].
For
Tz-16
, the scholars did not report the structure; however, the data from the elemental analyses and the determined molecular weight suggest a 1:2 stoichiometry (metal-ligand) and a mononuclear nature of the complex ML
2
. 
The mixed heterobimetallic complex
Tz-17
possesses a square planar structure conferred by the Schiff base ligand. Its antibacterial activity against various pathogenic bacteria (
E. coli
,
S. aureus
,
P. aeruginosa
and
K. pneumoniae
) was determined using the paper disk diffusion method.
The heterobimetallic complexes (
Tz-18a–Tz-18d
) with the square planar structure were proposed, and the effect of anions (sulphate, nitrate, acetate or oxalate) on antibacterial activity was studied. They were screened against various pathogenic bacteria (
E. coli
,
S. aureus
,
P. aeruginosa
and
K. pneumoniae
) using the paper disk diffusion method. The complex with the nitrate anion (
Tz-18a
) presented the highest percentage of inhibition (82–100%) in
E. coli
., while in
S. aureus
, there was no difference in the percentage of inhibition with respect to the anions used (64–82%). On the other hand, in
P. aeruginosa
, the complex with the acetate anion (
Tz-18d
) presented the highest percentage of inhibition (82–100%). In
K. pneumoniae, the complexes with nitrate, acetate and oxalate anions presented a higher percentage of inhibition (64–82%). With these evaluations, it was concluded that anions play an important role in the biological behaviour of copper(II) and iron(II) complexes. Some factors, such as solubility, conductivity, dipole moment, and cell permeability mechanism, are influenced by the presence of these anions [17] (
, the complexes with nitrate, acetate and oxalate anions presented a higher percentage of inhibition (64–82%). With these evaluations, it was concluded that anions play an important role in the biological behaviour of copper(II) and iron(II) complexes. Some factors, such as solubility, conductivity, dipole moment, and cell permeability mechanism, are influenced by the presence of these anions [84] (
Figure 3).
7).
Inorganics 11 00185 g007 550
Figure 37. Copper complexes with bidentate thiazole ligands.
In the exploration of novel compounds with antimicrobial activity, complexes with bidentate ligands derived from thiazole have been reported, for example,
Tz-19a
with elongated octahedral geometry and
Tz-19b
,
Tz-20,
and
Tz-21
with distorted square-pyramidal geometry.
Tz-20
is a dinuclear complex, and
Tz-21
is a polymeric complex. Both complexes did not affect the bacterial growth of
P. aeruginosa
and
S. aureus
. However, moderate antifungal activity was observed, especially in the case of
Tz-19b
and
Tz-21,
with MIC values of 31.25 µg/mL for both compounds against
C. albicans
and no significant activity against
C. parapsilosis
. Activity in
C. albicans was related to the ability to inhibit the hyphal formation of this strain [18].
was related to the ability to inhibit the hyphal formation of this strain [85].
Furthermore, in all these cases, thiabendazole (TBZH), an anthelmintic, is used as a bidentate ligand. The copper(II) complex
Tz-22
presented a distorted square pyramidal geometry in which two equatorial positions are occupied by the secondary ligand Gly-L-Val (N,O) and the other two by the thiabendazole ligand (N,N), while the axial position is occupied by an O atom from H
2
O. 
Tz-23a
was tested in four bacteria (
S. aureus
,
B. subtilis
,
S. typhi
, and
E. coli
) by the double dilution technique. The MIC value of the ligand was in the range of 320 to 512 μg/mL while for
Tz-23a, it was in the range of 128–160 μg/mL [19].
it was in the range of 128–160 μg/mL [88].
Tz-23b
showed an MIC value of 160 μg/mL in
B. subtilis
,
S. aureus
,
Salmonella
, and
E. coli [20]. For
[89]. For
Tz-24,
the central copper(II) ion was reported to be penta-coordinated and exhibited a distorted square pyramidal coordination geometry. 
Other complexes using mixed ligands were reported, and such was the case with
Tz-25
. This compound crystallized in the triclinic space group and was tested in both
Gram
-positive and
Gram
-negative bacteria. The best results were reported for
B. subtilis
and
E. coli
, with a MIC value of 0.5 μg/mL for both strains, while in
Salmonella, the MIC value was 2 μg/mL [21]. In all three cases—
, the MIC value was 2 μg/mL [90]. In all three cases—
Tz-23a
,
Tz-23b
, and
Tz-25
—the scholars attributed the result to the ability of the complex to bind to DNA in an intercalated fashion and cleave from pBR322 DNA. In the complexes
Tz-26a
–
Tz-26b
, the resulting coordination geometry was described as slightly distorted trigonal bipyramidal. The complexes were tested against bacteria (
B. subtilis
,
S. aureus
,
Salmonella
and
E. coli
). In addition, the MIC value was determined by the two-fold serial tube dilution method. The results showed that the antibacterial activity of
Tz-26a
(16–64 µg/mL) was better than that of
Tz-26b
(128–256 µg/mL) and that of the free ligand (512 µg/mL).
Thiabendazole complexes (
Tz-27a
–
Tz-27d
) were obtained from two chelating ligands coordinated to copper(II) centres and exhibited a trigonal bipyramidal geometry. The complexes were tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of
C. albicans
at a concentration of 10 µg/mL, and the results were presented as percentage of cell growth. The free ligand presented a very poor growth inhibition (76%). However, when neutral thiabendazole was coordinated to the copper(II) ion, very potent anti-candida drugs were generated (
Tz-27a
= 54%,
Tz-27b
= 29%,
Tz-27c
= 30%,
Tz-27d = 19%). In this case, the scholars mention that the mode of action of the complexes involves a reduction in the ergosterol content of the fungal cells [22] (
= 19%). In this case, the scholars mention that the mode of action of the complexes involves a reduction in the ergosterol content of the fungal cells [92] (
Figure 4).
8).
Inorganics 11 00185 g008 550
Figure 48. Copper complexes with bidentate thiazole ligands functionalized with pyridine and benzimidazole.

2.3. Copper Complexes with Tridentate Thiazole Ligands

Complexes containing a tridentate thiazole ligand have also been reported, and such is the case with the
Tz-28a
–
Tz-28c
complexes, which were reported as hybrid compounds, since they contain two bioactive moieties: s-triazine and thiazole.
Tz-29
with octahedral geometry was tested for antibacterial (
M. luteus
and
E. coli
) and antifungal (
A. niger
and
A. terreus) activity by the disk diffusion bioassay method. The results were based on the zone of inhibition for bacteria (16–11 mm) and fungi (17–15 mm), respectively, and were considerably better than those found for the free ligand for bacteria (13–12 mm) and fungi (15–14 mm). The scholars mention that metal complexes increased their lipophilic capacity as a result of chelation, which favours their uptake through the lipid membrane of microbes [23]. A bisthiazole derivative was used in the synthesis of
) activity by the disk diffusion bioassay method. The results were based on the zone of inhibition for bacteria (16–11 mm) and fungi (17–15 mm), respectively, and were considerably better than those found for the free ligand for bacteria (13–12 mm) and fungi (15–14 mm). The scholars mention that metal complexes increased their lipophilic capacity as a result of chelation, which favours their uptake through the lipid membrane of microbes [94]. A bisthiazole derivative was used in the synthesis of
Tz-30
, which exhibited square pyramidal geometry. The antibacterial potential for
E. coli
,
S. aureus
and
P. aeruginosa
, as well as the antifungal potential for
C. albicans
, were determined by agar dilution tests. 
Additionally,
Tz-31
was reported with a tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry and was tested against some bacteria strains (
E. coli
,
P. aeruginosa
,
S. aureus
and
B. subtilis) by the well diffusion method. Coordination resulted in excellent inhibition in bacteria (40–45 mm), while ligand showed moderate inhibition (30–35 mm) [24].
) by the well diffusion method. Coordination resulted in excellent inhibition in bacteria (40–45 mm), while ligand showed moderate inhibition (30–35 mm) [96].
The antimicrobial activity of the ligand used in the synthesis of the
Tz-32a
–
Tz-32f complexes (octahedral geometry) was reported using the cup plate method and by the serial dilution technique. The MIC values of the free ligand were found to be in the range of 15–20 mg/mL. In this case, the complexes were tested as insecticides and pesticides and showed a lower poisoning rate than commercial pesticides and insecticides [25][26]. In the case of the complexes
complexes (octahedral geometry) was reported using the cup plate method and by the serial dilution technique. The MIC values of the free ligand were found to be in the range of 15–20 mg/mL. In this case, the complexes were tested as insecticides and pesticides and showed a lower poisoning rate than commercial pesticides and insecticides [97,98]. In the case of the complexes
Tz-32g
–
Tz-32i
reportedly with an octahedral geometry, they were tested in vitro against bacteria (
E. coli
and
S. aureus
) using the paper disc method at a concentration of 500 and 1000 ppm and against fungi (
A. flavus
and
A. niger
) using the mycelium dry weight method. 
Additionally,
Tz-33
was obtained using a Schiff base ligand derived from 2-aminothiazole, and it exhibited a distorted octahedral geometry. The bacteria detection effect of
Tz-33
was tested against
S. aureus
,
B. subtilis
,
P. aeuroginosa
, and
P. vulgaris
by the well-diffusion method with different dilutions (20 μL, 40 μL, and 60 μL). 
In the copper(II) complex
Tz-34
, the Schiff base acted as a tridentate ligand, and magnetic susceptibility data suggested that the geometric structure of
Tz-34
was square planar. Its antimicrobial activity was examined with different species of bacteria (
B. subtilis
,
S. aureus
,
E. coli
and
P. aeruginosa
) by the well diffusion method at different concentrations (30, 60, 90 µg). As a result, it was detected that
Tz-34
had greater activity (14–20 mm) than the free ligand (13 mm) at 90 µg, highlighting that for
P. aeruginosa
, the ligand did not present activity but that
Tz-34
showed inhibition at 60 µg. (11 mm). In the case of
Tz-35
, an azo compound was used to functionalize the thiazole, and a tridentate chelating agent was obtained, which was coordinated through the phenolic oxygen atom, the nitrogen atom of the azo group (which is the closest phenyl ring), and from the nitrogen atom of the thiazole ring to form two chelated five-membered rings with a distorted octahedral geometry around the metal centre. 
Tz-36
was reported with a distorted square planar geometry. Antimicrobial activity was determined with the disk diffusion method in bacteria (
S. aureus
,
B. subtilis
,
P. aeruginosa
,
E. coli
) and fungi (
C. albicans
and
A. niger
). A comparative study of the zones of inhibition for the free ligand and
Tz-36
showed greater antibacterial activity (10–23 mm) and antifungal activity in
C. albicans
(16 mm) for
Tz-36
with respect to the free ligand (4–18 mm and 11 mm, respectively). The scholars concluded that metal ions increased the lipophilic nature of
Tz-36
. 
Tz-37
was obtained using cefotaxime, a third-generation cephalosporin, as a ligand. With the data acquired from the electronic spectra, the scholars found that the complex has a distorted square planar geometry. Microbiological screening was tested on
S. aureus
,
E. coli
,
K. pneumoniae
,
S. enteritidis
,
P. mirabilis
, and
P. aeruginosa
.
Tz-37
exhibited superior antibacterial activity (38–54 mm) with respect to the free ligand (30–50 mm), except for
P. aeruginosa
.
For
Tz-38a
–
Tz-38i
, the electronic spectral data, together with the magnetic moment, suggested a distorted octahedral geometry for the complexes. The antibacterial activity of the ligand and its complexes against
S. typhi
was tested using the serial dilution technique.
The MIC values for the ligands were in the range of 20–26 µg/mL, while the values of the complexes were in the range of 10–15 µg/mL; that is, the complexes enhanced the antibacterial activity compared to the initial ligands [27] (
The MIC values for the ligands were in the range of 20–26 µg/mL, while the values of the complexes were in the range of 10–15 µg/mL; that is, the complexes enhanced the antibacterial activity compared to the initial ligands [106] (
Figure 5).
9).
Inorganics 11 00185 g009 550
Figure 59. Copper complexes with tridentate thiazole ligands.

2.4. Copper Complexes with Tetradentate Thiazole Ligands

Finally, different complexes with tetradentate ligands have been reported, and such is the case with the functionalized thiazole with several donor sites that was used to obtain the
Tz-39
binuclear complex with an octahedral geometry. The ligand and
Tz-39
were evaluated by the disk diffusion method against bacterial strains (
S. aureus
and
E. coli
) and fungal strains (
C. albicans
). The combination of sulfathiazole and an azo dye in the ligand allowed for obtaining the
Tz-40
binuclear complex. The antibacterial (
S. typhi
murium,
S. aureus
) and antifungal (
C. albicans
,
A. fumigates
) activities were examined utilizing the agar diffusion technique.  On the other hand, the capacity of Schiff bases and sulfonamide derivatives was also used to obtain the binuclear copper chelate
Tz-41
, which exhibited an octahedral geometry.
Tz-42
was reported as a mononuclear complex consisting of a Schiff base-type tetradentate ligand and a central copper atom with square planar geometry. Then, the antibacterial activity (
E. coli
,
P. aeruginosa
,
B. subtilis
and
S. aureus
) was tested by the well diffusion method at different concentrations (30, 60, 90 µg).  The metal complex
Tz-43
with a square planar geometry around the central metal ion was tested against pathogenic bacteria ((
E. coli
,
P. aeruginosa
,
B. subtilis
and
S. aureus
) and one fungal specie (
C. albicans
) by the well diffusion method.
Tz-43
displayed higher antibacterial activity (13–23 mm) than the free ligand (12–14 mm) and much better fungal activity (20 and 14 mm, respectively). The in silico DNA results revealed that
Tz-43 was bound to DNA through hydrogen bonds [28] (
was bound to DNA through hydrogen bonds [111] (
Figure 6).
10).
Inorganics 11 00185 g010 550
Figure 610. Copper complexes with tetradentate thiazole ligands.

3. Antibacterial and Antifungal Benzothiazole-Copper(II) Complexes

3.1. Copper Complexes with Monodentate Benzothiazole Ligands

The compound 2-Aminobenzothiazole and its simple metal complexes are well known for their possible biological activities, which include antimicrobial, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antiulcer, and antitumor, among others [29]. The 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives contain three nucleophilic sites (N, S, NH
The compound 2-Aminobenzothiazole and its simple metal complexes are well known for their possible biological activities, which include antimicrobial, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antiulcer, and antitumor, among others [112]. The 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives contain three nucleophilic sites (N, S, NH
2
); all or some of them could be potential coordination sites.
The benzothiazole used in
Btz-01
contains three potential coordination sites (endocyclic nitrogen, exocyclic nitrogen, and sulphur). Between the three nucleophilic centres, the endocyclic nitrogen is the most basic and easily coordinates with the metal ion, producing a complex with an octahedral geometry. The antibacterial activity of
Btz-01
was evaluated by the well assay, and the MIC value was calculated. The antifungal activity was also determined by the agar tube dilution method. 
In
BTz-02
, the benzothiazole coordinated with the copper ion by monodentate bonding and the crystal structure showed a distorted square pyramidal structure. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the carboxylate group and the amino molecules play an important role in stabilizing the crystal structure. 
In
Btz-03
,
Btz-04a
and
Btz-04b
, two benzothiazoles were coordinated with copper, forming mononuclear and binuclear complexes depending on the reaction conditions. The three complexes were tested for their antibacterial effect on
E. coli
and
S. aureus
and for their antifungal activity in
R. mucilaginosa
,
C. albidosimilis
,
P. citrinum
and
A. niger
by the double serial dilution method, and the MIC value was calculated. All three complexes showed moderate antibacterial effects between 10 and 20 µg/mL. 
Considering that the change in the structure of the substituent at the C2 position of the benzothiazole commonly results in a change in its bioactivity, the derivatives
Btz-05a
–
Btz-05b
were synthesized. These compounds were reported with a square planar geometry and were evaluated for their antibacterial (
S. aureus
,
S. pyogenus
,
E. coli
and
P. aeruginosa
) and antifungal (
C. albicans
,
A. niger
,
A. clavatus
) activity by the broth dilution method. The bioassays showed specific activity in the inhibition of the growth of the four bacteria studied (62.5–200 µg/mL). Meanwhile, in the fungicidal activity,
Btz-05a
–
Btz-05b
did not show significant activity (500–1000 µg/mL). In general,
Btz-05a
–
Btz-05b exhibited better antibacterial activity (125–500 µg/mL) than their free ligands [30] (
exhibited better antibacterial activity (125–500 µg/mL) than their free ligands [115] (
Figure 7).
11).
Inorganics 11 00185 g011 550
Figure 711. Copper complexes with monodentate benzothiazole ligands.

3.2. Copper Complexes with Bidentate Benzothiazole Ligands

Benzothiazole and its derivatives are of great interest due to their coordination capacity, which is favoured by the delocalized π system in their structures. These compounds are capable of binding to molecules of biological interest, such as DNA, through π–π interactions [30]. In this sense, the antimicrobial activity of bidentate complexes derived from benzothiazole has been reported. In

Benzothiazole and its derivatives are of great interest due to their coordination capacity, which is favoured by the delocalized π system in their structures. These compounds are capable of binding to molecules of biological interest, such as DNA, through π–π interactions [115]. In this sense, the antimicrobial activity of bidentate complexes derived from benzothiazole has been reported. In

Btz-06

it was reported that the ligand acted as a bidentate agent that coordinated through the nitrogen atoms of the benzothiazole fragment, and it was also reported that the complex adopted a square planar geometry. The antimicrobial potential of

Btz-06

was evaluated against bacteria (

B. subtilis

,

S. aureus

,

K. oxytoca

,

E. coli

,

P. mirabilis

and

P. aeruginosa

) and fungi (

A. niger

,

A. flavus

and

R. stolonifera

) by the agar diffusion method at 250 µg/mL and by the MIC value. 

In 2015, two new copper(II) complexes,

Btz-07

and

Btz-08

, were reported. The scholars found that

Btz-07

was mononuclear and had a distorted square pyramidal geometry.

Btz-08

was a thiocyanate bridged species in which each copper(II) ion adopted an irregular octahedral geometry.

For

Btz-09a

-

Btz-09b

, in the single crystal XRD analysis, a distorted tetrahedron was found around the central metal ion for both complexes. Then, the antibacterial activity was tested against

S. aureus

,

B. cereus

and

S. typhi

using the diffusion method. The inhibition zone of the ligand free is smaller (14–18 mm) than that of

BTz-09a

(14–24 mm) and

Btz-09b

(15–21 mm). These results showed that

Btz-09a

-

Btz-09

were more bioactive than the free ligand.

BTz-10
is a copper(II) chelate and has a square planar geometry. This compound was evaluated against
S. aureus
,
E. coli
, and
K. pneumoniae Although Btz-10 was successfully characterized, no data was obtained indicating acceptable bioactivity against the bacteria tested. The scholars suggested that the concentration used was not sufficient to inhibit bacterial growth [31]
Although Btz-10 was successfully characterized, no data was obtained indicating acceptable bioactivity against the bacteria tested. The scholars suggested that the concentration used was not sufficient to inhibit bacterial growth [119]
Btz-11
was described as a coordinated compound with a slightly distorted square pyramid geometry.
Btz-11
was tested on
E. coli
,
Salmonella
,
B. subtilis
and
S. aureus
and showed good antibacterial activities against these microorganisms (160–256 µg/mL) compared to the free ligand (1024 µg/mL).
Btz-12
with a square planar geometry was used as an antibacterial agent against
E. coli
,
S. aureus
,
B. subtilis
and
P. aeruginosa
by the cup plate method.
Btz-12
was active against
E. coli
,
S. aureus
, and
B. subtilis
(8–10 mm), and no inhibition was detected against
P. aeruginosa
. The free ligand was active in
E. coli
and
B. subtilis
but with increases in the inhibition zone (13 mm) with respect to
Btz-12 [32].
[123].
Btz-13
with a square planar geometry was tested in vitro against pathogenic bacteria (
E. coli
and
S. aureus
) and fungi (
C. albicans
) by the agar streak dilution method to determine the MIC value.  In bacteria isolated under clinical conditions,
Btz-14a
and
Btz-14b
did not show antibacterial activity, while both ligands showed antimicrobial activity in
E. coli
and
P. aeruginosa
(10 mg/mL). In the bacterial strains, Btz-14a showed antimicrobial activity in
S. aureus
(10 mg/mL), while the free ligand (R=H) was active in
P. aeruginosa
,
S. aureus
,
C. krusei
and
C. albicans
(2.5–20 mg/mL).  In the case of
Btz-15
, its potential as an antibacterial (
S. aureus
,
B. cereus
,
M. roseus
) and antifungal (
A. flavus
,
A. niger
,
P. chrysogenum
) agent was evaluated by the disk diffusion method.
Btz-15
showed a slight increase in the inhibition zones (7–13 mm) with respect to the free ligand (4–12 mm). The antimicrobial activity of
Btz-15
stood out in
M. roseus
and
A. niger
(13 and 10 mm), and it was inactive in
A flavus [33].
[128].
The results obtained with these investigations that include more sulphur atoms to the main ligand could be related to the studies that indicate that sulphur compounds regulate the potential toxic effects of metal ions such as copper [34][35][36][37] (
The results obtained with these investigations that include more sulphur atoms to the main ligand could be related to the studies that indicate that sulphur compounds regulate the potential toxic effects of metal ions such as copper [129,130,131,132] (
Figure 8).
12).
Inorganics 11 00185 g012 550
Figure 812. Copper complexes with bidentate benzothiazole ligands.
Recent research compared the use of benzothiazole derivatives containing the hydrazone moiety and different substituents on the aromatic rings. The purpose was to determine the form of coordination of these ligands and their influence on biological activity. The scholars reported different copper complexes with bidentate and tridentate ligands as in
Btz-16
,
Btz-22
–
Btz-24 [38],
[138],
Btz-17a
,
Btz-17b
,
Btz-20 [39], and even using mixed ligands as in
[139], and even using mixed ligands as in
Btz-18
,
Btz-19
,
Btz-25 [40]. The complexes presented different distorted geometries; for example,
[140]. The complexes presented different distorted geometries; for example,
Btz-16
and
Btz-22a
were pseudotetrahedral;
Btz-17a
and
Btz-17b
were octahedral;
Btz-18
,
Btz-20
,
BTz-22b
,
Btz-23a
,
Btz-23b
and
Btz-25
were square pyramidal; and
Btz-19
and
Btz-24
were square planar. Moreover, in the IR spectrum, the absorption band of the NH group disappears, indicating the tautomeric form of the
Btz-16
,
Btz-19
,
Btz-20
and
Btz-24
complexes. In all cases, for antimicrobial activity, 10 μL of a 10
−4
M solution of each complex was used against bacteria (
E. coli
,
P. aeruginosa
,
Staphylococcus coagulase-positive
,
Streptococcus β-hemolytic type A
,
Streptococcus β-hemolytic type B
and
S. aureus
) and fungi (
C. albicans
). The ligand used in the synthesis of
Btz-16
,
Btz-17a
,
Btz-17b
and
Btz-20
with methoxy and amino groups as substituents on the phenyl ring did not show antimicrobial activity. Ligands used in the synthesis of
Btz-18
,
Btz-19
and
Btz-22
–
Btz-25
with dimethylamino and hydroxyl groups as substituents on the phenyl ring were weak inhibitors (0–3 mm). Nevertheless, all the complexes were biologically active. The most active bidentate ligand complexes were
Btz-17a
,
Btz-18
and
Btz-19
(2–5 mm), and the most active tridentate ligand complexes were
Btz-22a
,
Btz-24
and
Btz-25
(1–5 mm). The scholars mention that it is possibly due to the more rapid diffusion of these metal complexes through the cell membrane.
On the other hand,
Btz-21
was tested as an antibacterial and antifungal agent by the agar diffusion method.
Btz-21
showed good antibacterial activity against
E. coli
and
B. subtilis
, with inhibition zones of 2.5 and 2.0 mm, respectively. The study of antifungal activity showed inhibition zones of 1.6 and 1.4 mm against
A. niger
and
A. flavus
, respectively. Nonetheless, the free ligand showed antimicrobial activity only in
B. subtilis, with an inhibition halo of 1.1 mm [41] (
, with an inhibition halo of 1.1 mm [141] (
Figure 9 and
13 and
Figure 10).
4).
Inorganics 11 00185 g013 550
Figure 913. Copper complexes with bidentate benzothiazole ligands functionalized with hydrazine moieties.
Inorganics 11 00185 g014 550
Figure 104. Copper complexes with tridentate benzothiazole ligands functionalized with hydrazine moieties.

3.3. Copper Complexes with Tridentate and Tetradentate Benzothiazole Ligands

Tridentate complexes have been reported by different research groups and have been used as antimicrobial agents. For example,
Btz-26
with an octahedral geometry was screened against bacteria (
E. coli
and
P. aeruginosa
) and fungi (
A. niger
and
Cladosporium
). A new Schiff base type ligand was used to obtain
Btz-27
, which is a dinuclear copper complex that adopts a pentacoordinate quasi-square pyramidal geometry.
Btz-28
with octahedral geometry was proposed as a candidate for the evaluation of antibacterial (
S. aureus
and
E. coli
) and antifungal (
C. albicans
and
A. fumigatus
) activity by the broth microdilution method.
Btz-29
with octahedral geometry was proposed as a candidate to test its antimicrobial activity against bacteria (
M. luteus
and
E. coli
) and fungi (
A. niger
and
A. terreus
) using the disk diffusion bioassay method.
Btz-30
with an octahedral geometry was tested in bacteria (
S. aureus
,
S. epidermis
,
P. aeruginosa
,
Streptococcus
,
E. coli
,
Klebsiella
sp.) and fungi (
C. albicans
) by employing the disk diffusion method.
Btz-31
is a copper(II) complex whose structural analysis revealed a distorted square pyramidal geometry. The antibacterial activity of
Btz-31
against bacteria (
S. epidermidis
and
A. baumannii
) was studied.
Btz-32
with an octahedral geometry was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria (
S. aureus
,
Enterococcus
,
S. viridans
,
E. coli
,
P. aeruginosa
and
K. pneumoniae
) and fungi (
A. niger
and
A. flavus
). 
On the other hand,
Btz-33
was described as a monomeric complex with octahedral geometry. Therefore, a bioassay of
Btz-33
and the free ligand was carried out by analysing an antibiogram to determine its antibacterial activity. Antibiograms showed that the free ligand was inactive in
E. coli
, but there was an improvement in the inhibitory activity of
Btz-33 [42].
[149].
Btz-34
was reported as a phenoxyde bridged tetranuclear copper(II) complex. This compound presented an octahedral geometry and was tested in bacteria (
P. aeruginosa
,
S. aureus
) and fungi (
A. niger
and
C. albicans
) at different concentrations (5–100 μg/mL).
Btz-35
was a reported binuclear complex with a square pyramidal geometry and was tested in bacteria (
P. aeruginosa
and
B. cirroflagellosus
) and fungi (
A. niger
and
C. albicans
) by the cup plate method.
Btz-35
presented low inhibition in
P. aeruginosa
(5.2%) but high antimicrobial inhibition in
B. cirroflagellosus
,
A. niger
and
C. albicans (61.9 to 260%) [43] (
(61.9 to 260%) [151] (
Figure 11).
5).
Inorganics 11 00185 g015 550
Figure 115. Copper complexes with diverse tridentate and tetradentate benzothiazole ligands.
© Text is available under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
ScholarVision Creations
Feedback