Exploring the biological potential of N4-substituted thiosemicarbazones derived from 5-bromo salicylaldehyde: In silico and in vitro evaluation
Journal
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
Date Issued
2026
Author(s)
Singh, Vipin
Gupta, Prabal
Haribabu, Jebiti
Arulraj, Arunachalam
Moraga, Daniel
Sreekanth, Anandaram
Abstract
We report the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of N4-substituted thiosemicarbazones derived from 5-bromo salicylaldehyde, aimed at exploring their potential biomedical applications. Structural analyses by UV-visible, IR, NMR, and HRMS confirmed the successful formation of Schiff-base frameworks with desirable electronic and molecular features. DNA binding studies (UV-Vis and fluorescence) revealed that L3 interact with calf thymus DNA via a mixed intercalative and groove-binding mode, showing the highest binding constant (Kb= 7.98 x 104) and quenching constant (Kq= 2.4 x 104, Kapp= 2.5 x 106). BSA fluorescence quenching studies confirmed strong binding affinity (Kb= 4.79 x 104) and binding sites (n = 1), indicating efficient transport and bioavailability in serum environments. Molecular docking supported the experimental results, showing stable binding of L3 (Vins Score = -7.0 kcal/mol) with the active site of EGFR protein. DFT calculations provided optimized geometries, HOMO-LUMO energy gaps and confirmed enhanced electronic delocalization in L3. MEP surface analysis identified electronegative binding pockets responsible for biological recognition. Swiss ADME predictions indicated good drug-likeness, acceptable lipophilicity, and favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, with no major toxicity alerts. The strong DNA/BSA binding, favorable electronic features, and promising ADME behavior make L3 a potential anticancer lead molecule. Overall, these combined experimental and computational results establish L3 as a strong anticancer lead candidate (IC50 values of MDA-MB-231: 26.0 +/- 0.5, MCF-7: 47.2 +/- 0.5, MCF-10A: 85.1 +/- 0.8) meriting further biological and mechanistic investigations. The results suggest that these compounds, especially the 4-substituted analogs, may serve as promising candidates for anticancer drug development. Compound L4 has been previously reported;" however, it was resynthesized in our lab and characterized for comparison with validation purposes."


