Ligand-based discovery of novel N-arylpyrrole derivatives as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents with antibiofilm and anti-virulence activity.

The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance calls for novel therapeutic agents. This study employed a ligand-based design approach to develop three series of N-arylpyrrole derivatives (Va-e, VIa-e, and VIIa-e), refined through molecular modeling. Synthesized compounds were evaluated against ESKAPE pathogens, MRSA, and Mycobacterium phlei. Series Va-e showed the most promise, with compounds Vb, Vc, and Ve outperforming levofloxacin against MRSA (MIC = 4 μg/mL vs. 8 μg/mL). Vc also exhibited activity against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and A. baumannii, and showed significant inhibition against M. phlei (MIC = 8 μg/mL). Compounds were evaluated for antibiofilm and antivirulence properties, targeting resistance mechanisms linked to infection persistence and dissemination. Most exhibited broad-spectrum biofilm inhibition and antivirulence activity. Cytotoxicity studies revealed selectivity for bacterial cells. ADMET studies supported drug-like properties. Docking studies suggested UPPP inhibition as the potential mechanism. SAR analysis was conducted to support future optimizations.