Synthesis and spectroscopic study of novel mixed ligand formula 'Artemisinin/Zn' and assessment of its inhibitory effect against 'SARS-CoV-2″

Background: Herein, a newly synthesised mixed ligand artemisinin/zinc (Art/Zn) is chemically characterised and examined against SARS-CoV-2. Methods: The synthesised complex was thoroughly characterised using various spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, UV and XRD). Its surface morphology and chemical purity were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The synthesised Art/Zn complex was tested for its inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2 using inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) and cytotoxicity concentration 50 (CC50). Results: The results reveal that the Art/Zn complex exhibits a moderate in vitro inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2, with a CC50 index of 213.6 μg/ml and an IC50 index of 66.79 μg/ml. Notably, it exhibits the inhibitory effect (IC50 = 66.79 μg/ml) at a very low concentration without any observable cytotoxic effects on host cells (CC50 = 213.6 μg/ml). Its mode of action against SARS-CoV-2 involves inhibiting the viral replication. The predicted target classes that Art/Zn may affect include kinases, which can regulate and inhibit the viral replication and binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor and the main protease inhibitor (MPro), thereby inhibiting the activity of SARS-CoV-2 and proved by the molecular dynamics simulation. Conclusion: We recommend using the Art/Zn complex owing to its moderate inhibitory and antiviral effects against the SARS-CoV-2 with a low cytotoxic effect on host (Vero E6) cells. We suggest conducting further prospective studies to investigate the biological effects of Art/Zn in animal models at different concentrations for testing its clinical efficacy and safety in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 activities.