Gold(I) complexes as antimicrobial agents

Seven gold complexes were prepared and investigated for biocidal activity a gainst Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, fungi and protozoa. All of the m were active against the tested microorganisms with the exception of Pseud omonas aeruginosa. In many cases minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) we re well below 1 mu g/ml. The activity is not simply related to the gold con tent. but also to the nature of both the phosphine and the aminothiol to wh ich the metal is bound. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.