Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Biological Activities of 1,3,4‐ Thiadiazole Derivatives Containing Sulfonylpiperazine Structures

Abstract

To develop novel bacterial biofilm inhibiting agents, a series of 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives containing sulfonylpiperazine structures were designed, synthesized, and characterized using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, their biological activities were evaluated, and the ensuing structure–activity relationships were discussed. The bioassay results showed the substantial antimicrobial efficacy exhibited by most of the compounds. Among them, compound A24 demonstrated a strong efficacy with an EC50 value of 7.8 μg/mL in vitro against the Xanthomonasoryzae pv. oryzae (Xoc) pathogen, surpassing commercial agents thiodiazole copper (31.8 μg/mL) and bismerthiazol (43.3 μg/mL). Mechanistic investigations into its anti‐Xoc properties revealed that compound A24 operates by increasing the permeability of bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting biofilm formation and cell motility, and inducing morphological changes in bacterial cells. Importantly, in vivo tests showed its excellent protective and curative effects on rice bacterial leaf streak. Besides, molecular docking showed that the hydrophobic effect and hydrogen‐bond interactions are key factors between the binding of A24 and AvrRxo1‐ORF1. Therefore, these results suggest the utilization of 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives containing sulfonylpiperazine structures as a bacterial biofilm inhibiting agent, warranting further exploration in the realm of agrochemical development.