Synthesis, crystal structure, in-silico ADMET, molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies of thiophene-chalcone analogues

Redefining Chalcone Synthesis: Aldol Adduct Elimination for the Rapid Access to Thienyl Chalcones

This paper introduces a unique and novel method for synthesizing thienyl chalcones using iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) as a heterogeneous catalyst. It stands out as a rare example in the literature for the synthesis of these chalcones from 1,3-diketones and various aromatic aldehydes. The magnetic FeONPs employed as the catalyst bring several advantages, including their efficiency, affordability, and ecofriendly nature, making them an attractive choice for producing thiophene chalcones. One noteworthy aspect of this methodology is the utilization of mild reaction conditions, which greatly simplify the operational aspects of the reaction. Synthesized chalcones were confirmed through the application of various techniques, proton-NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. These analyses provide valuable insights into the chemical compositions and structural characteristics of the synthesized compounds. Significantly, this methodology is reported for the first time in the literature, indicating its novelty and contribution to the field of chalcone synthesis.

Novel cyanochalcones as potential anticancer agents: apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, DNA binding, and molecular docking studies

In the light of anticancer drug discovery and development, a new series of cyanochalcones incorporating indole moiety (5a-g) were efficiently synthesized and characterized by different spectral analysis. MTT assay was used to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of the synthesized compounds towards different cancer cells (Hela, MDA-MB-231, A375, and A549) in parallel with normal cells (HSF). Trimethoxy and diethoxy-containing derivatives (5d and 5e) displayed the most selective cytotoxic activities against cervical Hela cells with IC50 values of 8.29 and 11.82 µM, respectively, with great safety pattern toward normal HSF cells (Selectivity index: 21.3 and 13.9, respectively). Therefore, 5d and 5e were chosen to study their effects on apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and migration of Hela cells using flow cytometric analysis and wound healing assay. They induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the S phase and impaired migration of HeLa cells. Regarding their effects on the expression profile of crucial genes related to the potential anticancer activities, 5d and 5e remarkably upregulated caspase 3 and Beclin1 and downregulated cyclin A1, CDK2, CDH2, MMP9, and HIF1A using qRT-PCR and ELISA techniques. UV-Vis spectral measurement demonstrated the ability of 5d and 5e to bind CT-DNA efficiently with Kb values of 3.7 × 105 and 1 × 105 M-1, respectively. Moreover, in silico molecular docking was performed to assess the binding affinities of the compounds toward the active sites of Bcl2, CDK2, and DNA. Therefore, cyanochalcones 5d and 5e might be promising anticancer agents and could offer a scientific basis for intensive research into cancer chemotherapy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Novel eco-friendly [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives efficiency against fungal deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage, Egypt

Fungal deterioration is one of the major factors that significantly contribute to mummy cartonnage damage. Isolation and molecular identification of thirteen fungal species contributing to the deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage located in El-Lahun regions, Fayoum government, Egypt was performed. The most dominant deteriorated fungal species are Aspergillus flavus (25.70%), Aspergillus terreus (16.76%), followed by A. niger (13.97%). A newly synthesized series of tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal activities in vitro against the isolated deteriorated fungal species (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, Athelia bombacina, Aureobasidium iranianum, Byssochlamys spectabilis, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. ramotenellum, Penicillium crustosum, P. polonicum, Talaromyces atroroseus, T. minioluteus and T. purpureogenus). The most efficient chalcone derivatives are new chalcone derivative numbers 9 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 1 to 3 mg/mL followed by chalcone derivatives number 5 with MIC ranging from 1 to 4 mg/mL.