The first coordination sphere influences the reactivity of metallo-β-lactamase monozinc model complexes.

Synthesis, characterization and reactivity studies were performed for the complex diaqua(bis(2-picolyl)glycinate)zinc(II) nitrate monohydrate (Zn-NNO). This complex is a potential model compound of metallo-β-lactamase (MβL), enzyme responsible for antibacterial resistance. Kinetics studies showed the compound is an effective catalyst of the hydrolysis of nitrocefin and the rates were compared to other complexes prepared by the research group. Gold(I) and gold(III) compounds were evaluated as inhibitors of MβL. Zn-NNO was used as model compound for the study of interaction between gold and zinc enzymes. Nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy results suggested the coordination of gold to ligand without displancement of zinc ion.

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