Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic activities of ten benzothiazole-piperazine derivatives were reported. In vitro cytotoxic activities of compounds were screened against hepatocellular (HUH-7), breast (MCF-7) and colorectal (HCT-116) cancer cell lines by sulphorhodamine B assay. Based on the GI50 values of the compounds, most of the benzothiazole-piperazine derivatives are active against HUH-7, MCF-7 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines. Compound 1d is highly cytotoxic against all tested cancer cell lines. Further investigation of compound 1d by Hoechst Staining and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting Analysis (FACS) revealed that this compound causes apoptosis by cell cycle arrest at subG1 phase.
Keywords: Anticancer; benzothiazole; cytotoxicity; piperazine; sulphorodamine B.