Metalloantibiotics: synthesis and antibacterial activity of cefepime metal complexes

Cefepime interacts with transition metal(II) ions to give [M(cefepime)Cl2] complexes (M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II)) which were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The complexes are insoluble in water and common organic solvents, and probably have polymeric structures. The spectra indicated that the ligand is a multidentate chelating agent. The complexes have been screened for antibacterial activity against several bacteria and showed activity less than that of free cefepime.