Recent Advances in Antibacterial Quinolone Hybrids: Design, Mechanism, and Biological Activity

Introduction: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of quinolones (nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds), including their mechanism of action, drug resistance, Structure-activity Relationship (SAR), and classification across generations. It also highlights recent progress in developing quinolone hybrids designed to improve antibacterial efficacy and combat resistance. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Keywords included “quinolone hybrids,” “antibacterial activity,” and “fluoroquinolone.” Relevant literature on quinolone hybrids published from 2018 to 2024 was systematically collected, reviewed, and analyzed. Results: A wide range of quinolone hybrids have been developed in recent years, incorporating various pharmacophores to improve antibacterial effectiveness and combat resistance. These hybrids exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial potency with reduced MIC values against resistant strains compared to standard quinolone drugs. SAR analyses have further provided valuable insights into the impact of structural modifications on biological activity. Discussion: The study highlights that Quinolone hybrids integrate quinolones with other active compounds to enhance antimicrobial effectiveness, counter resistance, and target multiple bacterial sites, offering a powerful approach against drug-resistant infections. Conclusion: Quinolone hybrids represent a promising approach to antibiotic development, offering new strategies to address the evolving threat of bacterial resistance. Continued research in this area could lead to next-generation antibacterial agents with improved efficacy and therapeutic potential.