Chromium-catechin complex, synthesis and toxicity check using bacterial models

Chromium-catechin complex was synthesized by reacting [Cr(H2O)6]2+ (hexa-aqua) with catechin as a ligand. Toxicity studies were carried out for the complex using bacterial models for safer application of this complex in the future as a drug. Chromium-catechin complex was characterized using ESI Mass spectrometry, electronic spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The complex was found mildly inhibitory towards B. subtilis with the mode of action being oxidative damage, targeting cell membrane. The complex was supportive towards E. coli, which was evident from the growth profile and inhibition studies. SEM analysis supported the results of membrane integrity studies, where the bacterial liposomes upon treatment with the complex revealed slight morphological changes in the case of B. subtilis, without any change in the case of E. coli. The toxicity studies on chromium-catechin complex using bacterial model saves time, as well as resources by providing quick and reliable results, which could ease up the work to be done in future with higher group of organisms like animal model. Therefore, in the future, this complex can be used as an antidiabetic drug after performing toxicity studies with animal model. Environmental science; Microbiology; Toxicology; Environmental pollution; Environmental toxicology; Chromium-catechin complex; Hexa-aqua; Ecotoxicology; Biomarkers; Metals.