Computational investigation of Betalain derivatives as natural inhibitor against food borne bacteria

Natural organic pigments such as carotenoids, betalains, anthocyanins, and carminic acid are notably found as safer food preservatives compared to other harmful synthetic chemicals. Due to glycosylation and acylation, betalains exhibit a broad-spectrum antimicrobial functionality with protection against degenerative diseases. Thus, betalains have been investigated as a potential bacterial inhibitor for food preservative applications. Initially, 36 betalain derivatives have been taken for primary screening using molecular docking. Afterward, the top ten ligands are taken for further study and analysis. The results of Prediction of Activity Spectrum of Substances (PASS) assured the antibacterial capabilities of betalains, and Lipinski's rule-of-five ensures the acceptability of the selected ligands as antibacterial inhibitors. The bacterial pathogens, such as C. botulinum (3FIE), E. coli (2ZWK), and S. typhi (3UU2) are selected for molecular docking by these betalain pigments. Furthermore, ADMET investigations and QSAR studies are performed to check insights into the bacterial inhibition process. Most active and common binding sides were observed at GLY159, ASN165, and SER166 for C. botulinum, at ASP8, LYS40, and TRP50 for E. coli; and at ARG37, GLN5, and ARG74 for S. typhi. The present study clearly shows an excellent insight towards the invention of plant-based new organic inhibitors to face the challenges of bacterial-resistant common food preservatives.