From Synthesis to Bioactivity: Novel Cobalt-based Alkoxide Compound With Biomedical Applications and Agricultural Potentials

A novel cobalt alkoxide, Co(C₄H₈O₂), was synthesized via a polyol process using cobalt acetate hydrate and 2-methyl-1,3-propylene glycol as both solvent and reactant under controlled thermal conditions (160 °C, 4 h). The structure was ab initio solved via X-ray powder diffraction data in the non-centrosymmetric I4₁22 space group, revealing a 3D framework of interconnected [Co₄O₄] distorted cubanes bridged by double oxygen atoms. The synthesized compound exhibited dual bioactivity. First, it showed promising anticancer potential, significantly reducing cell viability in HCT-116 (colon) and MCF-7 (breast) cancer lines after 48 h, as assessed by MTT assay. The treatment of Co(C₄H₈O₂) significantly decreased the viability of MCF-7 cells (31.37%) and HCT-116 cells (33.46%), and apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cells was confirmed via DAPI staining, which revealed apoptotic body formation. Second, Co(C₄H₈O₂) exhibited potent antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. At 40 µg/mL, inhibition zones were comparable to 100 µg/mL hymexazol, while complete mycelial suppression at 60 µg/mL caused severe hyphal distortion and no regrowth, indicating irreversible cellular impairment. Phytotoxicity assays showed that 30–60 µg/mL maintained high germination (70–98%) and supported seedling vigor, whereas 70 µg/mL caused toxicity. At 60 µg/mL, the compound effectively protected tomato seedlings, preserving germination and early growth while significantly reducing disease incidence, with activity comparable to hymexazol. Collectively, these results establish Co(C₄H₈O₂) as a structurally unique cobalt alkoxide with dual anticancer and antifungal activities, low phytotoxicity, and strong potential for sustainable management of Fusarium infections in tomato production.