Synthesis of novel 4-thiazolidione derivatives as antibacterial agents against drug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis

A series of novel substituted 4-thiazolidione derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vitro for their antibacterial activities, in comparison with methicillin and ampicillin. Compounds (7d, 7h–k) exhibit good potency in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis (MIC: 1.57–3.13 μM). Further antibacterial effects of compounds (7d, 7h–k) were investigated using clinical isolates (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), in comparison with methicillin and levofloxacin. Compound 7k showed the most potent antibacterial activities among the synthesized compounds.