Antibacterial Activity of Metal—Amine Complexes

The most lipophilic rhodium complexes are the most bacteriostatic, this perhaps correlating with penetration. The surfactant properties of the rhodium complexes have been studied as a model for membrane perturbation [38]. The studies showed that, although membrane distortion with ion leakage occurred, there was no correlation between this leakage and the bacteriocidal concentrations needed for these complexes, and the mechanism of action was not directly related to the membrane effects. Other possible mechanisms have been mentioned [39]. 

The original finding of the antibacterial activity of platinum—amine complexes led, of course, to the discovery of their antitumour activity [40]. The initial electrolysis product from the platinum electrode in Rosenberg s initial experiment was the hexachloroplatinate(IV) species, [PtCl ] 

From the examples given above, it is clear that the apparent relationship between antitumour activity and filamentous growth is not general the only strict correlation is that all antitumour active platinum complexes induce filamentous growth in E, colL Certainly, all bacteriocidal or 

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