Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Furan-Based Chalcone Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents

Some furan-based chalcone derivatives were synthesized via the Claisen-Schmidt condensation of 5-arylfurfural derivatives with 4'-cyanoacetophenone. The synthesized derivatives were investigated for their antimicrobial activity using a broth microdilution assay. Among these compounds, 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-[5-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-furyl]-2-propen-1-one (4) can be considered as the most promising antimicrobial agent against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 51922) and Candida albicans. Compound 4 showed antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis with a MIC value of 100 μg/mL, whereas chloramphenicol exhibited its antibacterial activity with a MIC value of 200 μg/mL. Compound 4 (MIC = 100 μg/mL) was also more effective than ketoconazole (MIC = 200 μg/mL) against C. albicans. Microbiological assay pointed out the importance of p-nitro substituent for antimicrobial activity.