Structures, antimicrobial activity, DNA interaction and molecular docking studies of sulfamethoxazolyl-azo-acetylacetone and its nickel(II) complex

4-(Z)-((2-Hydroxy-4-oxopent-2-en-3-yl)diazenyl)-N-(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)benzene sulfonamide (HL) and its nickel(II) complex [Ni(L)2(H2O)4] have been characterized by spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. Time dependent DFT computations have been used to explain the electronic spectra of the compounds. The interaction of CT DNA with [Ni(L)2(H2O)4] (Kb, 12.20 × 105 M−1) is stronger than with HL (Kb, 6.09 × 105 M−1). The antimicrobial activity of HL and the Ni(II) complex has been examined against Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633; IC50: 63.72 μg/ml (HL) and 81.49 μg/ml ([Ni(L)2(H2O)4])) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739; IC50: 77.25 μg/ml (HL) and 78.28 μg/ml ([Ni(L)2(H2O)4])). The in-silico test of HL with DHPS protein from E. coli helps in understanding the drug metabolism and has explained the drug–molecule interaction.

Graphical abstractSulfamethoxazolyl-azo-acetylacetone and nickel(II) complex are structurally characterized. They are active against B. subtilis and E. coli. Interaction of CT DNA is stronger with nickel(II) complex than the ligand. Molecular docking approach is used to account the binding of the ligand with DHPS protein of E. coli. The time dependent DFT computation has been used to explain the electronic spectra of the compounds.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide