Chromenes as antimicrobial agents: Mechanisms, efficacy, and future perspectives

The escalating global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates the urgent development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Chromones, a versatile class of heterocyclic compounds, have emerged as promising candidates for combating drug-resistant infections. This review provides into the multifaceted potential of chromenes as antimicrobial agents, encompassing their chemistry, antimicrobial activity, modes of action, efficacy, safety, and prospects. AMR poses a significant threat to global health security, contributing to increased mortality rates and substantial healthcare costs. To address this pressing issue, novel antimicrobial agents with unique mechanisms of action are urgently needed. Chromones offer a promising avenue, exhibiting potent antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including multidrug-resistant bacteria, fungi, and potentially viruses. The mechanisms of action of chromenes are diverse and involve targeting critical cellular processes. For instance, certain chromenes inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by interfering with the transpeptidation reaction, a key step in peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Other chromenes target essential DNA replication and synthesis proteins, leading to cell death. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the efficacy of chromenes against various infectious diseases. Moreover, chromenes have shown potential in combating biofilm formation, a significant factor in persistent infections. Safety assessments, including toxicity profiles and pharmacokinetic studies, have indicated the potential clinical translation of chromenes. To fully realize the therapeutic potential of chromenes, future research should focus on optimizing their structures for enhanced efficacy, exploring combination therapies with other antimicrobial agents, developing innovative drug delivery systems, and conducting rigorous clinical trials. This review aims to stimulate further research and development efforts toward addressing the global challenge of AMR by providing a comprehensive overview of chromenes as antimicrobial agents.