Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Cyclam‐Based Metal Complexes on Antibacterial Coatings

ABSTRACT Zinc(II) and copper(II) complexes supported by trans ‐disubstituted cyclam ligands were quantitatively prepared and fully characterized. The Zn(II) complex [{H 2 ( 4‐CF3 PhCH 2 ) 2 Cyclam}Zn(CH 3 COO)](CH 3 COO) revealed significant antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive ( Staphylococcus aureus , MIC = 1–4 μg/mL) and Gram‐negative ( Escherichia coli , MIC = 4 μg/mL and Acinetobacter baumannii , MIC = 2 μg/mL) bacteria. Incorporation of the Zn(II) complex at 0.5 wt.% into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based coating impaired bacterial surface colonization, significantly reducing S. aureus colonized area by 30% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6%–59.2%) and E. coli bacterial volume by 58% (95% CI, 24.7%–92.0%), although no significant effect on bacterial viability was observed. The incorporation of a cyclam‐based metal complex into a PDMS‐based coating provided a distinct approach to developing surfaces capable of limiting bacterial colonization. Therefore, these results provide a new insight into the potential of cyclam‐based metal complexes as additives for the development of functional antimicrobial coatings.