LAUSR

Abstract Two new coinage metal complexes, namely [Cu(bztpy)Cl2] (1) and [Ag2(bztpy)2](CF3SO3) (2) (where bztpy = 2,6-bis(benzothiazole)-pyridine) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The coordination geometry of 1 is distorted square pyramidal, while in case of the dinuclear complex 2, the two crystallographically distinct Ag centers resides in a highly distorted trigonal coordination environment. In this structure the two ligands bind the metal centers in a way that results in a double helical pattern. Both complexes exert strong antimicrobial actions against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strain. The zone of bacterial clearance by complex 2 in SSTI (soft tissue and skin infection) model is found to be comparable to that by silver nitrate. For both types of pathogens, complex 2 inflicts superior growth inhibition compared to complex 1 under same experimental conditions.