Metal Complexes as Resistance Breakers or Metalloantibiotics for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

The rapid emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacterial strains post significant threats to public health globally. Owing to the complexity of AMR, different strategies have been proposed, among which metal‐based strategy has receiving growing attention. Metallodrugs/ metal‐based complexes often exert multi‐targeted mode of action, thus having less likelihood to evolve resistance. Moreover, metal complexes could also target resistant enzymes produced by bacteria, thus might serve as antibiotic adjuvants for rescuing currently used antibiotics. In this encyclopaedia, we summarize the metal‐based strategy for combating AMR including both as resistance breakers or metalloantibiotics. Their underlying mechanisms of actions are also included. We also discuss the future perspective, opportunity and challenges in the field.