In vitro and in silico insights into tyrosinase inhibitors with (E)-benzylidene-1-indanone derivatives

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.csbj.2019.07.017

Tyrosinase is a key enzyme responsible for melanin biosynthesis and is effective in protecting skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. As part of ongoing efforts to discover potent tyrosinase inhibitors, we systematically designed and synthesized thi

Full text of DOI:10.1016/j.csbj.2019.07.017

Accepted Manuscript
In vitro and in silico insights into tyrosinase inhibitors with (E)-
benzylidene-1-indanone derivatives
Hee Jin Jung, Sang Gyun Noh, Yujin Park, Dongwan Kang,
Pusoon Chun, Hae Young Chung, Hyung Ryong Moon
PII:
S2001-0370(19)30175-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csbj.2019.07.017
CSBJ 375
DOI:
Reference:
To appear in:
Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal
Received date:
Revised date:
Accepted date:
12 April 2019
26 July 2019
27 July 2019
Please cite this article as: H.J. Jung, S.G. Noh, Y. Park, et al., In vitro and in silico insights
into tyrosinase inhibitors with (E)-benzylidene-1-indanone derivatives, Computational and
Structural Biotechnology Journal, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csbj.2019.07.017
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ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
In vitro and in silico insights into tyrosinase inhibitors with (E)-benzylidene-1-indanone
derivatives
1
,2,3
1,2,3
1
1
4
Hee Jin Jung , Sang Gyun Noh , Yujin Park , Dongwan Kang , Pusoon Chun , Hae
1
,2,3,*
1,*
Young Chung
hyjung@pusan.ac.kr, Hyung Ryong Moon mhr108@pusan.ac.kr
1
2
College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
Longevity life Science and Technology Institutes, Pusan National University, Busan 46241,
Republic of Korea
3
Aging Tissue Bank, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241,
Republic of Korea
4
College of Pharmacy, Inje University, Gimhae, 47392, Republic of Korea
*
Corresponding authors.
Abstract
Tyrosinase is a key enzyme responsible for melanin biosynthesis and is effective in protecting
skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. As part of ongoing efforts to discover potent
tyrosinase inhibitors, we systematically designed and synthesized thirteen (E)-benzylidene-1-
indanone derivatives (BID1 – 13) and determined their inhibitory activities against tyrosinase.
Among the compounds evaluated, BID3 was the most potent inhibitor of mushroom
tyrosinase (IC = 0.034 µM, monophenolase activity; IC = 1.39 µM, diphenolase activity).
5
0
50
Kinetic studies revealed that BID3 demonstrated a mixed type of tyrosinase inhibition with Ki
value of 2.4 µM using L-DOPA as a substrate. In silico molecular docking simulations
demonstrated that BID3 can bind to the catalytic and allosteric sites of tyrosinase to inhibit
enzyme activity which confirmed in vitro experimental studies between BID3 and tyrosinase.
Furthermore, melanin contents decreased and cellular tyrosinase activity was inhibited after
BID3 treatment. These observations revealed that BID3 is a potent tyrosinase inhibitor and
potentially could be used as a whitening agent for the treatment of pigmentation-related
disorders.

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Keywords: 1-Indanone; 2,4-Dihydroxy benzylidene; Melanin; Tyrosinase inhibitor
1
. Introduction
Melanin is synthesized by melanocytes in the vassal layer of the epidermis generally refers
to the family of pigments commonly known for protecting mammalian skin from damage
caused by harmful UV radiation by scavenging free radicals or dispersing incoming UV light
[1]. However, abundant generation of melanin can cause visible hyperpigmentation of the
epidermis, which may be obvious as melasma, freckles, age spots, or senile lentigines [2].
Tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1), a copper-containing metalloenzyme, is a key enzyme involved in
melanogenic processes. Tyrosinase catalyzes the two rate-limiting steps in melanogenesis;
hydroxylation of tyrosine (cresolase or monophenolase activity) to produce 3,4-
dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and the subsequent oxidation of L-DOPA (catecholase or
diphenolase activity) to the corresponding DOPA-quinone. When L-tyrosine is the substrate,
the product of tyrosinase catalyzed reaction is DOPA-quinone, which is then converted to
melanin [3]. These steps are crucial for the protection of skin against UV damage. Mushroom
Agaricus bisporus is used to its commercially available and high homology with mammalian
tyrosinase enzyme that renders it well suited as a model for studies on melanogenesis [4]. In
humans, melanin helps defend skin form the damage caused by UV [5]. However, the excess
level of melanin can cause various dermatological disorders including hyperpigmentations,
melisma, freckles, and age spots [6]. Therefore, new tyrosinase inhibitors exhibiting drug-like
and skin-whitening properties are required to inhibit excessive skin pigmentation.
1
-Indanone, with a benzocyclopentanone skeleton, is considered as the rigid cousins of
chalcones, incorporating the α,β-unsaturated ketone system of chalcones forming a cyclic 5
membered ring, which is a naturally occurring component present in various edible plant
sources [7]. Several studies have shown that compounds possessing a 1-indanone moiety
have pharmacological importance, as they exhibit various beneficial biological activities,

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including anti-inflammatory [8-10], anticancer [11, 12], antioxidant [13], anti-Parkinson’s
disease [14], anti-Alzheimer disease [15-17], antimicrobial [18], anti-immune suppressive
[19], and anti-tyrosinase [20] properties.
Chalcones (1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones) are aromatic ketones consisting of two aromatic
rings linked to a three carbon α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system as a central core [21, 22].
These are naturally occurring component found in various edible natural plants and
considered as precursor compounds for synthetic route of flavonoids and isoflavonoids such
as pyrazolines, pyrimidine, flavanol, flavones, flavanones, isollavone, aurones, antocianidin,
dihydroflavanol and dihydrochalcone [23-25]. The α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system is
paramount to the type of biological activity, since these system are distribute in many natural
products like chalcones as well as indanone, where the molecular are relatively more planar,
and the transmission of the electronic effects of the aryl substituents are directed to the
carbonyl group [7]. Previous many researcher reported that chalcones were highlighted as a
new class of tyrosinase inhibitor in several publication [26-29]. Recently, Kim and co-worker
[30, 31] designed and synthesized a series of chalcone derivatives and evaluated them for
their in vitro anti-tyrosinse and anti-melanogenic activities against a murine melanocytes.
According to our previously reported data, derivatives with an (E)-β-phenyl-α,β-unsaturated
carbonyl scaffold showed potent tyrosinase inhibition [32-34]. (E)-Benzylidene-1-indanones
can be an attractive anti-melanogenic agent, since the compounds have the (E)-β-phenyl-α,β-
unsaturated carbonyl scaffold in their chemical structure. Notably, Radhakrishnan et al.
(2015)[20] designed and synthesized a series of benzylidene-1-indanone derivatives bearing a
(Z)-configuration and evaluated them for anti-tyrosinase activity. Although these (Z)-
benzylidene-1-indanone derivatives have been investigated anti-tyrosinase and anti-
melanogenic activities of (E)-benzylidene-1-indanone derivatives have yet to be scrutinized.
Therefore, we designed and synthesized thirteen compounds (BID1 – 13) of the 1-indanone

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skeleton bearing a (E)-form benzylidene. Among these synthetic compounds, with 2,4-
dihydroxy group on the B ring of 1-indanone showed the greatest tyrosinase inhibition
(approximately 400-fold more effective than kojic acid, positive control). Moreover, we
further evaluate BID3 tyrosinase inhibitory activity as well as characterize its regulatory role
in melanin synthesis using B16F10 melanoma cells. In extended experiments, we evaluated
anti-melanogenic potential of BID3, and sought to identify the enzyme kinetics and
molecular docking studies. In successive experiments BID3 cellular tyrosinase potential and
melanin production in α-MSH and IBMX-induced B16F10 melanoma cells was also explored.
2
. Materials and Methods
.1. Reagents
Mushroom tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1), alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), 3-
2
isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), L-tyrosine, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA),
dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), kojic acid, phthalic acid, and trans-cinnamic acid were
purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium
(DMEM), fetal bovine serum (FBS), streptomycin, and amphotericin were purchased from
WELGENE Inc. (Gyeongsan-si, South Korea). All other reagents were purchased from
Sigma-Aldrich.
2
.2. Chemistry
2
.2.1. General methods
All reagents were obtained commercially and used without further purification. Thin layer
chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography were conducted on Merck precoated
0F245 plates and MP Silica 40-63, 60 Å, respectively. High resolution (HR) mass
6
spectroscopy data were obtained on an Agilent Accurate Mass quadruple-time of flight (Q-
TOF) liquid chromatography (LC) mass spectrometer (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA, USA) in
ESI positive mode. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were recorded on a Varian

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Unity INOVA 400 spectrometer or a Varian Unity AS500 spectrometer (Agilent Technologies,
1
13
Santa Clara, CA, USA) for H NMR (400 and 500 MHz) and for C NMR (100 MHz),
respectively. DMSO-d6, CD3OD, and CDCl3 were used as NMR solvents for NMR samples.
Coupling constant (J) and chemical shift values were measured in hertz (Hz) and parts per
1
million (ppm), respectively. The abbreviations used in the analysis of H NMR data are as
follows: s (singlet), brs (broad singlet), d (doublet), dd (doublet of doublets), t (triplet), td
(
triplet of doublets), q (quartet), and m (multiplet).
.2.2. Procedure for the synthesis of BID1 – 13
A solution of benzaldehyde (1.1 – 1.2 equiv.) and 1-indanone (100 mg, 0.76 mmol) in 1M in
2
HCl acetic acid (0.4 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 4 – 48 h. After the addition of
water, the precipitates were filtered and washed with water and hexane:ethyl acetate (1:1),
hexane:dichloromethane (4:1 – 1:1), or a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol,
depending on the properties of the remaining benzaldehydes to give (E)-benzylidene-1-
1
13
indanones (BID1–13) in yields of 32.8–99.1%. Structural characterization ( H and C NMR
and mass data of all BIDs) of synthesized compounds is provided in Supplementary
information.
(E)-2-(4-Hydroxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID1)
Yellow solid; yield, 93.4%; reaction time, 6 h; molecular formula, C16H12O2; mp, 224.7-
o
1
2
7
6
1
25.9 C; H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.10 (s, 1H, OH), 7.72 (d, 1H, J = 7.6 Hz, 7-H),
.64–7.58 (m, 4H, 4-H, 5-H, 2′-H, 6′-H), 7.43 (s, 1H, vinylic H), 7.39 (t, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz, 6-H),
1
3
.87 (d, 2H, J = 8.0 Hz, 3′-H, 5′-H), 3.99 (s, 2H, CH2); C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ
93.9, 160.1, 150.4, 138.3, 135.1, 134.0, 133.6, 132.2, 128.2, 127.2, 126.7, 124.1, 116.7, 32.6;
+
HRMS (ESI+) m/z C16H13O2 (M+H) calcd 237.0910, obsd 237.0911.
(E)-2-(3,4-Dihydroxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID2)
Yellow solid; yield, 86.6%; reaction time, 5 h; molecular formula, C16H12O3; mp, 251.2-

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o
1
2
52.4 C; H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.65 (s, 1H, OH), 9.24 (s, 1H, OH), 7.72 (d, 1H,
J = 7.6 Hz, 7-H), 7.66–7.61 (m, 2H, 4-H, 5-H), 7.42 (t, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz, 6-H), 7.35 (s, 1H,
vinylic H), 7.19 (s, 1H, 2′-H), 7.08 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz, 6′-H), 6.83 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz, 5′-H),
1
3
3
1
.98 (s, 2H, CH2); C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 193.8, 150.4, 148.7, 146.3, 138.3,
35.1, 134.5, 132.0, 128.2, 127.3, 127.1, 125.0, 124.0, 118.2, 116.7, 32.7; HRMS (ESI+) m/z
+
C16H13O3 (M+H) calcd 253.0859, obsd 253.0857.
(E)-2-(2,4-Dihydroxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID3)
Yellow solid; yield, 50.9%; reaction time, 10 h; molecular formula, C16H12O3; mp, 198.5-
o
1
1
99.9 C (dec.); H NMR (500 MHz, CD3OD) δ 8.17 (s, 1H, vinylic H), 7.82 (d, 1H, J = 8.0
Hz, 6′-H), 7.67–7.63 (m, 3H, 4-H, 5-H, 7-H), 7.45 (t, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz, 6-H), 6.45 (d, 1H, J =
1
3
8
1
1
.5 Hz, 5′-H), 6.39 (s, 1H, 3′-H), 4.01 (s, 2H, CH2); C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 193.9,
61.6, 160.4, 150.3, 138.6, 134.8, 131.7, 130.3, 128.7, 128.1, 127.2, 123.9, 114.3, 108.6,
+
03.1, 32.7; HRMS (ESI+) m/z C16H13O3 (M+H) calcd 253.0859, obsd 253.0858.
(E)-2-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID4)
Yellow solid; yield, 52.0%; reaction time, 4 h; molecular formula, C17H14O3; mp, 186.9-
o
1
1
7
7
4
1
87.4 C; H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.71 (s, 1H, OH), 7.73 (d, 1H, J = 7.6 Hz, 7-H),
.67–7.62 (m, 2H, 4-H, 5-H), 7.45 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz, 2′-H), 7.43 (t, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz, 6-H),
.31 (s, 1H, vinylic H), 7.24 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, 2.0 Hz, 6′-H), 6.87 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz, 5′-H),
1
3
.05 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.84 (s, 3H, OCH3); C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 193.9, 150.5, 149.7,
48.5, 138.3, 135.2, 134.4, 132.3, 128.2, 127.3, 127.1, 125.7, 124.1, 116.6, 115.4, 56.3, 32.5;
+
HRMS (ESI+) m/z C17H15O3 (M+H) calcd 267.1016, obsd 267.1016.
(E)-2-(3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID5)
Yellow solid; yield, 60.1%; reaction time, 2 d; molecular formula, C18H16O3; mp, 135.8-
o
1
36.4 C;1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.90 (d, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz, 7-H), 7.61 (s, 1H, vinylic
H), 7.60 (td, 1H, J = 7.5, 1.0 Hz, 5-H), 7.55 (d, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz, 4-H), 7.42 (td, 1H, J = 7.5, 1.0

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Hz, 6-H), 7.28 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, 2.0 Hz, 6′-H), 7.14 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz, 2′-H), 7.01 (d, 1H, J =
8
3
1
.0 Hz, 5′-H), 6.05 (s, 1H, OH), 4.20 (q, 2H, J = 7.0 Hz, CH2CH3), 4.00 (s, 2H, CH2), 1.50 (t,
1
3
H, J = 7.0 Hz, CH2CH3); C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 194.2, 149.6, 147.8, 146.2, 138.5,
34.6, 134.6, 132.5, 128.2, 127.8, 126.3, 125.0, 124.5, 115.2, 114.4, 64.9, 32.6, 15.0; HRMS
+
(
ESI+) m/z C18H17O3 (M+H) calcd 281.1172, obsd 281.1172.
(E)-2-(3-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID6)
Yellow solid; yield, 85.9%; reaction time, 4 h; molecular formula, C17H14O3; mp, 186.1-
o
1
1
7
1
3
1
86.9 C; H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.27 (s, 1H, OH), 7.72 (d, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz, 7-H),
.65–7.59 (m, 2H, 4-H, 5-H), 7.41 (t, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz, 6-H), 7.37 (s, 1H, vinylic H), 7.21 (s,
H, 2′-H), 7.18 (d, 1H, J = 8.4 Hz, 6′-H), 6.98 (d, 1H, J = 8.4 Hz, 5′-H), 3.98 (s, 2H, CH2),
1
3
.79 (s, 3H, CH3); C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 193.9, 150.4, 150.3, 147.4, 138.2,
35.2, 134.0, 133.0, 128.4, 128.3, 127.3, 124.6, 124.1, 117.6, 112.8, 56.3, 32.6; HRMS (ESI+)
+
m/z C17H15O3 (M+H) calcd 267.1016, obsd 267.1009.
(E)-2-(4-Methoxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID7)
White solid; yield, 32.8%; reaction time, 6 h; molecular formula, C17H14O2; mp, 138.9-
o
1
1
39.5 C; H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.88 (d, 1H, J = 7.6 Hz, 7-H), 7.63 (s, 1H, vinylic
H), 7.63–7.56 (m, 3H, 5-H, 2′-H, 6′-H), 7.53 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz, 4-H), 7.40 (t, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz,
1
3
6
-H), 6.96 (d, 2H, J = 8.4 Hz, 3′-H, 5′-H), 3.98 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.84 (s, 3H, OCH3); C NMR
(100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 194.6, 161.1, 149.7, 138.5, 134.5, 134.0, 132.8, 132.6, 128.4, 127.8,
+
1
2
26.3, 124.5, 114.7, 55.6, 32.7; HRMS (ESI+) m/z C17H15O2 (M+H) calcd 251.1067, obsd
51.1064.
(E)-2-(3,4-Dimethoxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID8)
Yellowish solid; yield, 80.5%; reaction time, 2 d; molecular formula, C18H16O3; mp, 176.5-
o
1
1
77.2 C; H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.90 (d, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz, 7-H), 7.62 (s, 1H, vinylic
H), 7.60 (td, 1H, J = 7.0, 1.0 Hz, 5-H), 7.55 (d, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz, 4-H), 7.42 (t, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz,

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6
-H), 7.30 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, 2.0 Hz, 6′-H), 7.18 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz, 2′-H), 6.95 (d, 1H, J = 8.0
1
3
Hz, 5′-H), 4.01 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.96 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.94 (s, 3H, OCH3); C NMR (100 MHz,
CDCl3) δ 194.5, 150.8, 149.6, 149.3, 138.4, 134.6, 134.3, 132.8, 128.6, 127.8, 126.3, 124.8,
1
24.5, 113.7, 111.5, 56.2, 56.2, 32.6.
E)-2-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID9)
Yellow solid; yield, 99.1%; reaction time, 24 h; molecular formula, C18H16O3; mp, 74.0.-
(
o
1
7
7
7
4.6 C; H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.12 (s, 1H, vinylic H), 7.91 (d, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz, 7-H),
.66 (d, 1H, J = 8.5 Hz, 6′-H), 7.58 (t, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz, 5-H), 7.53 (d, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz, 4-H),
.41 (t, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz, 6-H), 6.58 (dd, 1H, J = 8.5, 2.5 Hz, 5′-H), 6.49 (d, 1H, J = 2.5 Hz, 3′-
1
3
H), 3.97 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.89 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.87 (s, 3H, OCH3); C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 194.6, 162.7, 161.0, 149.8, 138.8, 134.3, 132.4, 131.0, 128.6, 127.7, 126.2, 124.5, 117.9,
+
1
2
05.4, 98.5, 55.8, 55.7, 32.8; HRMS (ESI+) m/z C18H17O3 (M+H) calcd 281.1172, obsd
81.1180.
(E)-2-(3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID10)
Beige solid; yield, 63.2%; reaction time, 6 h; molecular formula, C19H18O4; mp, 164.4-165.2
o
1
C; H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.87 (d, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz, 7-H), 7.59–7.52 (m, 3H, 4-H, 5-H,
vinylic H), 7.39 (t, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz, 6-H), 6.86 (s, 2H, 2′-H, 6′-H), 3.99 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.91 (s,
1
3
6
1
H, 2 ⅹOCH3), 3.89 (s, 3H, OCH3); C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 194.4, 153.6, 149.5,
40.0, 138.3, 134.8, 134.3, 134.0, 131.1, 127.9, 126.3, 124.6, 108.3, 61.2, 56.5, 32.4; HRMS
+
(
ESI+) m/z C19H18O4 (M+H) calcd 311.1278, obsd 311.1282.
(E)-2-(4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID11)
Yellow solid; yield, 84.0%; reaction time, 5 h; molecular formula, C18H16O4; mp, 190.2-
o
1
1
7
91.1 C; H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.12 (s, 1H, OH), 7.76 (d, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz, 7-H),
.69–7.66 (m, 2H, 4-H, 5-H), 7.49 (s, 1H, vinylic H), 7.47–7.44 (m, 1H, 6-H), 7.07 (s, 2H, 2′-
1
3
H, 6′-H), 4.12 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.86 (s, 6H, 2 ⅹOCH3); C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ

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1
3
93.9, 150.5, 148.7, 138.9, 138.2, 135.2, 134.8, 132.6, 128.2, 127.3, 125.9, 124.1, 109.5, 56.8,
+
2.4; HRMS (ESI+) m/z C18H17O4 (M+H) calcd 297.1121, obsd 297.1128.
(E)-2-(3-Bromo-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID12)
Yellowish beige solid; yield, 54.4%; reaction time, 10 h; molecular formula, C16H11BrO2;
o
1
mp, 225.0-226.2 C; H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.92 (s, 1H, OH), 7.89 (s, 1H, 2′-H),
7
7
2
1
.72 (d, 1H, J = 7.6 Hz, 7-H), 7.67–7.64 (m, 2H, 4-H, 5-H), 7.61 (d, 1H, J = 8.4 Hz, 6′-H),
.42 (t, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz, 6-H), 7.40 (s, 1H, vinylic H), 7.03 (d, 1H, J = 8.4 Hz, 5′-H), 4.02 (s,
1
3
H, CH2); C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 193.8, 156.4, 150.5, 138.0, 136.0, 135.4, 133.6,
32.4, 132.4, 128.4, 128.3, 127.3, 124.1, 117.3, 110.7, 32.4; HRMS (ESI+) m/z C16H12BrO2
+
+
(
M+H) calcd 315.0015, obsd 315.0008, m/z C16H12BrO2 (M+2+H) calcd 316.9996, obsd
3
16.9996.
E)-2-(3,5-Dibromo-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID13)
White solid; yield, 63.7%; reaction time, 24 h; molecular formula, C16H10Br2O2; mp, 267.4-
(
o
1
2
7
7
1
68.1 C; H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.55 (brs, 1H, OH), 7.92 (s, 2H, 2′-H, 6′-H),
.73 (d, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz, 7-H), 7.67–7.63 (m, 2H, 4-H, 5-H), 7.43 (t, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz, 6-H),
1
3
.38 (s, 1H, vinylic H), 4.05 (s, 2H, CH2); C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 193.8, 152.7,
50.7, 137.8, 135.6, 135.4, 135.1, 130.9, 130.2, 128.4, 127.4, 124.2, 112.8, 32.2; HRMS
+
+
(
ESI+) m/z C16H11Br2O2 (M+H) calcd 392.9120, obsd 392.9124, C16H11Br2O2 (M+2+H)
+
calcd 394.9101, obsd 394.9101, C16H11Br2O2 (M+H) calcd 396.9082, obsd 396.9087.
.3. Biological evaluation
.3.1. Mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory assay
Tyrosinase inhibitory activity assay was performed using mushroom tyrosinase as described
2
2
previously, with minor modification [35, 36]. Briefly, 10 µL of a specified concentrations of
each compound (0.0005 – 50 µM) and 20 µL of mushroom tyrosinase (1000 units/mL) in a
5
0 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.5) were added to 170 µL reaction mixture in a 96-well

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
microplate (Corning, USA). The ratio of 1mM L-tyrosine or L-DOPA solution, 50 mM
potassium phosphate buffer (pH 6.5), and distilled water was 10:10:9. The reaction mixtures
were incubated at 37°C for 30 min. After that, the amount of dopachrome produced in each
well was measured by spectrophotometric analysis at 492 nm (OD492) using a microplate
reader. The tyrosinase inhibition rate (%) was calculated as (1 − Abssample / Abscontrol) × 100%.
The degree of sample inhibition was expressed as the concentration required for 50%
inhibition (IC50).
2
.3.2. Enzyme kinetic analysis with tyrosinase
To determine the kinetic mechanisms of inhibition, two complimentary kinetics methods
were used: LineweaverBurk and Dixon plots [37-39]. Using Lineweaver-Burk plots (double
reciprocal plots), the inhibition type of BID3 was determined using various concentrations of
L-DOPA (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mM), as substrates, in the absence and presence of various
concentrations of BID3 (1, 2, and 4 μM). A Dixon plot (single reciprocal plots) for tyrosinase
inhibition was obtained in the presence of various concentrations of L-DOPA (0.125, 0.25, 0.5,
and 1 mM). The concentrations of BID3 were 1, 2, and 4 µM. The enzymatic procedures
consisted of the previously described tyrosinase assay methods. The inhibition constant (Ki)
was determined from the interpretation of Dixon plots.
2
.3.3. Tyrosinase molecular docking simulations
To determine the structure of the enzyme-inhibitor complex and to ensure accuracy,
repeatability, and reliability of the docking results, we employed AutoDock4.2 software. For
dicking studies, the crystal structures of mushroom tyrosinase protein target was obtained
from the protein sequence alignment (Protein Data Bank (PDB ID: 2Y9X)
(http://www.rcsb.org/adb) [40]. Automated docking simulations were performed between
tyrosinase and kojic acid, phthalic acid, cinnamic acid, or BID3. For the docking procedure:
conversed 2D into 3D stuctures, calculated charges, and added hydrogen atoms using the

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ChemOffice program (http://www.cambridgesoft.com) [41]. LigandScout 4.1.5 was used for
the prediction of possible interactions between ligands and tyrosinase and the identification of
pharmacophores.
2
.3.4. Cell culture and cell viability assay
Murine melanoma B16F10 cells were purchased from the Korean Cell Line Bank (KCLB,
Seoul, Korea) and cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and 1% streptomycin,
and then incubated at 37 °C, humidified with 5% atmospheric CO2. Cell viability analyses
4
were performed as previously described [42]. Briefly, cells seeded at a density of 1 × 10
cells/well in a 96-well plate for 24 h. On the following day, the cells were exposed to
different concentrations of BID3 and incubated for 24 or 48 h, respectively. Then, 10 µL EZ-
Cytox solution was added to each well and the cells were incubated for 2 – 4 h. Absorbance
was determined using ELISA at a wavelength of 450 nm. Each assay was performed in
triplicate.
2
.3.5. Melanin contents assay
Melanin content was determined as described previously [43]. B16F10 melanoma cells (2 ×
5
1
0 cells/well) were seeded in 6-well culture plates. To determine the inhibitory effect of
BID3 on melanogenesis, fresh medium was replaced with medium containing BID3 (1, 5 and
0 μM) or kojic acid (10 µM) as a positive control for 1hr, and then stimulated with α-MSH
5 μM) and IBMX (200 µM) for 48 h. After washed twice with PBS, the cells were detached
1
(
by incubation in Trypsin/EDTA, and the pellets were dissolved in 100 µL of 1N NaOH, and
then incubated at 60 °C for 1 h and mixed to solubilize the melanin. The melanin contents
were determined by measuring absorbance at 405 nm by using the ELISA reader (TECAN,
Sunrise, Austria). The melanin content was calculated using the following equation:
(sample/control)  100%.All determinations were performed in triplicate.
2
.3.6. Cellular tyrosinase activity

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Cellular tyrosinase activity was assessed as described previously, with slight modifications
5
[
44, 45]. Briefly, 2 × 10 /cells were plated in 6-well dishes and incubated overnight. The cells
were exposed to various concentrations of BID3 (1, 5, and 10 µM) or kojic acid (10 µM) for
1
h, and subsequently stimulated with α-MSH (5 µM) and IBMX (200 µM) for 48 h. After
being rinsed twice with PBS, the cells were lysed with 100 µL lysis solution containing 50
mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.5), 0.1 mM phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF), and 1%
Triton X-100 and frozen at −80 °C for 30 min. Lysates were thawed and centrifuged at
1
2,000 rpm for 30 min at 4 °C. Then, supernatant (80 µL) were combined with and 2 mg/mL
L-DOPA (20 µL) in a 96-well plate. After incubation at 37 °C for 30 min, the optical density
at 492 nm was measured using an ELISA reader (TECAN, Salzburg, Austria). The protein
concentration was determined using BCA protein assay reagent using BCA as a standard
(
Thermo Scientific, Rockford, IL, USA).
.3.7. Statistical analysis
All data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean (S.E.M). The data were
2
analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determined differences between
treatments, followed by the Bonferroni post-hoc test. A value of p < 0.05 was considered
statistically significant.
3
. Results and discussion
3
.1. Chemistry
The (E)-benzylidene-1-indanones derivatives (BID1 – 13) were synthesized according to
the general scheme 1. In this present study, thirteen (E)-2-benzylidene-1-indanone derivatives
were synthesized and their tyrosinase inhibitory properties were examined. Target (E)-2-
benzylidene-1-indanone derivatives were synthesized employing acidic (1M HCl in acetic
acid) conditions. These reactions generated the target (E)-2-benzylidene-1-indanone
derivatives in yields of 32.8 – 99.1%. It appears that only the E-isomers of 2-benzylidene-1-

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
indanones were generated due to the A-strain known as the 1,3-allylic strain. The A-strain
(steric hindrance) between the phenyl ring and the carbonyl group in the Z-isomer is
apparently larger than that between the phenyl ring and the methylene group in the E-isomer.
1
13
The structures of synthetic compounds were verified by H and C NMR and mass
spectrometry as described in the experimental section (Fig. S1-S38). In particular, the
chemical shift of olefinic proton is deshielded in the E-isomer of 2-benzylidene due to the
anisotropic effect of the carbonyl group and appears downfield (above 7 ppm) compared to
the Z isomer (less than 7 ppm) [46]. The chemical shifts of olefinic protons in the
benzylidene-1-indanones appeared in the range of 7.31 – 8.17 ppm. Therefore, the
benzylidene-1-indanone derivatives was determined to be (E)-stereoisomers. We found that
the presence of hydroxyl or methoxyl group at the 2-position of the phenyl ring moves the
chemical shift of the olefinic proton to 0.5 – 0.8 ppm downfield.

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Scheme 1. Synthesis of (E)-2-benzylidene-1-indanones.
.2. Tyrosinase inhibitory properties of compounds
The tyrosinase inhibitory potential of the (E)-benzylidene-1-indanones derivatives were
3
examined using mushroom tyrosinase. The monophenolase (L-tyrosine) and diphenolase (L-
DOPA) were used as substrates for these experiments [35]. Enzyme reactions were performed
with tyrosinase, substrate, and test inhibitors. All tested compounds demonstrated a
concentration-dependent inhibition. The IC50 values of the (E)-benzylidene-1-indanones
derivatives are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory potential of the substituted 2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-
one (1-indanone) chalcone-like derivatives (BID1 – 13)

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
O
R1
R2
R4
R3
a
b
Compounds
R
1
R
2
R
3
R
4
IC50 (μM)
IC50 (μM)
BID1
BID2
BID3
BID4
BID5
BID6
BID7
BID8
BID9
BID10
BID11
BID12
BID13
H
H
H
OH
H
OH
OH
H
39.74 ± 3.71
41.27 ± 3.03
0.034 ± 0.00224
73.51 ± 5.78
>200
130.0  5.39
52.93  2.62
1.39  0.00004
> 200
H
H
OH
H
OH
OMe
OEt
OH
H
OH
H
H
OH
H
> 200
H
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OH
H
5.00 ± 0.91
> 200
50.78  2.16
> 200
H
H
H
OMe
H
H
> 200
> 200
OMe
H
H
> 200
96.85 ± 9.78
> 200
OMe
OMe
Br
OMe
OMe
H
> 200
H
75.15 ± 2.24
>200
> 200
H
OH
> 200
H
Br
OH
Br
> 200
75.31 ± 7.94
33.14  0.93
> 200
c
Kojic acid
13.77 ± 0.20
> 200
d
Phthalic acid
d
Cinnamic acid
> 200
> 200
a
c
The IC50 values (µM) were calculated from a log dose inhibition curve using L-tyrosine
b
and L-DOPA as a substrate, respectively and are as means  SEM of triplicate experiments.
d
Reported competitive type inhibitor. Reported mixed type inhibitor.
In both L-tyrosine and L-DOPA substrates, BID3 exhibited strong inhibitory activitt with
IC50 values of 0.034 ± 0.00224 µM and 1.39 ± 0.00004 µM, respectively, compared with the
positive control kojic acid, which had IC50 values of 13.77 ± 0.20 µM and 33.14 ± 0.93 µM,
respectively (Fig. 1A). Furthermore, BID6 showed potent activity toward L-tyrosine and L-
DOPA with IC50 values of 5.00 ± 0.91 µM and 53.11 ± 2.79 µM, respectively. BID1 showed

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
significant inhibition against tyrosinase via L-tyrosine and L-DOPA pathways, with IC50
values of 39.74 ± 3.71 µM and 130.0 ± 5.39 µM, respectively. BID4 and BID11 displayed
moderate tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Other derivatives were inactive. Likewise, BID2
showed significant activity toward L-tyrosine and L-DOPA, with IC50 values of 41.27 ± 3.03
µM and 52.93 ± 2.62 µM. In addition, reported mixed type inhibitors, phthalic acid and
cinnamic acid showed no inhibitory effect at the concentration of 200 µM [47].
Consistent with the findings of structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, derivatives
containing (E)-benzylidene-1-indanone substituents on the phenyl ring noticeably influenced
the potential tyrosinase inhibition. BID3, which inhibited tyrosinase with the highest potency,
bear a 2-hydroxy group in the presence of a 4-hydroxy group and greatly inhibited tyrosinase
activity (BID1 vs BID3). These results suggested that the 2,4-dihydroxy group (resorcinol
moiety) in the phenyl ring structure may be responsible for the enhanced inhibition of
tyrosinase. Interestingly, in a previous study on potential synthetic tyrosinase inhibitors, we
showed that the 2,4-dihydroxy substitution potently inhibited tyrosinase activity [48, 49]. In
addition, our SAR data also indicated that the introduction of a 3-hydroxy group in the
presence of a 4-hydroxy group affects tyrosinase inhibition. These phenomena were
demonstrated by the finding that a 4-methoxy-3-hydroxy phenyl ring increased inhibitory
activity against tyrosinase, whereas the introduction of a 3,4-dihydroxy group (catechol
moiety) decreased tyrosinase inhibitory activity (BID2 vs BID6) [35]. There results suggest
that the 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy group is also responsible for tyrosinase inhibitory activity.
Nevertheless, in our present study, BID9 and BID11, which contain 2,4-dimethoxyphenyl or
3
,5-dimethoxyphenyl groups, showed moderate tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Based on IC50
values via the L-tyrosine and L-DOPA pathway, BID3 demonstrated the most potent
tyrosinase inhibitory activity therefore, we further studied the mechanism underlying this
inhibitory effect. Radhakrishnan et al. (2015) [20] reported that hydroxyl substituted (Z)-

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
benzylidene-1-indanone compounds potent tyrosinase inhibitors. Although previous studies
have shown that hydroxyl-substituted (Z)-benzylidene-1-indanone derivatives possess anti-
tyrosinase activity, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of tyrosinase
inhibition by (E)-benzylidene-1-indanone derivatives using cell-based experiments.
Fig. 1. Concentration-dependent inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity by BID3 and
kojic acid (positive control) (n = 3).
3
.3. Enzyme kinetic analysis of tyrosinase inhibition
Since BID3 was the most potent inhibitor, we further studied the mechanism underlying its
inhibitory effect. In an attempt to explain the mode of enzyme inhibition, kinetic analyses
were performed at various concentrations of L-DOPA and various BID3 concentrations.
Dixon and Lineweaver-Burk plots were drawn using the data obtained from the kinetic
studies in order to confirm the inhibition pattern and the inhibition constants (Ki) were
determined by interpretation of Dixon plots (Fig. 2A and 2B). The concentration of L-DOPA
is denoted as follows: 1, 2, 4 mM. The intersection lies on the left side, indicating mixed-type
inhibition against tyrosinase with a Ki value 2.4 µM (Fig. 2B). The Ki value represent the
concentrations required to form an enzyme inhibitor complex, so inhibitor with lower Ki
value indicate greater tyrosinase inhibition activity.

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Fig. 2. Lineweaver-Burk (A) and Dixon plots (B) for the inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase
by BID3 using L-DOPA as the substrate. The effects are shown in the presence of different
concentrations of BID3 [0 µM (closed circle), 1 µM (open circle), 2 µM (closed triangle),
and 4 µM (open triangle)] and in the presence of different concentrations of substrate [0.125
mM (closed circle), 0.25 mM (open circle), 0.5 mM (closed triangle), and 1 mM (open
triangle)] of L-DOPA. Error bars indicate the standard error of the mean (SEM).
Molecular docking has contributed important insights into drug discovery over many years.
However, docking procedures aim to identify the correct positions of ligands in the binding
pocket of a protein and to predict the affinity between ligand and protein. In other words,
docking describes a process through which two molecules fit together in a three-dimensional
space. To determine whether BID3 binds to the active site of tyrosinase, molecular docking
analysis was performed to identify the possible binding positions of BID3 in the crystal
structure of mushroom tyrosinase (PDB ID: 2Y9X) (Fig. 3A). These results were calculated
using the AutoDock4.2. program. The most stable binding position was that with the lowest
score [50]. Recently, Hassani et al. [47] reported that cinnamic acid and phthalic acid were
mixed-mode tyrosinase inhibitor. Thus, kojic aid, cinnamic acid and phthalic acid were used
to validate docking results [51].
The molecular docking models of BID3 and kojic acid (well-known competitive type
inhibitor) in the catalytic site of tyrosinase are illustrated in Fig. 3B [52]. The tyrosinase-
BID3 inhibitor complex presented –6.28 kcal/mol binding energy including two hydrogen

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
bonds with the ASN260 and MET280 residue of tyrosinase, and hydrophobic interactions
were observed between BID3 and tyrosinase residues VAL248, PHE264, and VAL283, which
further stabilized the interaction in the catalytic site for mushroom tyrosinase (Table 2, and
Fig. 3E and H). Moreover, molecular docking models of BID3, and of phthalic acid
(allosteric inhibitor 1) and cinnamic acid (allosteric inhibitor 2) in the two allosteric sites are
illustrated in Fig. 3C and 3D. Phthalic acid and cinnamic acid were taken as reference ligands
at allosteric sites 1 and 2, respectively [47, 51]. As shown in Fig. 3F and I, BID3 and phthalic
acid exhibited one hydrogen bond with the TRY140 residue of tyrosinase, and three
hydrophobic interactions residues with the LEU24, PHE147, and ILE148 of tyrosinase at
allosteric site 1. The corresponding ligand interactions of BID3 and cinnamic acid in the
allosteric site 2 of tyrosinase included hydrogen bonds between ASP312 and LYS376 of
tyrosinase, whereas THR308 interacted hydrophobically at allosteric site 2 (Fig. 3G and 3J).
Furthermore, BID3-tyrosinase binding was found to exert binding energy in both allosteric
sites of tyrosinase (–4.38 and –5.68 kcal/mol, respectively), indicating high binding affinity
with both allosteric sites. Based on enzyme kinetic studies, BID3 exerted a mixed-type
inhibition, binding ability of BID3 with both the catalytic site and two allosteric sites
confirmed its mixed-type inhibition of tyrosinase.

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Fig. 3. Molecular docking models of tyrosinase inhibition by kojic acid, phthalic acid,
cinnamic acid, and BID3 (blue color) (A). Inhibition mode of BID3 at the tyrosinase catalytic
site with the catalytic inhibitor, kojic acid (pink color) (B) and at allosteric sites 1 and 2 with
the allosteric inhibitor, phthalic acid (violet color) (C) and cinnamic acid (orange color) (D),
respectively. 2D ligand interaction diagrams of the catalytic (E) and allosteric (F and G) of
tyrosinase by BID3 and kojic acid (H), phthalic acid (I), and cinnamic acid (J) as catalytic
and allosteric inhibitors, respectively. Green and red arrow: hydrogen-bonding, yellow:
hydrophobic interaction.
Table 2. Binding sites and docking scores of BID3 in mushroom tyrosinase (PDB ID: 2Y9X)
as determined using AutoDock4.2 program
Binding energy
b
Compounds
a
Binding residues
(kcal/mol)
Catalytic inhibitor
VAL248,
MET280, VAL283
ASN260, PHE264,
BID3
–6.28
c
Kojic acid
–5.23
–4.38
HIS61, HIS85, HIS263, MET280
Allosteric inhibitor1
BID3
LEU24, TRY140, PHE147, ILE148
TRP136,
ALA220,
LEU265
GLY149,
ALA221,
ILE217,
PHE224,
d
Phthalic acid
–3.19
–5.68
Allosteric inhibitor2
THR308, ASP312, LYS376
BID3

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
d
Cinnamic acid
–4.08
GLN307, THR308, TRP358
a
Binding energy indicate binding affinity and capacity for the active site of tyrosinase
b
enzyme. All amino acid residues from the enzyme–inhibitor complex were determined using
c
d
AutoDock4.2 program Reported competitive type inhibitor. Reported mixed type inhibitors.
3
.2. Biological activity
To exploit the anti-tyrosinase effects of BID3 in the cell culture model, we examined its
cytotoxic effects on B16F10 cells. Cells were treated with different concentration of BID3 (1
20 µM) for 48 h and assessed using the EZ-Cytox assay. The results indicated that BID3
–
had no significant cytotoxic effect in B16F10 melanoma cells up to 20 µM (Fig. 4A and B).
Therefore, subsequent experiments were performed using BID3 up to 20 µM.
Melanogenesis is regulated by a tyrosinase enzymatic cascade. For this reason, several
skin-whitening compounds have been developed to decrease tyrosinase activity. Kojic acid, a
tyrosinase inhibitor, was used as positive control [53]. Thus, to investigate the effects of
BID3 on cAMP elevation induced hyperpigmentation, B16F10 cells were treated with α-
MSH and IBMX in the presence of BID3 (1, 5, and 20 µM) for 48h, and melanin contents,
and cellular tyrosinase activities were determined (Fig. 4C and D). Treatment with α-MSH
#
and IBMX induced a significant increase (P < 0.001 ) in melanin contents (Fig. 4C) and,
cellular tyrosinase activity (Fig. 4D) in B16F10 cells compared with the untreated control.
*
*
***
However, BID3 treatment significantly (P < 0.01 ; P < 0.001 ) and concentration
dependently decrease melanin contents and cellular tyrosinase activity of B16F10 cells
compared with α-MSH or IBMX treated cells, indicating that the decrease in cellular melanin
might be due to the inhibition of tyrosinase activity. Thus, these findings clearly shown that
BID3 exerted anti-melanogenic effects inhibiting tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis in
B16F10 cells without inducing cytotoxicity.
Indanone is one of the privileged structures of medicinal chemistry and is generally

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associated with variety of pharmacologically active compounds [54]. The indanone moiety is
present in variety of physiologically active natural products. In view of this, Okpekon et al.,
[55] reported a novel 1-indanone compound, afzeliindanone, is isolated from Uvaria afzelii
roots. This compound is the first 1-indanone derivative isolated from plants. Nagle et al., [56]
reported a new methylated indane-aldehyde was isolated from marine cyanobacterium as
tumor angiogenesis regulator. Likewise, since the biological importance of indanone core,
past several years researchers have been focused on developing of pharmacologically active
indanone analogs as therapeutic agents. The structural diversity of 1-indanones implies
variety of biological responses and these compounds may be applied in agriculture and
medicine. Various indanone based compounds have been developed as anti-Alzheimer’s
disease [16, 57-59], anticancer [60-62], antimicrobial [63, 64], and antiviral agents [65, 66].
Due to the wide application potential, 1-indanones were interesting objects for further
research and it is desirable to design new classes for their synthesis.
Fig. 4. Effects of BID3 on melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. Effect of BID3 on

ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
B16F10 cell viability. Viability of cells treated with BID3 (1 – 20 µM) for 24 h (A) and 48 h
(B). Cell viability was determined using EZ-Cytox solution. The melanin contents (C) and
intracellular tyrosinase activity (D) of B16F10 cells were determined after incubation with
BID3 or kojic acid (10ꢀµM) for 48 h. Each experiment was conducted in triplicate, and the
#
*
**
data represent the as mean ±ꢀSEM. P < 0.05 compared with the control; pꢀ<ꢀ0.05, pꢀ<ꢀ0.01
*
**
and pꢀ<ꢀ0.001, compared with the α-MSH and IBMX-treated.
4
. Conclusion
To identify new potent tyrosinase inhibitors, we have designed and synthesized thirteen (E)-
benzylidene-1-indanone
derivatives.
Among
these
compounds,
(E)-2-(2,4-
dihydroxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BID3) potently inhibited tyrosinase
activity (IC50 = 0.034 and 1.39 µM, for L-tyrosine and L-DOPA, respectively), which was
better than reference compound, kojic acid (IC50 = 13.77 µM and 33.14 µM, respectively).
Structure activity relationship revealed that presence of the dihydroxyl group at the 2 and 4-
position of the (E)-benzylidene-1-indanone skeleton improved the activity against tyrosinase.
The mode of enzymatic inhibition of the enzyme, determined by Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon
plots, indicated that BID3 is a mixed-type inhibitor. Molecular docking studies demonstrates
that binding at the active site and at allosteric sites are an important mechanisms towards
tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Based on these results, BID3 seemed to be a potent tyrosinase
inhibitor for the treatment of skin disorders such as hyperpigmentation.
Conflicts of interest
The authors declare no competing interest.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by
the Korean government (Grant Nos. 2018R1A6A3A11047399 and 2018R1A2A3075425).
We thank Aging Tissue Bank for providing us with research materials for the study.
Author contributions

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HJJ wrote the manuscript and performed the experiments. HRM and HYC designed and
interpreted data. HRM, DK, and YJ synthesized samples. SGN performed the in silico
docking simulation.
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