A New Cu(II) Complex of PAMAM Dendrimer Modified with 1,8-Naphthalimide: Antibacterial and Anticancer Activity

Abstract

A new fluorescent PAMAM copper complex ([Cu2(D)(NO3)4]) has been synthesized and identified. The formation of the complex has been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy which revealed two copper ions to be bound to the dendrimer ligand. That has also been confirmed upon subjecting the solid copper complex to electron paramagnetic spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of the copper complex against Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in light and the dark has been studied. The results demonstrate an increase in its activity when irradiated with daylight. This activity of the copper complex is retained even after being loaded onto a cotton cloth. The antitumor activity of the copper complex and dendrimer ligand against triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells has been investigated as well.