Assessing the Bioactivity of Ruthenium β-Diketonate Complexes Through Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion and Monitored Real-Time Growth Assay

Presenter(s)

Dylan Wolfe

Abstract

Ruthenium(II) β-diketonate complexes present a novel approach for combating a wide range of pathogens. While similar complexes have shown some anticancer properties, their use as an antimicrobial has gone mostly unexplored. This study seeks to investigate the potential antimicrobial properties of a variety of these complexes including some curcuminoid-substituted complexes. Curcuminoids were specifically chosen as a ligand as they are analogues of curcumin, found in turmeric, which has shown some antimicrobial activity. Using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assays, we screened these compounds for activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds exhibiting antimicrobial activity were subsequently subjected to a monitored real-time growth assay to further evaluate their bioactivity. To date, one candidate has shown promising results against E. coli and S. aureus in preliminary screenings, with additional compounds being tested. As antibiotic resistance continues to rise, identifying new therapeutic agents becomes increasingly urgent. The results from this investigation may serve as a foundation for further in vitro and in vivo studies, advancing the development of these compounds as potential drug candidates.

College

College of Science & Engineering

Department

Chemistry

Campus

Winona

First Advisor/Mentor

Jonathon Mauser

Second Advisor/Mentor

Joseph K. West

Start Date

4-24-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

4-24-2025 10:00 AM

Presentation Type

Poster Session

Format of Presentation or Performance

In-Person

Session

1a=9am-10am

Poster Number

67

Comments

No poster file.

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Apr 24th, 9:00 AM Apr 24th, 10:00 AM

Assessing the Bioactivity of Ruthenium β-Diketonate Complexes Through Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion and Monitored Real-Time Growth Assay

Ruthenium(II) β-diketonate complexes present a novel approach for combating a wide range of pathogens. While similar complexes have shown some anticancer properties, their use as an antimicrobial has gone mostly unexplored. This study seeks to investigate the potential antimicrobial properties of a variety of these complexes including some curcuminoid-substituted complexes. Curcuminoids were specifically chosen as a ligand as they are analogues of curcumin, found in turmeric, which has shown some antimicrobial activity. Using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assays, we screened these compounds for activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds exhibiting antimicrobial activity were subsequently subjected to a monitored real-time growth assay to further evaluate their bioactivity. To date, one candidate has shown promising results against E. coli and S. aureus in preliminary screenings, with additional compounds being tested. As antibiotic resistance continues to rise, identifying new therapeutic agents becomes increasingly urgent. The results from this investigation may serve as a foundation for further in vitro and in vivo studies, advancing the development of these compounds as potential drug candidates.