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Antibacterial Activity of Synthetic Curcumin Derivatives: 3,5-Bis(benzylidene)-4-Piperidone (EF24) and EF24-Dimer Linked via Diethylenetriaminepentacetic Acid (EF2DTPA)

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Abstract

Curcumin is well known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, since systemic absorption and bioavailability of curcumin from gastrointestinal tract is considerably poor, synthetic curcuminoids are being developed as better alternatives. Two curcumin derivatives: 3,5-bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidone (EF24) and EF24-dimer linked via diethylenetriaminepentacetic acid (EF2DTPA), were included in this study. We investigated the antibacterial activity of EF24 and EF2DTPA against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. We also studied the effects of EF24 and EF2DTPA on uptake and localization of pHrodo-labeled E. coli in the acidic compartments (phagolysosomes) of dendritic cells (DCs) under in vitro conditions. Our results demonstrate that treatment with EF24 and EF2DTPA directly suppresses the bacterial growth. However, these compounds do not affect the bacterial uptake or localization in the DCs.

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Acknowledgments

Authors acknowledge the contributions of Ms. Rose Cooper to this work as part of her undergraduate summer research training in SA’s laboratory at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City.

Contributions of Authors

PV performed experiments related to cell proliferation and phagocytosis, and CK performed antibacterial activity assays. PL synthesized EF24 and EF2DTPA. VA designed the steps related to synthesis of curcuminoids. SA designed the experiments related to antibacterial and phagocytic activity of curcuminoids and compiled the manuscript. All authors contributed to data analysis and writing of relevant sections in the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1110 N. Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, USA

    Prachi Vilekar, Catherine King, Pallavi Lagisetty, Vibhudutta Awasthi & Shanjana Awasthi

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  1. Prachi Vilekar
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  2. Catherine King
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  3. Pallavi Lagisetty
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  4. Vibhudutta Awasthi
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  5. Shanjana Awasthi
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Correspondence to Shanjana Awasthi.

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Vilekar, P., King, C., Lagisetty, P. et al. Antibacterial Activity of Synthetic Curcumin Derivatives: 3,5-Bis(benzylidene)-4-Piperidone (EF24) and EF24-Dimer Linked via Diethylenetriaminepentacetic Acid (EF2DTPA). Appl Biochem Biotechnol 172, 3363–3373 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-014-0741-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-014-0741-5

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