Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxicity, Biological Evaluation, DFT Calculations, and Molecular Docking of a Novel Schiff Base and Its Pt(IV) Complex

Abstract

A novel Schiff base ligand derived from 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione was synthesized and complexed with platinum (IV) ion to enhance its bioactivity. Characterization techniques, including FTIR, NMR, UV-Vis, and mass spectrometry, confirmed the formation of Schiff base molecule and revealed that its Pt(IV) complex has an octahedral geometry. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus flavus, with the metal complex outperforming the ligand. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using a DPPH assay, with the Pt(IV) complex demonstrating superior radical-scavenging ability. Cytotoxicity studies via MTT assays on MCF-7 breast cancer cells showed dose-dependent reductions in cell viability, with the Pt(IV) complex inducing enhanced antiproliferative effects compared with the ligand. DFT calculations were performed to investigate the electronic properties of the compounds, and molecular docking studies were conducted against the alpha estrogen receptor (PDB ID: 3ERT) to predict their binding affinities. The results demonstrated that the Pt(IV) complex exhibited higher biological activity than the free ligand, suggesting its potential as an effective therapeutic agent.