Corrosion and bacterial growth inhibition by amino acid functionalized pyridine derivative at P110 steel/oil formation water interface: Experimental, surface and molecular docking investigations

•Corrosion and bacterial growth was investigated in oil formation water.•Amino acid functionalized pyridine derivative was developed using green technique.•SEM, AFM, and XPS confirmed inhibitor film formation.•Molecular docking shows the SRB protein and inhibitor interaction. The prime objective of the present research is to explore the green synthesis of pyridine derivative by functionalizing amino acid vanillin (Py-Va) using the ultrasound method and its application as a novel corrosion inhibitor for P110 steel in oil formation water (OFW). The results report that Py-Va inhibits P110 steel corrosion and represents a significant decrease in corrosion rate with the rising dose at certain temperatures. Electrochemical experiments manifest that Py-Va can restrain reactions of the cathode and anode of P110 steel. The molecular adsorption of Py-Va is governed by Langmuir isotherm with the chemical mechanism participation. The morphology maps of surface analysis support the creation of an inhibitive layer of Py-Va over the steel surface. Biological activity reveals a significant reduction in the sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) after Py-Va addition. Molecular docking and Root Mean Square deviation (RMSD) as used to analyze the Py-Va and SRB protein interaction.