Cobalt pyridyl complexes against drug-resistant bacteria: Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial properties, mode of action, and molecular docking studies

•Six cobalt complexes were synthesized and characterized using diverse physicochemical techniques, with co-grinding method yielding pure products and higher yields.•Various characterization analysis confirmed successful synthesis of cobalt complexes, supporting successful synthesis.•Cobalt complexes exhibited enhanced activity against Gram-negative bacteria, notably K. pneumoniae, with some showing potent bacteriostatic effects against MDR-K. pneumoniae.•CoL2 disrupted folate biosynthesis of K. pneumoniae, while CoL3 affected MRSA's folate biosynthesis. While CoL3, Co4PY-H, Co4PY, CoL2, and CoL3 disrupted cell membrane integrity of K. pneumoniae; CoL3 also affected MRSA's cell membrane.•Molecular docking calculations provided strong evidence supporting experimental modes of action of active complexes.