Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity of a Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complex against Multidrug-Resistant Uropathogens and Biofilms
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm persistence are major barriers to treating device-associated infections, including catheter-associated urinary tract infections. We evaluated KLS-116, a ruthenium-(II) polypyridyl complex, as a next-generation antimicrobial with broad activity against multidrug-resistant uropathogens. KLS-116 showed potent bactericidal effects under physiologically relevant conditions, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ≤ 25 μM (41.8 mg/L) across diverse species. Checkerboard assays demonstrated compatibility with standard antibiotics, yielding indifferent or additive interactions and no antagonism. Importantly, KLS-116 reduced mature biofilms in continuous-flow catheter models and in static models achieved complete clearance at ≥16× MIC after 24 h, outperforming colistin with prolonged exposure. Over 42 days, resistance evolution showed minimal sensitivity shifts, contrasting with rapid ciprofloxacin resistance, indicating a low propensity for resistance. Activity varied with pH, suggesting that the metabolic state influences efficacy. These results position KLS-116 as a promising candidate for CAUTI management and other biofilm-driven infections, guiding future delivery optimization and in vivo validation.
Source: ACS Omega
Institutions: Nottingham Trent University, University of Sheffield
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,935
OpenAlex ID: W7165204539