Semi-synthesis of novel thebaine derivatives with low cytotoxicity and their antibacterial and antihemolytic properties

In the present study, some new 1,2,3-triazole-tethered analogs of N -northebaine were designed and synthesized. The anti-bacterial properties of novel thebaine derivatives were studied on Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) and Escherichia coli ( E. coli ). Based on the results, compounds 5b , 5j and 5m showed the best activities against S. aureus (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ~ 25 μM) compared to the parent compound (MIC ~ 321 μM). The most active anti-bacterial derivatives (i.e., 5b , 5j and 5m ) and thebaine were considered as potent anti-bacterial wound healing agents. In this regard, fibroblast cell cytotoxicity and proliferation as well as anti-hemolytic activities of the mentioned compounds were studied. The cytotoxicity assay by using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl] 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) on human dermal fibroblast cell lines (HDF) revealed that products 5j and 5m didn’t show inhibition of cell line growth after 24 h. Based on the investigation results on blood cell disruption for releasing of hemoglobin, compound 5j didn’t exhibit any hemolysis activity in different doses. Graphical Abstract