Synthesis and evaluation of intrinsic bioactivity of fluorescein and phenolphthalein derivatives

Fluorescein and phenolphthalein derivatives have been synthesized and screened for their bioactivity via molecular docking, cytotoxicity and antioxidant studies. In molecular docking studies, the compounds 3d have exhibited better glide score and hydrogen bonding ability when docked with t-RNA Dimethylallyltransferase. Antioxidant capabilities were evaluated via DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. In this screening, compound 3d exhibited better inhibition efficiency in the DPPH and ABTS methods. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was assessed by the cell sustainability assay against human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). All the synthesized compounds exhibited cytotoxic effects against HeLa cells and compounds 3d displayed better activity (IC50) than the standard drug (doxorubicin).