Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Mixed Antibiotic-Vitamin Metal Complexes Involving Metronidazole and Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to global health, making it imperative to develop novel therapeutic strategies. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of mixed antibiotic-vitamin metal complexes involving metronidazole and vitamin B1. Metal complexes, known for their unique structural properties, were synthesized with Nickel, Zinc, and Iron salts to enhance the biological efficacy of the parent antibiotics. These complexes were analyzed using various physicochemical methods, including ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopy, and were evaluated for their solubility, elemental composition, and melting points. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized complexes was tested against bacterial strains such as Streptococcus feacalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as fungal strains like Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The results demonstrated that the metal complexes exhibited enhanced antibacterial and antifungal properties compared to the free ligands. Specifically, the zinc and nickel complexes showed significant inhibition against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Aspergillus niger, respectively. This study highlights the potential of metal complexes as promising agents to combat AMR, providing a foundation for future research into drug development and clinical applications.