Benzimidazolium-acridine-based silver N-heterocyclic carbene complexes as potential anti-bacterial and anti-cancer drug

A series of benzimidazolium ligands based on a 9-amino-acridine core has been prepared and converted into silver-carbene complexes. Biological studies suggest potential for the development of new anticancer drugs. [Display omitted] •Benzimidazolium acridines and their Ag-carbene complexes exhibit low toxicity.•Ag-complexation increases anticancer activity of benzimidazolium acridines.•Benzanellation does not increase anticancer activity of imidazolium acridines.•Benzanellation does not increase antibacterial activity of imidazolium acridines. A series of N-alkylated benzimidazolium salts based on 9-substituted acridine has been synthesized and subsequently converted into the corresponding Ag(I) carbene complexes. The compounds were characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Identity and purity were confirmed by HRMS and elemental analysis, respectively. Both, ligands and complexes, were evaluated on their antibacterial and anticancer potential. All complexes exhibited higher activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains than the corresponding ligands. Human cell line experiments indicated low in-vitro cytotoxicity, while some of the complexes showed promising activity against breast cancer cells.