Synthesis, characterization, and density functional theory studies of hydrazone–oxime ligand derived from 2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl hydrazine and its metal complexes searching for new antimicrobial drugs

DFT, Molecular Docking, Bioactivity and ADME Analyses of Vic-dioxim Ligand Containing Hydrazone Group and its Zn(II) Complex

BACKGROUND

Cancer is one of the diseases affecting a large population worldwide and resulting in death. Finding new anti-cancer drugs that are target-focused and have low toxicity is of great importance.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of vic-dioxime derivatives carrying hydrazone group and its Zn(II) complex on cancer using molecular docking, bioactivity and quantum chemical calculations.

METHODS

Molecular docking studies were performed on epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 target proteins. Furthermore, molecular geometry was performed, and the frontier molecular orbitals, Mulliken charges and molecular electron density distribution were evaluated using density functional theory. Also, the bioactivity parameters of the compounds were evaluated, and ADME analysis was performed using web-based tools.

RESULTS

Higher binding affinity was observed for Zn(II) complex with target proteins vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and against epidermal growth factor receptor when compared with LH2. Only the Zn(II) complex against the epidermal growth factor receptor had ligand efficiency and fit quality in the valid range. Furthermore, LH2 has the most potent electrophilic ability (acceptor) among other compounds. Moreover, both LH2 and Zn(II) complexes strongly satisfy Lipinski's rule of five.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, these novel compounds, especially Zn(II) complex, can be new candidates for anticancer drug development studies which are target-focused and have low toxicity.

Synthesis and characterization of different complexes derived from Schiff base and evaluation as a potential anticancer, antimicrobial, and insecticide agent

The condensation of (1H-benzimidazole-2-yl) methanamine, with 2-hydroxy naphthaldehyde lead to Schiff base ligand (H2L) (1). This was later reacted with metal salts (ZnCl₂, CrCl₃·6H₂O, and MnCl₂·4H₂O) to afford the corresponding metal complexes. Biological activity findings indicate that the metal complexes have promising activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis and modest activity against Aspergillus niger. The in vitro anticancer activities of Zn (II), Cr (III), and Mn (II) complexes were investigated and the best results were observed with Mn (II) complex as the most potent cytotoxic agent toward human cell lines colorectal adenocarcinoma HCT 116, hepatocellular carcinoma HepG₂ and breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 with 0.7, 1.1 and 6.7 μg of inhibitory concentration IC₅₀ values respectively. Consequently, the Mn (II) complex and ligand were docked inside the energetic site of ERK2 and exhibited favorable energy for binding. The investigation of biological tests towards mosquito larvae indicates that Cr (III) and Mn (II) complexes manifest strong toxicity against Aedes aegypti larvae with 3.458 and 4.764 ppm values of lethal concentration LC₅₀, respectively.