Synthesis, iron(III)-binding affinity and in vitro evaluation of 3-hydroxypyridin-4-one hexadentate ligands as potential antimicrobial agents

Iron is a critical element for the survival of bacteria. We have designed and synthesized two novel 3-hydroxypyridin-4-one hexadentate ligands with high affinity for iron(III), which disrupt bacterial iron absorption. Biological studies demonstrate that these two chelators have significant inhibitory effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and therefore have potential as antimicrobial agents.