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Synthesis, in vitro and in silico evaluation of halogenated xanthone and benzophenone derivatives as antibacterial agents against acne-causing bacteria


Citation

Devakrishnan, Pavithren and Mad Nasir, Nadiah and Hasan, Hanan and Tejo, Bimo Ario and Baharuddin, Fatin Farhana (2025) Synthesis, in vitro and in silico evaluation of halogenated xanthone and benzophenone derivatives as antibacterial agents against acne-causing bacteria. Bioorganic Chemistry, 164. art. no. 108906. ISSN 0045-2068; eISSN: 1090-2120

Abstract

Acne which is caused by Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is the most common skin problem among adolescents and young adults. Topical antibiotics like tetracycline are commonly used to treat acne but their effectiveness has declined as bacteria develop antibiotic resistance. Thus, this research emphasizes the antibacterial properties of new synthetic derivatives of halogenated xanthone and benzophenone (1a-1f), (2a-2d), (3a-3i), and (4a-4j) via in vitro antibacterial assay with tetracycline, erythromycin, and salicylic acid as reference standards. Based on the well diffusion assay (WDA), compound 1 f revealed the most potent antibacterial properties by inhibiting the acne-causing bacteria strains with a recorded inhibition zone of 15.67 ± 0.58 mm (C. acnes; ATCC 6919), 16.00 ± 0.00 mm (C. acnes; ATCC 11827), 15.00 ± 0.00 mm (S. aureus; ATCC 6538), and 30.00 ± 0.00 mm (S. aureus; ATCC 10832). These findings were further supported by the MIC and MBC values of compound 1 f, which ranged from 0.02 to 0.50 mg/mL. Next, the structure-activity relationship study revealed the attachment of different substituents at different positions that were responsible for the potent activity of compound 1 f. Compound 1 f reveals good binding affinity values towards C. acnes and S. aureus and better interaction with the protein active site. In silico study of drug-likeness and therapeutic effectiveness properties, including Lipinski's ‘rule of five’, Veber's rule, and ADME properties, projected that the compound 1 f would be toxicity-free, non-carcinogenic, and risk-free, which could be used as a better therapeutic agent for acne formulation with a guarantee for healthy skin.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Subject: Biochemistry
Subject: Molecular Biology
Subject: Drug Discovery
Divisions: Faculty of Food Science and Technology
Faculty of Science
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.108906
Publisher: Academic Press
Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Cutibacterium acnes; Halogenated xanthone and benzophenone; Molecular docking; Staphylococcus aureus; Well diffusion assay
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Depositing User: Ms. Nur Faseha Mohd Kadim
Date Deposited: 21 May 2026 13:38
Last Modified: 21 May 2026 13:38
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.108906
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/124144
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