Synthesis, characterization of novel Schiff base (Z)-2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(4-(2-(2-hydroxy benzylidene) hydrazine-1-carbonyl) phenyl) acetamide metal complexes: in-vitro, in-silico anti-microbial studies

A novel Schiff base ligand (Z)-2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(4-(2-(2-hydroxy benzylidene) hydrazine-1-carbonyl) phenyl) acetamide (V) and its transition metal complexes of Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn (VI-IX), synthesized and evaluated their anti-microbial activity and compared with standard drugs. IR, NMR, TGA, and other spectroscopic methods have been used to characterize the compounds thoroughly. The choice of ligand was based on its known coordination behavior, stability, and potential biological activity, which makes it a promising candidate for complex formation and subsequent studies. DFT calculations were included to provide insight into the electronic structure, geometry optimization, and reactivity parameters of the ligand and its metal complexes, offering a theoretical basis to support experimental findings. Thermal stability analysis exposed a notable organic-to-inorganic mix appropriate for high-temperature uses of the metal complexes. The synthesized ligand and its metal complexes showing promising antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Interestingly, Cu (VIII) and Zn (IX) were showing strong antifungal and antibacterial effects that were compared with those of common medicines like griseofulvin and chloramphenicol. Redocking protocol performed to understand the binding mechanisms of the ligand and complex in the active site of the E. coli DNA gyrase bacterial receptor (1KZN). These results determine the potential of these Schiff base metal complexes for materials science and medical chemistry.