Computational Calculations of Molecular Properties and Molecular Docking of New and Reference Cephalosporins on Penicillin Binding Proteins and Various β-Lactamases

An approach of using molinspiration calculations and molecular docking on PBPs (penicillin-binding proteins) and certain β-lactamases is employed to predict the molecular properties, bioactivity and resistance of newer and reference cephalosporins. The previously synthesized cephalosporins 1-8 and reference cephalosporins were subjected to extensive evaluations by calculating the molecular properties, drug-likeness scores on the bases of Lipinski’s rule and bioactivity prediction using the method of molinspiration web-based software. The TPSA (topological polar surface area), OH-NH interactions, n-violation and the molinspiration Log partition coefficient (miLogP) values were also calculated. The investigated cephalosporins were subjected to molecular docking study on PBPs (1pyy) and on β-lactamases produced by S. aureus, K. pneumonia, E. coli and P. auroginosa using 1-click-docking website. Molecular properties of 1-8 recorded higher TPSA than cephalexin and were lower than the reference cephalosporins and do not fulfill the requirements for Lipinski’s rule. Bioactivities of 1-8 were predicted to be less and their docking scores on PBPs were comparable to those of the reference cephalosporins, particularly ceftobiprole. The references recorded various docking scores on the above β-lactamases and as expected, ceftobiprole recorded the lowest scores on all β-lactamases. Cephalosporins 1-8 recorded various docking scores on β-lactamases. Molecular docking studies on PBPs and β-lactamases are considered as very useful, reliable and practical approach for predicting the bioactivity scores and to afford some information about the stability and selectivity of the newly proposed cephalosporins against β-lactamases of certain pathogenic microbes, such as P. auroginosa and MRSA, by recording the relative docking scores in comparison with those of reference cephalosporins.