Discovery of 2-aryl and 2-pyridinylbenzothiazoles endowed with antimicrobial and aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonistic activities

Highlights • Sixteen functionalized benzothiazoles were evaluated as antimicrobial agents and as AhR modulators. • The benzothiazoles showed noticeable antimicrobial effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens and against the yeast C. albicans. • Six benzothiazoles exhibited significant AhR agonist effects in a cell-based reporter gene assay. • Structure-activity relationship analysis exposed some relevant headings on the substituent's contributions to the studied biological effects. • Compound 12 displayed promising biocide activity and AhR agonism as well as an adequate ADMET profile and binding similarities with FICZ.