In Silico Studies for Bacterystic Evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus of 2-Naphthoic Acid Analogues

Abstract

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive spherical bacterium commonly present in nasal fossae and in the skin of healthy people; however, in high quantities, it can lead to complications that compromise health. The pathologies involved include simple infections, such as folliculitis, acne, and delay in the process of wound healing, as well as serious infections in the CNS, meninges, lung, heart, and other areas. Aim: This research aims to propose a series of molecules derived from 2-naphthoic acid as a bioactive in the fight against S. aureus bacteria through in silico studies using molecular modeling tools. Methods: A virtual screening of analogues was done in consideration of the results that showed activity according to the prediction model performed in the KNIME Analytics Platform 3.6, violations of the Lipinski rule, absorption rate, cytotoxicity risks, energy of binder-receptor interaction through molecular docking, and the stability of the best profile ligands in the active site of the proteins used (PDB ID 4DXD and 4WVG). Results: Seven of the 48 analogues analyzed showed promising results for bactericidal action against S. aureus. Conclusion: It is possible to conclude that ten of the 48 compounds derived from 2-naphthoic acid presented activity based on the prediction model generated, of which seven presented no toxicity and up to one violation to the Lipinski rule.