A New Bioactive Complex between Zn(II) and a Fluorescent Symmetrical Benzanthrone Tripod for an Antibacterial Textile

A new fluorescent Zn(II) complex of symmetrical tripod form based on a 3-substituted benzanthrone (BT) has been synthesized and characterised. The basic photophysical properties of the new metal complex have been determined. It has been found by fluorescence spectroscopy that, one zinc ion forms a complex with the tripod ligand. The surface morphology of the ligand and its Zn(II) complex has been investigated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used for the characterisation of the chemical composition of the complex surfaces. The antibacterial activity of the Zn(II) complex has been investigated in solution and upon its deposition onto a cotton fabric. A reduction of biofilm formation on the surface of the cotton fabric has been observed compared to the non-treated cotton material. The results obtained demonstrate that the studied Zn(II) complex possesses good antimicrobial activity being most effective against the used Gram-positive bacteria.