In-vitro and In-silico Study of Bioactive Compounds from Coccocarpia erythroxyli as Inhibitors Targeting PBP3 (6ILE) for Antibacterial Applications

Authors

  • Oky Kusuma Atni Program of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan 20155, Indonesia
  • Erman Munir Program of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan 20155, Indonesia
  • Nursahara Pasaribu Program of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan 20155, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2025.10291

Keywords:

Antibacterial, Bioactive compounds, Coccocarpia erythroxyli, Penicillin-binding protein, Antibacterial, Bioactive compounds, Coccocarpia erythroxyli, Penicillin-binding protein

Abstract

Lichens are recognized as sources of diverse bioactive metabolites with potential antibacterial properties. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of Coccocarpia erythroxyli (Spreng.) Swinscow & Krog and its interaction with Penicillin-Binding Protein 3 (PBP3, PDB ID: 6I1E). Methanol extracts of C. erythroxyli were tested against six bacterial strains using the disc diffusion method, revealing moderate antibacterial activity, with the highest inhibition zone observed against Escherichia coli (18.6 ± 0.44 mm), compared to chloramphenicol (29.13 mm). GC-MS analysis identified 33 bioactive compounds, which were further evaluated through in-silico drug-likeness screening and molecular docking. Among these, Cembrene showed the highest binding affinity (−5.9 kcal/mol), interacting with hydrophobic residues PHE182 and TRP185, while the control compound displayed a slightly stronger affinity (−6.3 kcal/mol). These results highlight the moderate antibacterial potential of C. erythroxyli and suggest that its metabolites warrant further investigation as lead compounds in antibacterial drug development, particularly in the context of antibiotic resistance.

HIGHLIGHTS

The graphical abstract illustrates the workflow of the study on Coccocarpia erythroxyli bioactive compounds as potential antibacterial agents. It begins with the extraction of bioactive compounds from the lichen, followed by in-vitro antibacterial testing. Simultaneously, in-silico molecular docking is conducted to evaluate the interaction of the compounds with PBP3 (6I1E), highlighting key binding sites and interaction energies. The combined results emphasize the potential of these compounds to inhibit bacterial growth and serve as a basis for future drug development targeting resistant bacteria.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

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Published

2025-06-30