Synthesis, Cytotoxicity and Molecular Docking Simulation of Novel bis-1,4-Dihydropyridines Linked to Aliphatic or Arene Core via Amide or Ester-Amide Linkages

OBJECTIVE

Novel bis(1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile) derivatives linked to aliphatic or aromatic cores via amide or ester-amide linkages were prepared and their structures were confirmed by several spectral tools.

METHODS

The synthesis of novel N,N'-(alkanediyl)bis(2-(2-(3,5-dicyano-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridin- 4-yl)phenoxy)acetamide) by acid-catalyzed condensation of the bis-aldehydes with four equivalents of 3-aminocrotononitrile was reported.

RESULTS

The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by different spectral tools. The molecular docking stimulation studies indicated that the prepared compounds bind to the active site of cellular inhibitor apoptotic protein (cIAP1-BIR3). MTT assay for the novel bis(1,4-dihydropyridines) was performed on two different human cell lines (A549 and HCT116).

CONCLUSION

Compound 5a showed higher cytotoxic activity against A549. Compound 5d showed moderate activity against HCT116. The rest of compounds indicated lower or no activity against both cell lines.

An overview on synthetic strategies for the construction of star-shaped molecules

Strategies for the synthesis of star-shaped molecules have been in high demand in the last decades due to the importance of those compounds in various fields. The distinctly different properties of these compounds compared to their linear analogues make them versatile building blocks for the formation of mesophases of interesting mesomorphic and photophysical properties. Moreover, the applications of star-shaped molecules as building units for dendrimers as well as in supramolecular host-guest chemistry have also been recently studied. The star-shaped molecules mentioned in this review are classified according to the central core as well as the type of side arms. The properties and applications of these compounds are described in the appropriate contexts. This report summarizes the recent advances in this area.

Difunctional Heterocycles: A Convenient Synthesis of bis(pyridinyl-2,3-dihydrooxadiazolyl)benzenes

Bis(pyridinyl-2,3-dihydrooxadiazolyl)benzenes 5a-e and 9a, b are obtained in 25-85% yields by heating the corresponding bis(hydrazones) 4a-f and 8a, d in refluxing Ac2O–AcOH for 3–5 h, while the bishydrazones 19 and 17b give 33–54% yields of the phthalazine derivatives 20a, b upon heating in refluxing ethanol containing acetic acid.

Enhanced antibacterial activity of Egyptian local insects' chitosan-based nanoparticles loaded with ciprofloxacin-HCl

Chitosan (CS), possess enormous properties, being biodegradable, biocompatible, and antimicrobial. CS could be formulated and casted into different forms including 2D films, hydrogels, and nanoparticles. Chitosan-based nanoparticles (CSNPs) showed countless interest as polymeric drug delivery system (DDS) with its improved bioavailability, and stability when compared with traditional DDS. Ciprofloxacin is a prescribed antibiotic for many diseases, but its efficiency was affected by antibacterial resistance. Therefore, in this study, CSNPs loaded with ciprofloxacin (Cipro/CSNPs) were prepared from CS isolated from desert locusts, beetles, honey bee exoskeletons, and shrimp shells were used as a standard control. CSNPs were formulated by ionic crosslinking method, then loaded with ciprofloxacin HCl, and characterized using particle size distribution, zeta potential, and drug entrapment efficiency. The release of ciprofloxacin from CSNPs was evaluated and its kinetic modelling was performed. Antibacterial activity of CSNPs was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Bacillus thuringiensis, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined and compared between chitosan sources. The Cipro/CSNPs results indicate that the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli and MRSA with MIC varying from 0.0043 to 0.01 μg/ml and from 0.07 to 0.14 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, CSNPs enhanced drug delivery, and allowed its controlled release.