Synthesis, characterization and DFT studies of novel Schiff base derivatives of curcumin as potential antibacterial agents

Abstract

Curcumin has immense medicinal value in traditional medicine and is known to have anti-tumor, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Molecular structure of curcumin has a very interesting functionality profile that permits novel modifications. This work specifically focuses on the synthesis of a series of schiff base derivatives of curcumin (3a–3h) which were primarily characterized by FT-IR, 1HNMR , 13CNMR and HR-MS. In a bid to study the biocidal activity of these compounds, the studies were performed on S. aureus ATCC 25923 and E. Coli ATCC 25922. MIC for these compounds were found in the range of 250 µg/mL to 500 µg/ml. Anti-oxidant property was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging method. Further, radical scavenging activity was extended to nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals. DFT calculations were carried out for theoretical understanding and energy analysis to support the experimental data. In silico studies were carried out using ADMET to predict in vivo interactions and toxicity.