Substituted phenethylamine-based β-lactam derivatives: Antimicrobial, anticancer, and β-lactamase inhibitory properties

Abstract

In this study, a series of novel β-lactam derivatives were synthesized with yields ranging from 41 % to 91 %, and their antimicrobial activities were investigated against bacterial and fungal isolates that cause nosocomial infections. The results revealed that the novel β-lactam derivatives, especially compound 19, showed antibacterial activities ranging from 0.98 to 250 µg/mL. In contrast, the compounds showed no antifungal activity against fungal isolates. Following that, biochemical (Nitrocefin) investigation of compounds with antibacterial activity was carried out, as well as their effects on the β-lactamase enzyme. According to the results, the compounds inhibited the β-lactamase enzyme against bacterial isolates. Furthermore, the anticancer activity and toxicity profiles of β-lactam derivatives were also studied against colorectal cancer (Caco-2), the most common type of cancer, and non-human dermal fibroblast cell line. The results revealed that compound 19 was shown the best anticancer activity and lowest toxicity profile among other compounds. Therefore, these compounds, especially compound 19, could be useful in the treatment of colorectal cancer and related nosocomial infections. Furthermore, the potential of being an antibiotic can be put forward by investigating the resistant mechanism and further pharmacological studies.

Keywords: Anticancer activity; Antimicrobial activity; Schiff base; Toxicity; β-Lactam; β-Lactamase.