Cyclotriphosphazene-based Derivatives for Antibacterial Applications: An Update on Recent Advances

As a phosphorus scaffold, hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) is widely used for the synthesis of varieties of derivatives, including metal-binding complexes and several unique organometallic compounds, which exhibit potential catalytic, flame retardant and biological activities. Some metal-binding HCCP derivatives have shown antibacterial activities as free ligands and metal complexes. These derivatives can also serve as building blocks for the formation of antibacterial metal-containing polymers. This mini-review is focused on the design and development of HCCP derivatives as potential antibacterial agents with representative examples as well as antibacterial mechanisms from recent years.