Synthesis, Spectral Investigations, Biological Potential and Molecular Docking Study of Novel Schiff Base and its Transition Metal Complexes

Aim: The present study was designed to synthesize novel Schiff bases and their metal complexes with promising antimicrobial and anti-angiogenic potential. Background: Currently, drug resistance has been seen in a diverse range of microbes, which is considered a major threat to widespread infectious diseases. Therefore, it is essential to investigate novel therapeutic molecules with broad-spectrum activities. Methods: The novel Schiff base ligands were synthesized by using a condensation reaction of ethylenediamine with p-chloroacetanilide and p-bromoactanilide. Fe(III), Ni(II), Mn(II), and Co(II) metal complexes were prepared by refluxing the ligand with respective metal chloride salts in a 2:1 molar ratio. Results: Structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, UV-VIS, and mass spectrometry. Anti-microbial activities of all the synthesized compounds were determined against bacterial strains (S. aureus and K. pneumoniae) and fungal strains (A. niger and Trichophyton rubrum) by using the well plate diffusion method. DNA photo-cleavage and anti-angiogenic properties were evaluated by gel electrophoresis and CAM assay, respectively. Molecular docking studies were performed to analyze the binding interactions of synthesized compounds with topoisomerase II alpha. Conclusion: The present preliminary efforts may be helpful to design novel drugs with therapeutic potential.