Luminescent Silver-Purine Double Helicate: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Antibacterial Action

The synthesis, self‐assembly and antibacterial activity of a luminescent silver–purine double helicate is reported. The structure of the newly synthesized silver‐supported helicate [C36H24N16O4Cl5Ag1] was unambiguously characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. It exhibited a bright bluish‐green emission (λmax=460 nm), when excited with 380 nm light. Microscopic investigations showed that the complex has a propensity to self‐assemble into nanospheres. The antibacterial activity of this silver‐containing helicate was studied against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) values showed that the complex is very active against Gram‐negative bacteria. Further internalization of the silver complex into E. coli bacteria was mapped with the help of microscopic techniques. These results are significant as silver was recently found to enhance antibiotic action against Gram‐negative bacteria, raising hope in countering severe bacterial infections. A silver lining: A luminescent silver–purine complex was synthesized which self‐assembles to form a double helicate with antibacterial properties. Cell internalization of this complex was followed by fluorescence spectroscopy and it was found to have more pronounced inhibitory activity towards the Gram‐negative bacteria.