Bismuth and gallium phosphinates as antibacterial agents, and additives in Bi-cellulose composites

This thesis established the antibacterial potential of a series of bismuth and gallium phosphinate complexes, further expanding on known antibacterial metal complexes. Comparison of the different antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the bismuth complexes allowed for structure activity relationships to be determined, giving important insights for future compound development. A viable method to examine poorly soluble compounds for their biological activity was established; bismuth complexes were incorporated in cellulose to form composites which retained antibacterial activity, with potential applications in antibacterial surfaces or coatings.