N-benzyl derivatives of long-chained 4-Amino-7-chloro-quionolines as inhibitors of pyocyanin production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of nosocomial infections that are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to the occurrence of antibiotic resistant strains. Since P. aeruginosa virulence is controlled through quorum sensing, small molecule treatments inhibiting quorum sensing signaling pathways provide a promising therapeutic option. Consequently, we synthesized a series of N-octaneamino-4-aminoquinoline derivatives to optimize this chemotype’s anti-virulence activity against P. aeruginosa via inhibition of pyocyanin production. The most potent derivative, which possesses a benzofuran substituent, provided effective inhibition of pyocyanin production (IC50=12 μM), biofilm formation (BFIC50=50 μM), and motility. Experimentally, compound’s activity is achieved through competitive inhibition of PqsR, and structure-activity data was rationalized using molecular docking studies.