In this study, we designed and prepared a series of new
azole derivatives
by recombination of fluconazole (FLC) and ketoconazole units, and in vitro antifungal activities against Candida
albicans were evaluated. The results indicated that
most azoles showed good antifungal activity against the drug-sensitive C. albicans strain, especially compounds 6a, 6e, 6n, 6p, 6r, 6s, 6t, and 6v, which displayed
better antifungal activity (MIC50 < 1.0 μg/mL)
than FLC against SC5314. The further mechanism study showed that compound 6r could significantly inhibit the formation of C. albicans biofilm, increase the permeability of
the cell membrane, reduce the ergosterol level of the cell membrane,
damage the membrane structure, and destroy the integrity of the cell
structure to exert excellent antifungal activity. Subsequently, a
molecular docking study indicated that azole compounds could inhibit
cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase (CYP51). Therefore, these azole
derivatives can be considered as potent antifungal drugs to treat
fungal infections.