Novel amidase catalysed process for the synthesis of vorinostat drug.

AIM: Presently, N-hydroxy-N'-phenyloctanediamide (vorinostat) which is an effective histone deacetylase inhibitor, is being synthesized chemically. Hence, present study aims to develop an eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of vorinostat from N'-phenyloctanediamide through biotransformation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the amidase of Bacillus smithii IIIMB2907 in time course conversion and organic solvent compatibility, maximum bioconversion was observed at 12 h of reaction time and in presence of ethanol, respectively. Potassium phosphate buffer of pH 7·0 supported maximum bioconversion of N'-phenyloctanediamide (10 mmol l-1 ) into N-hydroxy-N'- phenyloctanediamide at 40°C. Bench scale study was successfully carried out with 83% yield of purified vorinostat. CONCLUSION: In this study, an eco-friendly approach for the biotransformation of N'-phenyloctanediamide into vorinostat was developed by using cell free extract of thermophilic strain B. smithii IIIMB2907. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Microbial amidase has achieved remarkable attention in the field of biotransformation for the green synthesis of hydroxamic acids. Utilization of amidase from B. smithii IIIMB2907, specifically in the synthesis of vorinostat drug is a foremost attempt in the development a novel process and can also be employed in the synthesis of its derivatives as well.

Uranium series disequilibrium studies in Chenchu colony area, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

An attempt is made to understand uranium series disequilibrium in unconformity proximal related uranium mineralisation in Chenchu colony area, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The uranium mineralization in Chenchu colony is the western continuity of the Koppunuru uranium deposit and predominantly hosted by gritty quartzite/conglomerate, which occasionally transgresses to underlying basement granite/basic rock. Disequilibrium studies are based on borehole core samples (35 boreholes, No. of samples=634) broadly divided in two groups of cover rocks of Banganapalle formation (above unconformity) and basement granites (below unconformity). Linear regression coefficient between uranium and radium is 0.95, which reflects excellent correlation and significant enrichment of parent uranium. Disequilibrium studies have indicated predominant disequilibrium in favour of parent uranium (35%), which is probably due to the weathering process causing migration of some of the radionuclides while dissolution of minerals due to groundwater action might have also played a significant role. Further, escape of radon might have accentuated the disequilibrium factor resulting in an increase in the grade of the mineralization. This is well corroborated by the presence of fractures and faults in the study area providing channels for radon migration/escape.

Multivariate analysis of subsurface radiometric data in Rongsohkham area, East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya (India): implication on uranium exploration.

Non-coring based exploratory drilling was under taken in the sedimentary environment of Rangsohkham block, East Khasi Hills district to examine the eastern extension of existing uranium resources located at Domiasiat and Wakhyn in the Mahadek basin of Meghalaya (India). Although radiometric survey and radiometric analysis of surface grab/channel samples in the block indicate high uranium content but the gamma ray logging results of exploratory boreholes in the block, did not obtain the expected results. To understand this abrupt discontinuity between the two sets of data (surface and subsurface) multivariate statistical analysis of primordial radioactive elements (K(40), U(238) and Th(232)) was performed using the concept of representative subsurface samples, drawn from the randomly selected 11 boreholes of this block. The study was performed to a high confidence level (99%), and results are discussed for assessing the U and Th behavior in the block. Results not only confirm the continuation of three distinct geological formations in the area but also the uranium bearing potential in the Mahadek sandstone of the eastern part of Mahadek Basin.

Microwave assisted synthesis, spectroscopic, electrochemical and DNA cleavage studies of lanthanide(III) complexes with coumarin based imines.

The present work stems from our interest in the synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of lanthanide(III) complexes of a class of coumarin based imines which have been prepared by the interaction of hydrated lanthanide(III) chloride with the sodium salts of 3-acetylcoumarin thiosemicarbazone (ACTSZH) and 3-acetylcoumarin semicarbazone (ACSZH) in 1:3 molar ratio using thermal as well as microwave method. Characterization of the ligands as well as the metal complexes have been carried out by elemental analysis, melting point determinations, molecular weight determinations, magnetic moment, molar conductance, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, electronic, EPR, X-ray powder diffraction and mass spectral studies. Spectral studies confirm ligands to be monofunctional bidentate and octahedral environment around metal ions. The redox behavior of one of the synthesized metal complex was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Further, free ligands and their metal complexes have been screened for their antimicrobial as well as DNA cleavage activity. The results of these findings have been presented and discussed.

Zoonotic cases of camelpox infection in India.

This study reports the first conclusive evidence of zoonotic camelpox virus (CMLV) infection in humans associated with outbreaks in dromedarian camels (Camelus dromedaries) in northwest region of India during 2009. CMLV infection is usually restricted to camels and causes localised skin lesions but occasionally leads to generalised form of disease. However, the present outbreak involved camel handlers and attendants with clinical manifestations such as papules, vesicles, ulceration and finally scabs over fingers and hands. In camels, the pock-like lesions were distributed over the hairless parts of the body. On the basis of clinical and epidemiological features coupled with serological tests and molecular characterization of the causative agent, CMLV zoonosis was confirmed in three human cases. Clinical samples such as skin scabs/swabs and blood collected from affected animals and humans were analysed initially, for the presence of CMLV-specific antigen and antibodies by counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIE); serum neutralization test (SNT); plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and indirect immunoperoxidase test which was later confirmed by amplification of CMLV-specific ankyrin repeat protein (C18L) gene. Virus isolation was successful only from samples collected from camels. Further, sequence analyses based on three full-length envelope protein genes (A27L, H3L and D8L) revealed 95.2-99.8% and 93.1-99.3% homology with other Orthopoxviruses at nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Phylogram of the three genes revealed a close relationship of CMLV with Variola virus (VARV). Considering the emerging and re-emerging nature of the virus, its genetic relatedness to VARV, zoonotic potential and productivity losses in camels; the control measures are imperative in curtailing economic and public health impact of the disease. This is the first instance of laboratory confirmed camelpox zoonosis in India.

Palladium(II) and platinum(II) derivatives of benzothiazoline ligands: Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and antispermatogenic activity.

A series of Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with two N(∩)S donor ligands, 5-chloro-3-(indolin-2-one)benzothiazoline and 6-nitro-3-(indolin-2-one)benzothiazoline, have been synthesized by the reaction of metal chlorides (PdCl2 and PtCl2) with ligands in 1:2 molar ratios. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, melting point determinations and a combination of electronic, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques for structure elucidation. In order to evaluate the effect of metal ions upon chelation, both the ligands and their complexes have been screened for their antimicrobial activity against the various pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. The metal complexes have shown to be more antimicrobial against the microbial species as compared to free ligands. One of the ligands, 5-chloro-3-(indolin-2-one)benzothiazoline and its corresponding palladium and platinum complexes have been tested for their antifertility activity in male albino rats. The marked reduction in sperm motility and density resulted in infertility by 62-90%. Significant alterations were found in biochemical parameters of reproductive organs in treated animals as compared to control group. It is concluded that all these effects may finally impair the fertility of male rats.

Interobserver reproducibility of Gleason grading of prostatic adenocarcinoma among general pathologists.

CONTEXT: Gleason grade is the most widely used grading system for prostatic carcinoma and is recommended by World Health Organization. It is essential that there should be good interobserver reproducibility of this grading system as it has important implications in patient management. AIM: To assess interobserver reproducibility of Gleason grading of prostatic adenocarcinoma. DESIGN: A total of 20 cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma were scored using Gleason grade by 21 general pathologists. The scores were then compared using κ-coefficient and consensus score. RESULTS: For Gleason score groups (2-4, 5-6, 7 and 8-10) overall agreement with consensus score was 68%. Exact agreement for Gleason scores with consensus score was 43.3% and 92.3% within ±1 of the consensus score. κ coefficient for primary grade ranged from -0.32 to 0.92 with 60% of the readings in fair to moderate agreement range; and for secondary grade κ ranged from -0.30 to 0.62 with 78% of the readings in slight to fair agreement range. Kappa for Gleason scores ranged from -0.13 to 0.55 with 80% of the readings in slight to fair agreement range; and for Gleason score groups κ ranged from -0.11 to 0.82 with 68.5% of the readings in fair to moderate agreement range. CONCLUSIONS: In our study interobserver reproducibility of Gleason scores among general pathologists was at lower level and it highlights the need to improve the observer reproducibility by continuous educational sessions and taking second opinion in cases where grade could significantly influence management.

Ferrocenyl-substituted Schiff base complexes of boron: synthesis, structural, physico-chemical and biochemical aspects.

Biological important complexes of boron(III) derived from 1-acetylferrocenehydrazinecarboxamide (L1H), 1-acetylferrocenehydrazinecarbothioamide (L2H) and 1-acetylferrocene carbodithioic acid (L3H) have been prepared and investigated using a combination of microanalytical analysis, melting point, electronic, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectral studies, cyclic voltammetry and X-ray powder diffraction studies. Boron isopropoxide interacts with the ligands in 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 molar ratios (boron:ligand) resulting in the formation of coloured products. On the basis of conductance and spectral evidences, tetrahedral structures for boron(III) complexes have been assigned. The ligands are coordinated to the boron(III) via the azomethine nitrogen atom and the thiolic sulfur atom/enolic oxygen atom. On the basis of X-ray powder diffraction study one of the representative boron complex was found to have orthorhombic lattice, having lattice parameters: a=9.9700, b=15.0000 and c=7.0000. Both the ligands and their complexes have been screened for their biological activity on several pathogenic fungi and bacteria and were found to possess appreciable fungicidal and bactericidal properties. Plant growth regulating activity of one of the ligand and its complexes has also been recorded on gram plant, and results have been discussed.

Microwave assisted synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of palladium and platinum complexes with azomethines.

Reactions of 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene with thiosemicarbazide and semicarbazide hydrochloride resulted in the formation of new heterocyclic ketimines, 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene thiosemicarbazone (C(9)H(13)N(3)OS(2) or L(1)H) and 3-acetyl-2,5- dimethylthiophene semicarbazone (C(9)H(13)N(3)OS or L(2)H), respectively. The Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes have been synthesized by mixing metal salts in 1:2 molar ratios with these ligands by using microwave as well as conventional heating method for comparison purposes. The authenticity of these ligands and their complexes has been established on the basis of elemental analysis, melting point determinations, molecular weight determinations, IR, (1)H NMR and UV spectral studies. These studies showed that the ligands coordinate to the metal atom in a monobasic bidentate manner and square planar environment around the metal atoms has been proposed to the complexes. Both the ligands and their complexes have been screened for their antimicrobial activities. The antiamoebic activity of both the ligands and their palladium compounds against the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica has been tested.

Microwave-assisted synthesis, characterization and biological screening of nitrogen-sulphur and nitrogen-oxygen donor ligands and their organotin(IV) complexes.

Series of new trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral complexes of tin(IV) have been synthesized by the reaction of dimethyltin(IV) dichloride with 4-nitro-benzanilidethiosemicarbazone (L(1)H), 4-chlorobenzanilidethiosemicarbazone (L(2)H), 4-nitrobenzanilidesemicarbazone (L(3)H) and 4-chlorobenzanilidesemicarbazone (L(4)H). The unimolecular and bimolecular reactions of dimethyltin(IV) dichloride and monobasic bidentate ligands were carried out using microwave irradiations as the thermal energy source and the complexes so formed were characterized by elemental analysis, conductance measurements, molecular weight determinations and spectral data, viz. IR, UV-vis, (1)H and (13)C NMR. The complexes have also been prepared by the general thermal methods for comparison purposes. The comparison data support the synthesis using the microwave route, i.e. green chemistry route. The tin(IV) complexes show penta-coordinated structure for 1:1 complexes and hexa-coordinated for 1:2 complexes. The antifungal, antibacterial and antifertility activities have been examined and the results were indeed very encouraging.

Temporal expression of transforming growth factor-beta2 and myostatin mRNA during embryonic myogenesis in Indian broilers.

TGF-beta2 and myostatin, the members of TGF family, act through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms to regulate the growth and differentiation at various developmental stages in chicken. The kinetics and expression profile of these two growth factors were investigated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, during the myogenesis of Indian broiler chickens. Total RNA was isolated from whole embryos on each of embryonic days (E) 0-6 (n=3 per day) and from the biceps femoris muscle at E7-E18 (n=3 per day). The expression of TGF-beta2 was noticed on E2 that remained at the same level until E6. In biceps femoris muscle, higher level of TGF-beta2 expression was observed during E7-E12, which decreased gradually thereafter. These findings suggested that TGF-beta2 might be a regulatory factor participating in the myogenesis of chicken embryos. Initial myostatin expression was noticed on E1, even before the myogenic lineage is established in embryo. This finding suggested an additional role of myostatin in early chicken embryo development, other than myogenesis. Furthermore, myostatin expression was significantly higher on E3 as compared to earlier studies, where initial higher level was observed at E2, suggesting the differential expression of myostatin among breeds. Higher and almost static myostatin expression was noticed in biceps femoris muscle during the entire period of myogenesis (E7-E18). In the present study, the ontogeny of myostatin expression coincided with myogenesis of chicken. Therefore, it may be hypothesized that myostatin is not only a major determinant of muscle mass, but also involved in early embryogenesis in chickens.

Investigations of the possible pharmacological effects of organotin(II) complexes.

Antitumour, antifertility and histopathological investigations were carried out on male rats by the use of organotin complexes. The organotin complexes were synthesized by the alkylation of [Sn(TAML(n))Cl(2)] (n=1-4 and TAML(n) represents the tetraazamacrocyclic ligands) in the presence of CH(3)I or C(2)H(5)Br. The structures of all the complexes have been established on the basis of elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, (119)Sn NMR and X-ray spectral data. The antitumour effect of the compounds was examined on swiss mice. The results obtained clearly indicated that the compounds, [C(2)H(5)Sn(TAML(3))C(5)H(5)N] and [C(2)H(5)Sn(TAML(4))C(5)H(5)N] display effective antitumour activity. The emphasis has been given on in vivo study on male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) by performing serum analyses, blood analyses and fertility test.

Residues of fluoroquinolone drugs in the cloacal gland and other tissues of Japanese quail.

1. In this study we investigated the residues of fluoroquinolone drugs (ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin) in the cloacal gland (a site of foam synthesis) and other tissues such as breast muscle, testes, brain, kidney and plasma. 2. Fifty-four healthy male Japanese quail were selected at random from a flock, maintained under uniform husbandry conditions and divided into three groups, each of 18 birds. Group I (control) received 1 ml vehicle (normal saline 0.9% (w/v) NaCl) daily for 12 d through the intraperitoneal route. Birds of groups II and III received ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin by the same route at the rate of 10 and 12 mg/kg body weight, respectively, every day for a similar period. 3. Birds from each group were killed, at 1, 5 and 10 d after the cessation of treatment, to collect the cloacal gland together with other tissues that were analysed for residual drugs. 4. Cloacal gland retained the maximum drug residues of ciprofloxacin (60%) and pefloxacin (80%) on d 10 compared with that on d 1 after drug withdrawal. The drug residues were found 60 and 80% in ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin groups, respectively, in the cloacal gland tissue even on d 10 after withdrawal of the treatment. 5. In the ciprofloxacin-treated group, all tissues except cloacal gland contained very small amounts of the drug residues on d 10 after treatment ended. In the pefloxacin group the cloacal gland, breast muscle and kidney retained a fairly high amount of drug even on d 10 after treatment ceased. No residues of pefloxacin were detectable in testes and brain throughout. 6. In conclusion, the cloacal gland in Japanese quail acted as the largest sink for the fluoroquinolone drugs. Ciprofloxacin was more widely distributed in different tissues and persisted for a shorter period than pefloxacin.

Improvement of water quality through biological denitrification.

The present study was undertaken to observe the effect of biological denitrification process on water quality parameters. The results obtained in the present investigations show that the value of pH and alkalinity was increased due to generation of alkalinity during biological denitrification process. The obtained value of the DO in the treated water was found lower than the supplied water, which indicates, DO was consumed by the bacterium. The COD of the treated water was nil, which shows that the organics have been consumed by the bacterium during the denitrification process. The biological reduction of nitrate-nitrogen (from 50.79 mg/L to 0.57 mg/L) was found to be lower than the tolerance limit prescribed by WHO without changing the water quality.

Synthesis, characterization, and biotoxicity of N N donor sulphonamide imine silicon(IV) complexes.

The organosilicon derivatives of 2-[1-(2-furayl)ethyledene]sulphathiazole with organosilicon chlorides have been synthesised and characterized on the basis of analytical, conductance, and spectroscopic techniques. Probable trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral structures for the resulting derivatives have been proposed on the basis of electronic, IR, (1)H, (13)C NMR, and (29)Si NMR spectral studies. In the search for better fungicides, bactericides, nematicides, and insecticides studies were conducted to assess the growth-inhibiting potential of the synthesized complexes against various pathogenic fungal, bacterial strains, root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, and insect Trogoderma granarium. These studies demonstrate that the concentrations reached levels which are sufficient to inhibit and kill the pathogens, nematode, and insect.

Differential expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cytokine mRNA in chicken lines divergent for cutaneous hypersensitivity response.

Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity is an immunocompetent trait considered an indicator of cell-mediated immune or T-cell responses. Divergent selection was performed to generate high and low lines for response to PHA-P. Extreme-responder birds of the F2 generation in each line were used to study possible differences in macrophage activity and the associated functional genes. To evaluate macrophage activity, nitric oxide (NO) was estimated both systemically in serum and in in vitro monocyte culture. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the differential mRNA expression patterns of iNOS and MIP-1beta in monocyte culture, whereas T(H)1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) were studied in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at different time intervals after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction. The high line showed strong systemic, as well as in vitro NO production, compared to the low line, upon stimulation with NDV and LPS, similar to early and high iNOS mRNA expression. Following the pattern of iNOS gene expression, an early strong expression of cytokines with powerful iNOS-inducing action, such as IFN-gamma and the chemokine MIP-1beta, was observed in the high line. In contrast, for response to PHA-P, low expression of IL-2 was observed in the high compared to the low line. In conclusion, the study revealed that divergent selection for response to PHA-P resulted in a divergent effect on T(H)1 cell activity, resulting in altered macrophage function in chickens. Selection, based on response to PHA-P, could lead to more resistant birds or birds with an enhanced immune response.

The effect of carbon as an energy source for biological denitrification through Pseudomonas stutzeri.

The biological denitrification processes possess many advantages in comparison to other denitrification processes. The present study was undertaken to observe the effect of quantity of carbon on biological denitrification with Pseudomonas stutzeri at different C/N ratios. The results obtained in the present investigations show that the pH and alkalinity of the effluent increased with increase in C/N ratio due to alkalinity generated during denitrification. The COD of the influent was increased with increase in C/N ratio. The effluent COD was nil under pseudo-steady state condition up to the C/N ratio of 2.5. Above this C/N ratio, the organics started entering in the treated water. The maximum feasible economic reduction of NO(3-)N from 51.6 mg/l to 1.2 mg/l occurred at C/N ratio of 2.5 and the obtained concentration of NO(3-)N was found to be lower than the tolerance limit (10 mg/l) prescribed by the WHO. The present work provides a feasible approach for a more efficient NO(3-)N removal process.

Potentially biodynamic tetraaza macrocycles and their manganese complexes: antiandrogen, antimicrobial and PDI studies.

Fourteen to eighteen membered tetraazamacrocyclic ligands N(4)TTD(1)-N(4)TTD(4) have been synthesized by the condensation of aliphatic diamines. H(2)N-(CH(2))(y)-NH(2) (y = 2 or 3) and dicarboxylic acids, HOOC-(CH(2))(x)-COOH (x = 1 or 2) in the presence of condensing reagents dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCHC) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP). On reduction these macrocyclic ligands give N(4)TTD(5)-N(4)TTD(8), which form complexes with manganese(II) acetate. The new products with octahedral geometry have been characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight determinations, magnetic moment and spectral studies viz., infrared, electronic, mass and X-ray. On the basis of the spectral studies the binding sites are proposed as the nitrogen atom of the macrocycles. The formulation of the complexes as [Mn(CH(3)COO)(2)(N(4)TTD(n))] (where n = 1 - 8) has been established on the basis of chemical composition. To assess the growth inhibiting potential of the ligands and their manganese (II) complexes biological screening have been undertaken. The testicular morphology, testicular sperm density, sperm motility, density of cauda epididymal spermatozoa and fertility in mating trials and biochemical parameters of reproductive organs with ligands and their corresponding complexes, in vivo have also been described in the this communication.

Novel biologically potent diorganosilicon(IV) complexes of indole-2,3-dione derivatives.

The aim of the present study is to synthesize some novel ecofriendly fungicides and bactericides of indole-2,3-dione derivatives, having important pharmacodynamic significance. The ligands used in the present account are derived by the condensation of 1,3-dihydro-3-[2-(phenyl)-2-oxoethylidene]-2H-indol-2- one, 1,3-dihydro-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-oxoethylidene]-2H-indol-2-one and 1,3-dihydro-3-[2-(4-nitro-3-methylphenyl)- 2-oxoethylidene]-2H-indol-2-one with hydrazinecarboxamide and hydrazinecarbothioamide. These imines, on interaction with diorganosilicon(IV) chlorides, yield complexes having Si-O or Si-S and Si<--N bonds. The structure of these compounds have been elucidated by elemental microanalyses and spectral [(UV), (IR), (1)H, (13)C and (29)Si NMR)] studies which unerringly point to a trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral geometries for unimolar and bimolar reactions, respectively. The potency of the synthesized compounds have been assessed by growth inhibiting potential of the complexes against variety of fungal and bacterial strains and male albino rats. The results of these biological studies have been compared with the standard fungicide, Bavistin. The studies demonstrate that, 1,3-dihydro-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-oxoethylidene]-2H-indol-2-onehydrazincarbothioamide and its diphenylsilicon(IV) complexes have comparable antimicrobial activity and are less toxic to male albino rats than Bavistin.

Biologically relevant tetraazamacrocyclic complexes of manganese: synthetic, spectral, antimicrobial, antifertility and antiinflammatory approach.

The testicular sperm density, sperm morphology, sperm motility, density of cauda epididymis spermatozoa and fertility in mating trials and biochemical parameters of reproductive organs have been examined and discussed for [Mn(N(4)MacL(n))(NO(3))(2)] (where N(4)MacL(n) represents the tetraazamacrocyclic ligand molecule with n=1-4) type of complexes. An attempt also has been made to correlate the structural aspects of the compounds with their anti-inflammatory activity. The 14-18 membered tetraamide macrocyclic ligands N(4)L(1)-N(4)L(4) used during these investigations have been prepared by the condensation of 1,2-diaminoethane or 1,3-diaminopropane with malonic or succinic acid in the presence of condensing reagents, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine. On reduction, these macrocyclic ligands give a new series of tetraazamacrocyles [N(4)MacL(n)] and their complexes with manganese(II) nitrate. The ligands and their complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight determinations, infrared, electronic, mass and X-ray structural analyses. An octahedral geometry for these complexes has been confirmed by spectral studies. On the basis of the chemical composition, the representation of the complexes as [Mn(N(4)MacL(n))(NO(3))(2)] has been established. The ligands and their complexes have been screened in vitro against a number of pathogenic fungi and bacteria to assess their growth inhibiting potential.