Evaluation of lipophilicity, antimicrobial activity and mutagenicity of some novel ester prodrugs of metronidazole

Abstract

Various novel aliphatic and aromatic esters of metronidazole have been synthesized to improve the physicochemical properties (Rm values, lipophilicity) using prodrug approach. The alcoholic functional group of metronidazole is readily esterified, thus several novel ester prodrugs of metronidazole have been synthesized and evaluated for their anaerobic antibacterial activity and mutagenicity. These compounds have been characterized by UV, IR, ¹H NMR, mass spectra and elemental analysis. The partition coefficient of esters is determined by <i>n</i>-octanol/water system, RP-TLC and computed <i>in silico</i>. Anaerobic activity against <i>C. perfringens,</i> determined in terms of MIC (<img src='/image/spc_char/micro.gif' border=0>g/mL) show the esters, particularly SDS-18 and SDS-19, to be more potent in comparison to metronidazole. The Ames test is used to compare the mutagenic potential of the synthesized 5-nitroimidazoles.