Design, synthesis, anticancer activity and docking studies of novel quinazoline-based thiazole derivatives as EGFR kinase inhibitors.

The in vitro anticancer efficacy of a new series of quinazoline-based thiazole derivatives was explored. Three cancer cell lines, MCF-7, HepG2, and A548, as well as the normal Vero cell lines, were tested employing the synthesized quinazoline-based thiazole compounds (4a-j). All of these compounds showed a moderate to significant cytotoxic impact that would have been noticeable and, in some cases, much more pronounced than the widely used drug erlotinib. For the MCF-7, HepG2, and A549 cell lines, respectively, the IC50 values of compound 4i were 2.86, 5.91, and 14.79 µM while those of compound 4j were 3.09, 6.87, and 17.92 µM. For their in vitro inhibitory effects against different EGFR kinases, such as the wild-type, L858R/T790 M, and L858R/T790 M/C797S, all the synthesized compounds were tested. The IC50 values for compound 4f against the wild-type, L858R/T790 M, and L858R/T790 M/C797S mutant EGFR kinases were 2.17, 2.81, and 3.62 nM, respectively. Investigations on the molecular docking of significant molecules indicated potential mechanisms of binding into the EGFR kinase active sites. By using in-silico simulations, compounds' putative drug-like qualities were verified. Finally, it has been shown that the newly synthesized compounds 4i and 4j are good candidates and beneficial for future design, optimization, and research to build more potent and selective EGFR kinase inhibitors with higher anticancer activity.

Synthesis, molecular docking study and anticancer activity of novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as potential tubulin inhibitors.

The current study reports on the synthesis and anticancer efficacy of novel oxadiazole derivatives (8a-f) as tubulin polymerization inhibitors. NMR, mass, and elemental studies were used to confirm the newly produced compounds. In contrast to the conventional medicine colchicine, compounds 8e and 8f demonstrated stronger sensitivity and improved IC50 values in the range of 3.19-8.21 µM against breast MCF-7, colorectal HCT116, and liver HepG2 cancer cell lines. The target compounds were tested for enzymatic activity against the tubulin enzyme. Compounds 8e and 8f were shown to have the most effective inhibitory action among the new compounds, with IC50 values of 7.95 and 9.81 nM, respectively. As compared to the reference drug, molecular docking investigations of the developed compounds revealed the crucial hydrogen bonding in addition to the hydrophobic interaction at the binding site, assisting in the prediction of the structural requirements for the found anticancer activity. These findings indicate that the 1,3,4-oxadizole scaffold has the potential for future research into new anticancer medicines.

Fabrication of layered In2S3/WS2 heterostructure for enhanced and efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction and various paraben degradation in water.

Because of the excessive use of fossil fuels, CO2 emissions into the environment are increasing. An efficient method of converting CO2 to useful carbonaceous products in the presence of light is one way to address the issues associated with energy and environmental remediation. In2S3/WS2 heterostructure has been fabricated using the efficient hydrothermal method. The results of structural, morphological, optical, and photo/electrochemical characterization confirm the formation of a hierarchical, layered heterostructure of type-II. Enhanced photocatalytic activity is observed in InS/WS heterostructure compared to pristine In2S3 and WS2. InS/WS heterostructure exhibit higher photocatalytic activity than pure In2S3 and WS2. For 12 h, photocatalytic CO2 reduction produces 213.4 and 188.6 µmol of CO and CH4, respectively. Furthermore, the photocatalytic ability of the synthesized materials to degrade different parabens (Methyl: MPB, Ethyl: EPB, and Benzyl: BPB) under visible radiation was evaluated. Under optimized conditions, the InS/WS heterostructure degraded 88.6, 90.4, and 95.8% of EPB, BPB, and MPB, respectively, in 90 min. The mechanism of photocatalysis was discussed in detail. MCF-7 cell viability was assessed and found to exhibit low mortality in InS/WS treated MPB aqueous solution. InS/WS heterostructure could improve the fabrication of more sulphide-based layered materials to combat environmental pollution.

Microwave-assisted N-alkylation of amines with alcohols catalyzed by MnCl2 : Anticancer, docking, and DFT studies.

A new protocol for the N-alkylation of amines with alcohols for the synthesis of tertiary amines in the presence of MnCl2 as a catalyst, under microwave conditions, is described. The advantages of this protocol include stable reaction profiles, a wide substrate variety, excellent yields, low cost, high yields, and easy workup conditions. The anticancer efficacy of all the synthesized compounds was tested in vitro against various cancer cell lines, such as MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 (human breast), HT-29, HCT 116 (colon cancer), A549 (human lung carcinoma), and Vero cells. Among the screened compounds, 3e, 3h, and 3i demonstrated potent anticancer activity, with compound 3h surpassing the reference drug cisplatin against A549, MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and HCT116 cancer cells. The introduction of an electron-withdrawing group on the phenyl ring resulted in increased anticancer activity. The most potent compounds, 3e, 3h, and 3i, were tested against VEGFR-2, HER2, and EGFR in multikinase inhibition assays, with compounds 3h and 3i showing improved potency against the HER2 kinase. The compounds formed two H-bonds with amino acids, indicating that they had a high affinity for the target HER2 kinase (PDB ID: 3RCD), according to the docking analysis. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties of the optimized analogs were also assessed in vitro, enabling the discovery of promising anticancer agents. Finally, the B3LYP level was used to measure density functional theory geometry optimization and the related quantum parameters for the active compounds.

Nitrogen doped carbon spheres from Tamarindus indica shell decorated with vanadium pentoxide; photoelectrochemical water splitting, photochemical hydrogen evolution & degradation of Bisphenol A.

At present energy and environmental remediation are of highest priority for the well defined sustainability. Multifunctional materials that solve both the issues are on high demand. In the present work, a simple method has been followed to extract carbon spheres fromTamarindus indica(commonly known astamarind fruit) shelland doped with nitrogen (N-CS). Vanadium pentoxide nanoflakes were decorated aroundN-CS and the resultant is labeled as V2O5/N-CS nanocomposite. The spectroscopic, microscopic, elemental mapping and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic characterization confirm the nitrogen doping and formation of hybrid material. N-CS, V2O5, and V2O5/N-CS nanocompositehave been evaluated for their efficiency to evolve hydrogen and for degradation of Bisphenol A (BPA) under visible light. In addition, electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution in presence of light has also been evaluated. The DRS spectrum proves the decrease in the bandgap of V2O5 upon its decoration around N-CS material. In a photochemical experiment, the V2O5/N-CS nanocomposite evolved 18,600 µmolg-1 of H2.Electrochemical hydrogen evolution has also been evaluated in presence of light and obtained the onset potential of -60mV with 52 mV dec-1 Tafel slope value. Scavenger studies indicate superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals are the active species responsible for the degradation of BPA. BPA degradation pathway has been predicted with the support of LC-MS results of the intermediates. All these results indicate the synthesized nanocomposite could be an efficient, stable multifunctional material for photocatalytic applications.

Discovery of a novel series of substituted quinolines acting as anticancer agents and selective EGFR blocker: Molecular docking study.

A Ta2O5-anchored-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (PPCA) nanoparticle has been synthesized and characterized. It was then used as a highly effective nanocatalyst for the synthesis of quinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives through CO bond functionalization. The special advantage of this heterogeneous solid catalyst is the reusability of the catalyst for up to five cycles without any noticeable reduction in product yields. In comparison, healthy reaction profiles, wide substrate scope, excellent yields and easy workup conditions are the notable highlights of this approach. All the compounds were tested for their anticancer activity against MCF-7 (human breast), HepG2 (human liver), HCT116 (human colorectal), and PC-3 (human prostate) cancer cell lines with the MTT assay. All the compounds were shown to have moderate to good inhibitory effects on tested cancer cell lines. Besides, compounds 5b, 5c and 5d showed good selectivity against epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK). Molecular docking results showed that active compounds showed a good affinity towards EGFR kinase (PDB ID: 6V6O) by forming two hydrogen bonds with Cys-797 and Tyr-801. All the compounds were screened for computational ADMET and Lipinski analysis.

Potential applications of cellulose and chitosan nanoparticles/composites in wastewater treatment: A review.

This work concerns the investigation of potential candidature of cellulose and chitosan-based nano-sized materials for heavy metals and dyes removal. Cellulose and chitosan being the first two abundant biopolymers in nature offer wide opportunities to be utilized for high-end applications such as water purification. The nano-sized cellulose and nano-sized chitosan present superior adsorption behavior compared to their micro-sized counterparts. This area of research which explores the possible usage of nano-biopolymers is relatively new. The present review article outlines the development history of research in the field of cellulose and chitosan, various methods employed for the functionalization of the biopolymers, current stage of research, and mechanisms involved in adsorption of heavy metals and dyes using nanocellulose and nanochitosan. The significance of research using nano-biopolymers and future prospects are also identified.