Zirconium oxide nano-catalyzed bis(indolyl)methanes: A sustainable route to anticancer therapies

Abstract

Bis(indolyl)methanes (BIMs) are a class of compounds known for their diverse biological activities, including potential anticancer properties. Modern synthetic chemistry techniques are examined in this work to develop and manufacture novel anticancer medications with increased effectiveness and fewer side effects. The cytotoxic efficacy of a moderate and very effective method for creating pharmacologically active BIMs 3a-j using ZrO2 nanoparticles as a catalyst was assessed against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Remarkably, compounds 3a and 3b exhibited exceptional potency, with IC₅₀ values of 0.17 and 0.13 μM, respectively, surpassing the activity of standard anticancer agents sorafenib (IC₅₀: 1.23 μM). Another compound 3j demonstrated moderate inhibition effect with an IC₅₀ value of 8.6 μM. These results highlight the potential of BIMs as promising anticancer agents and warrant further investigation into their mechanism of action and therapeutic applications.

Keywords: Aldehydes; Anticancer activity; Bis(indolyl)methanes; Indole; MCF-7.