# Synthesis and Anticancer Potential of New Benzimidazole Theranostic

## TL;DR

Researchers developed new benzimidazole compounds, with one showing strong anticancer effects and potential for use as a diagnostic tool.

## Contribution

A novel benzimidazole analog, V7, with broad anticancer activity and SIRT2 inhibitory potential is synthesized and characterized.

## Key findings

- Compound V7 exhibited high anticancer activity with IC50 values of 11.64 μM, 16.68 μM, and 13.30 μM against H103, H314, and HCT116 cell lines.
- V7's SIRT2 inhibitory activity suggests a possible mechanism for its anticancer effects.
- V7's autofluorescent properties indicate potential for development as a theranostic agent.

## Abstract

A series of novel benzimidazole analogs is designed, synthesized, and screened against a panel of selected cancer cell lines, including H103 (oral squamous cell carcinoma, OSCC), H314 (OSCC), and HCT116 (colorectal carcinoma). Structural characterization of the compounds is successfully confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H and 13C) and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Within the series, compound V7 emerged as a promising anticancer candidate, displaying broad‐spectrum activity with high selectivity toward the tested cancer cell lines (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50: H103 = 11.64 μM, H314 = 16.68 μM, HCT11 = 13.30 μM). Furthermore, the observed sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) inhibitory activity of V7 suggests a potential link to its anticancer effects. Molecular docking analysis reveals the importance of a hydroxyl group at the ortho position of the 2‐phenyl ring in rendering SIRT2 inhibitory activity. Notably, the high autofluorescent properties of V7 (molar absorptivity ε = 34,477 M−1 cm−1, quantum yield Φ = 26%, and Stokes shift Δλ = 166 nm) indicate potential for further development as a theranostic agent for cancer.

Recent advances have highlighted benzimidazole's importance in anticancer drug discovery. A novel series of benzimidazole analogs is designed and synthesized, with V7 showing broad anticancer activity and selectivity, possibly linked to SIRT2 inhibition.© 2025 WILEY‐VCH GmbH