Moxifloxacin and hydrazine mix ligand metal complexes of Cd(II), Cu(II), Co(II), and Zn(II); synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological activities, with molecular docking studies

In the current study, four new mixed ligand metal complexes of Cd(II), Cu(II), Co(II), and Zn(II) with moxifloxacin (used as a primary ligand) and hydrazine (as an ancillary ligand) were synthesized. The newly prepared organometallic compounds were characterized by using conventional spectroscopic (UV-Vis, Atomic absorption, FTIR, and powder XRD), microscopic (SEM), elemental (CHN), and thermal (TGA) techniques. The synthesized chelates were evaluated for cytotoxicity (by hemolytic activity) and antimicrobial activity against different bacterial (S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, and P. multocidia) and viral (A. flavus, A. niger, R. solani, and A. alternata) strains. The prepared metal complexes were also in vitro assayed for antidiabetic potential through alpha-amylase inhibition assay, and the results were further verified through molecular docking studies. This study demonstrates that half of the new metal complexes are good antibacterial agents, and complex 2 was significantly active against all four assayed bacterial strains. All the synthesized mixed ligand metal complexes proved to have significant fungicidal activity. Complex 3 has proved to be potentially active (24.3%) against Aspergillus flavus with a higher activity as compared to the reference standard, i.e., fluconazole (23.5%). The hemolytic values of 6.07%, 4.94%, and 12.05% for metal complexes 2, 3, and 4, respectively, were in acceptable range and comparable to moxifloxacin, while higher (19.05%) for complex 1. Present work reveals that all the bi-ligand complexes are significant antidiabetic agents, where complexes 3 and 4, with 62.45% and 54.25% alpha-amylase inhibition, have a similar effect as that of the standard drug, i.e., Acarbose having 64.12% alpha-amylase inhibition. The molecular docking studies correspondingly prove these two compounds as potent alpha-amylase inhibitors.

Automated summary

In this study, four new mixed ligand metal complexes were synthesized and characterized. The complexes showed significant antibacterial, antifungal, and antidiabetic activities, making them potential candidates for drug development.