A comprehensive approach to the analysis of antibiotic-metal complexes

Abstract Complexes of antibiotics with metal ions draw attention of scientists looking for new drugs as well as those endeavoring to increase the activity of antibiotics that are currently in use. The bioactivity of antibiotics can be increased by coordination of metal ion. Moreover, such complexes allow for reduction of drug’s dose introduced into the body and improve their bioavailability. In order to study the antimicrobial effect of antibiotics-metal complexes, it is necessary to properly determine their structure and physicochemical properties. Therefore, the selection of appropriate research methods plays a crucial role in a comprehensive understanding and prediction of metallopharmaceuticals’ activity. The electronic structure and spatial structure of antibiotic-metal complexes, their stability, ligands’ donor atoms, acid-base properties, lipophilicity and most preferable binding sites to the biomolecules are essential features of this type of compounds. This review delineates the collection of available tools and methods necessary for an exhaustive analysis of metallopharmaceuticals.