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Novel ferrocenyl chalcone derivatives as antibacterial agents: is there a solution to the problem?

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Abstract

Increased infection spread is partly facilitated by reduced new drug development. Because of their antimicrobial properties, ferrocenyl chalcone derivatives were assessed in a previous study. However, dilutions of stock ferrocenyl chalcone solution with Mueller–Hinton broth (MHB) resulted in particle formation, and a colour change from deep red to dark-brown. Results of the current study confirmed particle formation, which suggested the chelation of casein hydrolysate, a component of MHB, by iron ion. After solubilisation in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), each of the iodine-containing compounds, also changed from deep red to dark-brown. Mean rates of colour change (RA) in polypropylene tubes at 37 °C were the highest (0.0102 ± 0.0005 ΔA/min−0.0041 ± 0.0009 ΔA/min) while the same observed reaction in borosilicate glass tubes 21 °C ± 1 were the lowest (0.0024 ± 0.0007 ΔA/min−0.0021 ± 0.0003 ΔA/min). Antimicrobial activity of two randomly selected ferrocenyl chalcone compounds (hexyl and heptyl) was unaffected after colour change occurred (0.016−0.125 mg/ml). Although these findings potentially indicate that short-term storage of antimicrobials is unaffected, further work is required to assess whether antimicrobial activity is affected by longer storage conditions.

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Author notes

  1. Elecia J. Henry

    Present address: Department of Food Production, Frank Stockdale Building, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, WI, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2DF, UK

    Elecia J. Henry

  2. Pharmacy Department LG1, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 6QG, UK

    Charles Thomas Bennett

  3. Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chesterfield Road, Calow, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5BL, UK

    Michael Collins

  4. School of Law, Policing and Forensics, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2DF, UK

    John P. Cassella

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Henry, E.J., Bennett, C.T., Collins, M. et al. Novel ferrocenyl chalcone derivatives as antibacterial agents: is there a solution to the problem?. Med Chem Res 30, 1284–1293 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00044-021-02738-1

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