Targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 Proteins: In Silico Investigation with Polypyridyl‐Based Zn(II)‐Curcumin Complexes

Abstract

Herein, we have selected eight Zn(II)‐based complexes viz., [Zn(bpy)(acac)Cl] (1), [Zn(phen)(acac)Cl] (2), [Zn(dppz)(acac)Cl] (3), [Zn(dppn)(acac)Cl] (4), [Zn(bpy)(cur)Cl] (5), [Zn(phen)(cur)Cl] (6), [Zn(dppz)(cur)Cl] (7), [Zn(dppn)(cur)Cl] (8), where bpy=2,2'‐bipyridine, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline, dppz=benzo[i]dipyrido[3,2‐a:2',3'‐c]phenazine, dppn=naphtho[2,3‐i]dipyrido[3,2‐a:2',3'‐c]phenazine, acac=acetylacetonate, cur=curcumin and performed in silico molecular docking studies with the viral proteins, i.e., spike protein (S), Angiotensin‐converting enzyme II Receptor protein (ACE2), nucleocapsid protein (N), main protease protein (Mpro), and RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase protein (RdRp) of SARS‐CoV‐2. The binding energy calculations, visualization of the docking orientation, and analysis of the interactions revealed that these complexes could be potential inhibitors of the viral proteins. Among complexes 1‐8, complex 6 showed the strongest binding affinity with S and ACE2 proteins. 4 exerted better binding affinity in the case of the N protein, whereas 8 presented the highest binding affinities with Mpro and RdRp among all the complexes. Overall, the study indicated that Zn(II) complexes have the potential as alternative and viable therapeutic solutions for COVID‐19.