Synthesis, antimicrobial activity, and toxicological evaluation of a p-coumaric acid derivative as a potential new antibacterial agent.

This article focuses on the evaluation of 4-chlorobenzyl p-coumarate (4CpC), a semisynthetic derivative of p-coumaric acid, as a potential antimicrobial agent against Gram-positive (GP) bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The compound demonstrated significant bactericidal activity against GP bacteria by disrupting bacterial cell membranes and biofilms, with effective penetration into the extracellular polymeric matrix and induction of cell lysis. Toxicological assessments, including in silico predictions, cytotoxicity assays on human gingival fibroblasts, and systemic toxicity tests in Galleria mellonella larvae, indicated low toxicity at concentrations effective against bacteria. These findings suggest that 4CpC holds promise as a candidate for further translational research targeting infections caused by multidrug-resistant and non-resistant GP bacteria.