The Antimicrobial Efficacy of Copper Complexes: A Review

The alarming increase in antimicrobial resistance has intensified the search for novel therapeutic agents capable of combating resistant microbial strains. Copper complexes have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents due to their intrinsic redox activity, ability to disrupt microbial membranes, and interactions with vital biomolecules such as DNA and proteins. This review critically evaluates the antimicrobial potential of copper complexes reported between 2018 and 2025, emphasizing their structural diversity, mechanisms of action, and biological performance against a wide range of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Key findings reveal that Schiff base copper complexes, amino acid derivatives, heterocyclic…

• NR
  National Research Foundation
• SA
  South African Medical Research Council
• UO
  University of Fort Hare
• MR
  Medical Research Council