Design, synthesis, in vitro anti-α-glucosidase evaluations, and computational studies of new phthalimide-phenoxy-1,2,3-triazole-N-phenyl (or benzyl) acetamides as potential anti-diabetic agents

An important target in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is α-glucosidase. Inhibition of this enzyme led to delay in glucose absorption and decrease in postprandial hyperglycemia. A new series of phthalimide-phenoxy-1,2,3-triazole-N-phenyl (or benzyl) acetamides 11a–n were designed based on the reported potent α-glucosidase inhibitors. These compounds were synthesized and screened for their in vitro inhibitory activity against the latter enzyme. The majority of the evaluated compounds displayed high inhibition effects (IC₅₀ values in the range of 45.26 ± 0.03–491.68 ± 0.11 µM) as compared to the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀ value = 750.1 ± 0.23 µM). Among this series, compounds 11j and 11i represented the most potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values of 45.26 ± 0.03 and 46.25 ± 0.89 µM. Kinetic analysis revealed that the compound 11j is a competitive inhibitor with a K_i of 50.4 µM. Furthermore, the binding interactions of the most potent compounds in α-glucosidase active site were studied through molecular docking and molecular dynamics. The latter studies confirmed the obtained results through in vitro experiments. Furthermore, in silico pharmacokinetic study of the most potent compounds was also performed.