Synthesis, characterization, in vitro and in silico biological studies of 3d transition metal(II) chelates of a Schiff base derived from sulfamethazine and 3,5-diiodosalicylaldehyde

A Schiff base (imine) ligand, (E)-4-((2-hydroxy-3,5-diiodobenzylidene)amino)-N-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (HL), was synthesized by condensation of 3,5-diiodosalicylaldehyde with sulfamethazine. The ligand was then complexed with Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Fe(II) employing a metal to ligand ratio of 1:2 to form chelates (1-5), M(L)2(H2O)2. Characterization was done by UV-visible, FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, magnetic moments, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and conductance studies. The Schiff base behaved as a bidentate ligand and metal chelates assumed octahedral geometry. MOE-docking was employed to assess binding of the Schiff base (HL) and its chelates (1-5) with 1T2P, 1VVQ, 2W61, 3U2D, 4H8E and 5K18 proteins. Results indicated that Zn(II) chelate (1) and Fe(II) chelate (5) are the most potent compounds. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were executed against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antifungal activities were performed against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The Schiff base exhibited moderate antibacterial/antifungal activities that were enhanced on chelation with metal ions. Zinc(II) chelate (1) and Fe(II) chelate (5) show excellent antibacterial/antifungal activities. Complex 2 exhibited good antibiofilm activity.