Synthesis, characterization of two matrine derivatives and their cytotoxic effect on Sf9 cell of Spodoptera frugiperda

Abstract The invasion ofSpodoptera frugiperdahas imposed a serious impact on global food security. Matrine is a botanical pesticide with a broad spectrum of insecticidal activity which was recommended for controllingSpodoptera frugiperda. In order to discover effective insecticide forSpodoptera frugiperda, two matrine derivatives modified with carbon disulfide and nitrogen-containing groups were systhesized. And their inhibition activities onSf9cell were evaluated. The structural configuration of compounds were characterized by IR, HPLC, MS, NMR and XRD, with yields of 52% and 65%, respectively. The IC50of the two newly synthesized compounds onSf9cell reduced to 0.648 mmol/L and 1.13 mmol/L, respectively, compared with that of matrine (5.330 mmol/L). In addition, microscopic observation ofSf9cell treated with the compounds showed that the number of adherent cells decreased, the cells shrunk, vacuolated and apoptotic bodies appeared. The two newly synthesized compounds exhibited better inhibitory effect onSf9cell than that of the parent matrine, suggesting that the positive effect of the introduction of 1-pyrrolidinecarbodithioate and diethylcarbamodithioate groups to matrine. The morphological observation ofSf9cell induced by derivatives indicated that apoptosis induction may be a mechanism that inhibits insect cell proliferation and exerts insecticidal effect.