Synthesis biological evaluation and molecular docking of isatin hybrids as anti-cancer and anti-microbial agents

Abstract

Isatin, known as 1H-indole-2,3-dione, was originally recognised as a synthetic molecule until its discovery in the fruits of the cannonball tree, Couroupita guianensis. It is naturally occurring in plants of the genus Isatis and serves as a metabolic derivative of adrenaline in humans. Isatin possesses significant pharmacological importance, and its synthetic versatility has prompted extensive interest in its derivative compounds due to their diverse biological and pharmacological properties. These derivatives represent a valuable class of heterocyclic compounds with potential applications as precursors for synthesizing numerous valuable drugs. In the pursuit of advancing our research on isatin hybrids, we investigate the utilisation of readily available hydrazonoindolin-2-one and isatin as starting materials for the synthesis of a wide range of analogues. Characterisation of the synthesized compounds was carried out through various analytical techniques. Furthermore, the obtained compounds were subjected to extensive testing to evaluate their anticancer and antimicrobial activities. Specifically, their efficacy against key proteins, namely Staphylococcus aureus protein (PDB ID: 1JIJ), Escherichia coli protein (PDB ID: 1T9U), Pseudomonas aeruginosa protein (PDB ID: 2UV0), and Acinetobacter baumannii protein (PDB ID: 4HKG), was examined through molecular docking calculations. Several molecules, such as 3, 4, 6, 16, and 19, displayed remarkable activity against the renal cancer cell line UO-31. Additionally, the results of antimicrobial activity testing revealed that compound 16 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Subsequently, ADME/T calculations were performed to gain insights into the potential effects and reactions of these molecules within human metabolism. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the potential pharmacological applications of isatin derivatives and underscores their significance in drug development.

Keywords:

• Hydrazone–indolinone
• antimicrobial
• anticancer
• oxindole
• spiroxindole

Acknowledgements

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deputyship for Research & Innovation, Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia for funding this research (IFKSURC-1-0804).

Author contributions

M.T. contributed to overall structural elucidation, writing and overall management of the project; S.S. obtained and interpreted mass spectra; B.T. contributed in molecular modelling of molecules; M.R.A. involved in obtaining NMR spectra; O.A. isolated the compounds; A.B. synthesized molecules, contributed to interpreting spectra, writing the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deputyship for Research & Innovation, Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia for funding this research (IFKSURC-1-0804).