Metal-xenosiderophore complexes as potential antibiotic agents for bacteria of the genus Vibrio

• Grant number: 24/03982-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Breno Pannia Esposito
• Grantee: Lúcio Lourenço de Freitas Neto
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Coral reefs are extremely important to marine biodiversity, beyond being great stimulators of coastal regions economies. Reef builder corals live in symbiosis with photosynthetic microalgae (zooxanthellae), and this symbiosis is greatly sensitive to stressors. Ocean temperature increase and ocean acidification may cause coral bleaching, leading to the death of both symbiotic organisms. Bleaching phenomenon might be exacerbated or even promoted by bacterial infections by bacteria from the genus Vibrio, such as Vibrio shilonii e Vibrio coralliilyticus. The occurrence of this kind of infection is favored by higher oceanic temperatures. In this project, we aim to synthetize metal complexes with the xenosiderophore deferoxamine (DFO) and its conjugates using metal ions toxic to the bacteria. Complexes will be synthetized and characterized according to literature procedures, and their effect over bacteria growth in planktonic form and biofilms will be evaluated. Furthermore, the effects over zooxanthellae and corals will be assessed. Lastly, a system of controlled dissolution of these complexes will be proposed for future in situ usage. This project widens LAQBAM's recent efforts to propose bioinorganic solutions for the rising threat against such an important ecosystem.