Authors: Amani Direm, Salima Samai, Hamza Athmani, Mohammed S.M. Abdelbaky, Cemal Parlak, Olufunso Abosede, Santiago García-Granda, Ponnadurai Ramasami
Impact Factor: 6.1
Abstract
Acetatobis(l-arginine)copper(ii) acetate trihydrate, [Cu(OAc)(Arg)2](OAc)·3H2O (compound II), was synthesized via a complexation reaction using l-argininium acetate (compound I) as the precursor. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis showed that both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21. A detailed structural analysis revealed a robust 3D hydrogen-bonding network, where lattice water molecules and free acetate anions act as structural bridges, stabilizing the guanidinium side chains of the arginine ligands. A thorough Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis, quantifying the contribution of N–H⋯O and O–H⋯O H-bonds in addition to non-classical H⋯H, H⋯C/C⋯H and H⋯N/N⋯H contacts to the overall lattice stability, was employed to explore the intermolecular interactions within the crystal structure in comparison with DUYCAB’s.
The electronic properties and the nature of the bonds in (II) were investigated using topological analysis (QTAIM). Furthermore, reactivity descriptors, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), electron localization function (ELF), localized orbital locator (LOL), non-covalent interaction index (NCI) and reduced density gradient (RDG) of the studied complex were calculated and analyzed. Finally, the biological behaviors of complex (II) and its starting material (I) were evaluated by carrying out in vitro antimicrobial assays against a panel of pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains.
The results demonstrate significant inhibitory activity, suggesting that the integration of the bioactive l-arginine moiety with the copper(ii) centers may lead to enhancing the pharmacological profile of the precursor. This work provides a structural and theoretical framework for the development of arginine-based metal complexes as candidates for next-generation antimicrobial drugs.
Professor Omid Mirzaee and Dra. Sanaz Alamdari, from the University of Semnan (Iran), are currently at CINN on a research visit that will run until 9 September 2026.
During their stay, they will collaborate closely with researchers from CINN’s Nanostructured Multifunctional Materials Group, Dr José Luis Menéndez and Dra. Belén Cabal, as part of the project I-COOPB25145: “Development of Nanostructured Membrane-based Adsorption Systems for Water Crisis Management”.
This two-year international collaboration aims to promote sustainable solutions for water management and treatment using state-of-the-art nanostructured materials, and CINN’s participation is funded by the CSIC through the CSIC Scientific Cooperation Programme for Development (i-COOP) with a grant of €30,000.
Research Team
From left to right: Omid Mirzaee, Sanaz Alamdari, Belén Cabal y José Luis Menéndez
Premature wear of components and equipment poses a problem for industry, as corrective maintenance is required and impacts production and companies’ finances. Consequently, research focuses on identifying new materials with the necessary performance characteristics to extend the service life of equipment, requiring materials with good tribological properties, excellent mechanical strength, and high thermal conductivity.
Accordingly, the research proposed in this project focuses on the development of new nanostructured ceramic-ceramic and ceramic-metal materials based on transition metals in the form of dichalcogenides (TMDs) or Mxenos. To this end, advanced synthesis techniques such as the hydrothermal route or colloidal synthesis will be employed to overcome the limitations, in terms of homogeneity, of the conventional powder mixing technique. The powders of the designed composite materials will subsequently be densified using advanced sintering techniques, such as Spark Plasma Sintering, Cold Sintering or microwave sintering, which enable low-temperature sintering conditions over short timeframes. This can lead to increased productivity and reduced energy consumption in the manufacturing process, without compromising the final properties of the manufactured materials.
CINN’s Research
CINN will carry out sub-project 2, which focuses on the study of unconventional synthesis processes based on the colloidal route or hydrothermal synthesis, enabling the production of powders of controlled purity and size within the copper-TMDs (MoS₂ or WS₂) or copper-Mxene (Mo and W carbides) systems for ceramic-metal and (ZnO and Al₂O₃)-TMDs for ceramic-ceramic composites. These powdered materials will subsequently be sintered at low temperatures using spark plasma sintering or cold sintering, incorporating, in some cases, graphene oxide or reduced graphene.
The Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center is participating in the international conference “The Many Pathways to Space“, a key meeting point for space science, technology, and infrastructure that kicks off today in Oviedo.
The CINN is represented by Daniel Fernández and Noemí López, who will present their latest advances in nanocomposite ceramics and efficient manufacturing techniques designed for lunar missions and future space exploration.
Advances in Solar Manufacturing and Zero Thermal Expansion Materials
Poster Presentation by Noemí López: She will present the work titled “Theoretical study to evaluate the possibility of using β-Eucryptite-SiC composite with null thermal expansion coefficient as a structural component on the lunar surface“. The study uses theoretical simulations to evaluate the behavior of beta-eucryptite and silicon carbide (SiC) composite characterized by its near-zero thermal expansion coefficient—ideal for maintaining structural stability against drastic temperature swings on the lunar surface. This work was performed in collaboration with researchers from the Institute of Space Science and Technologies of Asturias (ICTEA) and the University of Oviedo.
The research interest of this group focuses on:
Synthesis of nanopowders using hydrothermal, coprecipitation and sol-gel synthesis techniques, including their morphological, textural and structural characterization.
Consolidation of nanopowders into dense nanostructured materials and characterization of their physical properties (mechanical, optical, electrical…).
Precise characterization of the materials\’ structure using advanced X-ray diffraction techniques and synchrotron light.
Fracture surface of a hydroxyapatite specimen sintered at 1200°C by Spark Plasma Sintering.
