Synthesis and Antimicrobial Potential of Substituted (Z)-5-Benzylidene-1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-diones with 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Functionalities

A variety of antimicrobials with distinct modes of action is vital for tackling the challenges associated with multidrug resistance. Herein, we have designed and synthesized novel thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives. These scaffolds have been analyzed for their potential antibacterial and antifungal activities. Among all, compound 6j exhibited excellent antibacterial activity with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 19 to 24 mm against pathogenic strains Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Compounds 6a and 6g showed moderate antifungal activity with inhibition zone diameters of 24 and 23 mm, respectively, against Aspergillus niger compared to the standard drug Nystatin. Furthermore, the molecular binding affinities of the synthesized thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives with proteins from various microorganisms have been assayed by molecular docking studies.