New Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) mixed-ligand complexes: stractural, DFT, biological, and molecular docking studies

The primary objective of the current framework was to synthesize novel mononuclear 1:1:1 complexes involving FeLG, CoLG, NiLG, CuLG, and ZnLG, where the ligand (L) is identified as 4-[(4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)hydrazono]methylphenyl-4-methylbenzenesulfonate, and glycine (G) serves as the co-ligand. Comprehensive characterization of the investigated complexes was achieved through various analytical techniques, including FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, mass spectra, magnetic susceptibility measurements, molar conductivity assessments, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The determination of stoichiometry was performed employing the molar ratio technique, revealing the octahedral geometry inherent in the isolated metal complexes. Employing a density functional theory (DFT) approach, the molecular structures of the designated compounds were theoretically elevated, and quantum chemical descriptors were derived to provide a deeper insight into their electronic properties. Furthermore, the inhibitory potential of these compounds against fungal strains and pathogenic bacteria prevalent in the Arab environment was evaluated using the disc diffusion method, emphasizing their role in combating diseases affecting humans, animals, and plants. Notably, the metal complexes exhibited superior antibacterial activity, as evidenced by a higher activity index. Molecular docking investigations were conducted to ascertain the inhibitory effects of the compounds on the 1FJ4 protein, with ZnLG emerging as the compound with the highest binding affinity. These results suggest the promising candidacy of these compounds as antimicrobial agents, particularly in the context of combating bacterial and fungal infections. KEY WORDS: Complexes, Antimicrobial, DFT, Schiff base, Molecular docking Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 397-416.                                                               DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.9