Design, synthesis, and in silico analysis of fluorescein-sorbitol derivatives as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 proteases

Fluorescein-sorbitol derivatives were synthesized under mild conditions through acetal formation between sorbitol and aldehydes, yielding products with good efficiency. Their structural integrity was verified using various spectral techniques. In silico evaluations, including molecular docking were performed to assess their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV targets and non-viral protein targets. Docking studies revealed diverse binding profiles despite structural similarities among the compounds. Notably, one derivative exhibited strong binding affinity to the SARS-CoV main protease. This suggests its potential as a promising lead for novel CoV protease inhibitors. Further studies could enhance its therapeutic prospects for COVID-19 treatment. Fluorescein-sorbitol derivatives were synthesized under mild conditions through acetal formation between sorbitol and aldehydes, yielding products with good efficiency. Their structural integrity was verified using various spectral techniques. In silico evaluations, including molecular docking were performed to assess their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV targets and non-viral protein targets. Docking studies revealed diverse binding profiles despite structural similarities among the compounds. Notably, one derivative exhibited strong binding affinity to the SARS-CoV main protease. This suggests its potential as a promising lead for novel CoV protease inhibitors. Further studies could enhance its therapeutic prospects for COVID-19 treatment.