In vitro and in silico antibacterial and anti-corrosive properties of Persea americana leaves extract as an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in a hydrochloric acid medium

The inhibitory performance of an efficient and biodegradable Persea americana leaves extract (PALE) was inspected using electrochemical methods and surface analysis techniques in 1 M HCl. Then, antibacterial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 12493, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115 using a well diffusion assay. Moreover, the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations were determined. Additionally, the antibacterial activity was performed in silico. The experimental results showed that PALE has a more excellent inhibition standard for carbon steel in hydrochloric acid. Polarization investigations reported that as the concentration of PALE leaves extracts, the inhibitory power grew and reached a high value of 92%. PALE did act as a mixed-type inhibitor and preceded a Langmuir adsorption isotherm correctly. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) outcomes demonstrated that the PALE adsorption on the metallic surface significantly decreased its dissolution rate, resulting in a clean and seamless surface. Additionally, PALE was effective against bacterial strains, and molecular docking analysis revealed that apigenin and quercetin-3-glucoside might be the main compounds that inhibit bacterial proliferation.