Structure and cytotoxicity of zinc (II) and cobalt (II) complexes based on 1,3,5‐tris(1‐imidazolyl) benzene

Three novel complexes, [Zn (tib)₂·(H₂O)₂]·(NO₃)₂ ( 1 ), [Co (tib)₂]·2NO₃ ( 2 ) and [Co₂(tib)₂(btc)]·H₂O ( 3 ) [H₄btc = 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylic acid; H₂tib = 1,3,5‐tris(1‐imidazolyl)benzene], were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray, IR and elemental analysis. The interaction of these complexes with FS‐DNA (fish sperm DNA) was monitored, and binding constants were determined using UV/Vis, which revealed that they have the ability to bind to FS‐DNA. DNA‐binding constants (K) for the three complexes were 2.2 × 10⁴ m ^?1, 0.7 × 10⁴ m ^?1 and 0.09 × 10⁴ m ^?1, respectively. The interaction capacity of the complexes with FS‐DNA has been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. Stern–Volmer quenching plot values for complexes 1 , 2 and 3 were 0.3784, 0.1028 and 0.076, respectively. The viscosity measurement suggested that complexes 1 , 2 and 3 interact with DNA in an intercalation mode. In addition, anti‐cancer activities of these complexes investigated through MTT assays in vitro indicated that the complexes showed good cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines. Cytotoxic activity of test complexes against two different cancer cell lines (HeLa and KB cells) showed significant cancer cell inhibition rates. Flow cytometry experiments and morphological apoptosis studies showed that the complexes induced apoptosis of HeLa tumor cell lines. Finally, a further molecular docking technique was employed to confirm the binding of the complexes toward the molecular target DNA.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA binding,cytotoxicity and molecular docking properties of Cu (II) and Mn (II) complexes with 1,4‐bis (pyrazol‐1‐yl) terephthalic acid

Two novel complexes, [Cu (L)(H₂O)]?H₂O ( 1 ) and [Mn (H₂O)₆] ?L ?H₂O ( 2 ) (L = 1,4‐bis (pyrazol‐1‐yl) terephthalic acid), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. They were characterized using elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Intramolecular weak interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, and intermolecular interactions play important roles in the construction of the complexes. The interaction of these complexes with fish sperm DNA (FS‐DNA) was monitored and binding constants were determined using UV–visible spectroscopy, which revealed their ability to bind to FS‐DNA, with binding constants for the two complexes of 1.88 × 10⁴ M^?1 ( 1 ) and 1.06 × 10⁴ M^?1 ( 2 ). Viscosity experiments further demonstrated the binding of the complexes to DNA. The complexes were further studied using gel electrophoresis assay with supercoiled plasmid pBR322 DNA. In addition, anticancer activities of the metal complexes investigated through MTT assays in vitro indicated good cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines. Flow cytometry and apoptosis experiments showed that these complexes induced apoptosis of two different cancer cell lines (HeLa and KB cells), demonstrating a significant cancer cell inhibitory rate. Finally, a further molecular docking technique was employed to confirm the binding of the complexes towards the molecular target DNA.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and DNA‐Binding Properties of the Chiral Ruthenium(II) Complexes Δ‐ and Λ‐[Ru(bpy)2(dmppd)]2+ (dmppd = 10,12‐Dimethylpteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione; bpy = 2,2′‐Bipyridine)

Two novel chiral ruthenium(II) complexes, Δ‐[Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ and Λ‐[Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ (dmppd = 10,12‐dimethylpteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H‐NMR and ES‐MS. The DNA‐binding behaviors of both complexes were studied by UV/VIS absorption titration, competitive binding experiments, viscosity measurements, thermal DNA denaturation, and circular‐dichroism spectra. The results indicate that both chiral complexes bind to calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode, and the Δ enantiomer shows larger DNA affinity than the Λ enantiomer does. Theoretical‐calculation studies for the DNA‐binding behaviors of these complexes were carried out by the density‐functional‐theory method. The mechanism involved in the regulating and controlling of the DNA‐binding abilities of the complexes was further explored by the comparative studies of [Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ and of its parent complex [Ru(bpy)₂(ppd)]²⁺ (ppd = pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13 (10H,12H)‐dione).     

4, 5-二氮芴-9-酮Cu(II)、Co(II)多核配合物的合成，晶体结构及DNA结合作用初探

合成了两个4, 5-二氮芴-9-酮Cu(II)、Co(II)的多核配合物[Cu2(CH3COO)4(H2O) 2]·2dafo 1 和 [(μ2-O)2-Co3(dafo)6] (ClO3)2·H2O 2 (dafo=4,5-diazafluoren-9-one) 并且对它们进行了元素分析,红外以及紫外光谱的表征,同时测定了配合物的晶体结构。用紫外光谱,发射光谱和循环伏安三种方法初步研究了配合物1和2与DNA的结合作用,结果表明,配合物1和2与DNA的结合为以插入作用为主 。     

Characterization, Crystal Structure and Initial DNA Binding Interaction of Two Cu（Ⅱ） Complexes with 4,5-Diazafluoren-9-one

Two new complexes [Cu（dafo）2（en）]（ClO4）2·2H2O （en=NH2CH2CH2NH2） 1 and [Cu（dafo）2（dap）]（ClO4）2·2H2O [dap=NH2CH2CH（CH3）NH2] 2 （dafo=4,5-diazafluoren-9-one） have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV spectra. Meanwhile, the complex 1 has been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The initial DNA binding interactions of the complexes 1 and 2 have been investigated by UV spectra, emission spectra and cyclic voltammogram. Concluding the results of three methods used to measure the interaction of complexes 1 and 2 with DNA, the action mode of the two complexes with DNA is intercalation, and character of ligands and steric effect may affect the interaction of the complexes with DNA.     

Novel water soluble bis(μ‐chloro) bridged Cu(II) binuclear and mononuclear complexes: Synthesis,characterization and biological evaluation

A water soluble chloro bridged binuclear copper(II) complex (3) and mononuclear complex (4) have been synthesized from chloro substituted 2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydroquinolin‐3‐yl‐methylene‐2 hydroxybenzohydrazide 1 and 2 and CuCl₂·2H₂O. The structures of the complexes have been determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The binding interactions of the ligands and complexes with CT‐DNA and protein have been evaluated by absorption and emission spectroscopic method. CT‐DNA and ethidium bromide (EB) competitive studies revealed that the compounds could interact with CT‐DNA through intercalation binding mode. Interactions of the compounds with BSA were also studied by UV−visible, fluorescence and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopic methods which showed that the compounds had a strong binding affinity with BSA through static quenching process. The cytotoxic effect of the compounds examined on cancer cell lines, such as A549 (lung cancer) and MCF7 (breast cancer) cell lines showed that all four compounds exhibited substantial cytotoxic activity.     

Synthesis and characterization of water‐soluble copper(II), cobalt(II) and zinc(II) complexes derived from 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulphonic acid: DNA binding and cleavage studies

Three water‐soluble complexes, [Cu₂L₂Cl₂] ( 1 ), [CoL₂(im)₂] ( 2 ) and [ZnLClH₂O] ( 3 ) (HL = 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulphonic acid; im = N ‐methylimidazole), were prepared and characterized using various spectral techniques. The DNA binding behaviour of complexes 1 – 3 was studied using UV–visible and circular dichroism (CD) spectra and cyclic voltammetry. All three complexes exhibit hypochromism but complexes 1 and 3 alone give a red shift of 4 nm with a significant binding constant of K _b = 2.1 × 10⁴ and 1.0 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, respectively, but complex 2 shows no red shift with lower K _b of 4.1 × 10³ M⁻¹. The voltammetric E _1/2 of complex 1 on interaction with herring sperm DNA shifts to a more positive potential, as expected, than complex 2 due to higher DNA affinity. Additionally, analysis of electrochemical data yields a value of K ₊/K ₂₊ greater than one suggesting that complex 1 binds to DNA through intercalation in the M(I) state. Evidently in CD spectral analysis, complex 1 exhibits a decrease in molar ellipticity with a red shift of 10 nm and a significant decrease in intensity compared to complexes 2 and 3 . This clearly indicates that complex 1 induces the B → A transition to a greater extent than 2 and 3 . Oxidative cleavage using circular plasmid pUC18 DNA with complex 1 was investigated using gel electrophoresis. Interestingly, complex 1 displays a strong DNA binding affinity and is efficient in cleaving DNA in the presence of H₂O₂ at pH = 8.0 at 37 °C.     

Two Lanthanide(III) Complexes based on the Schiff Base N,N′‐Bis(salicylidene)‐1,5‐diamino‐3‐oxapentane: Synthesis,Characterization, DNA‐binding Properties,and Antioxidation

The Schiff base N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)‐1,5‐diamino‐3‐oxapentane (H₂L) and its lanthanide(III) complexes, PrL(NO₃)(DMF)(H₂O) ( 1 ) and Ho₂L₂(NO₃)₂ · 2H₂O ( 2 ), were synthesized and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. Single crystal X‐ray structure analysis revealed that complex 1 is a discrete mononuclear species. The Pr^III ion is nine‐coordinate, forming a distorted capped square antiprismatic arrangement. Complex 2 is a centrosymmetric dinuclear neutral entity in which the Ho^III ion is eight‐coordinate with distorted square antiprismatic arrangement. The DNA‐binding properties of H₂L and its Ln^III complexes were investigated by spectrophotometric methods and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that the ligand H₂L and its Ln^III complexes both connect to DNA in a groove binding mode; the complexes bind more strongly to DNA than the ligand. Moreover, the antioxidant activities of the Ln^III complexes were in vitro determined by superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging methods, which indicate that complexes 1 and 2 have OH ^· and O₂^{– ·} radical scavenging activity.     

Novel 13,14‐dimethyl‐5,8‐dioxa‐2,11,13,14‐tetraaza‐1,12‐diphosphabicyclo [10.1.1] tetradecane 1,12‐dioxide ligand and its Ni(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) complexes: Synthesis,characterization, antimicrobial,DNA cleavage,and computational studies

A novel diazadiphosphetidine ligand derived from the reaction of 2,4‐dichloro‐1,3‐dimethyl‐1,3,2,4‐diazadiphosphetidine‐2,4‐dioxide and 2,2′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diylbis[oxy])bis(ethan‐1‐amine) and its Ni(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) complexes have been synthesized, characterized by spectroscopic, elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, and conductivity methods, and screened for antimicrobial, DNA binding, and cleavage properties. Spectroscopic analysis and elemental analyses indicate the formula [M(H₂L)Cl₂] for the Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes and octahedral geometry for all the complexes. The non‐electrolytic nature of the complexes in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was confirmed by their molar conductance values, which are in the range 12.32–6.73 Ω^?1 cm² mol^?1. Computational studies have been carried out at the density functional theory (DFT)‐B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory on the structural and spectroscopic properties of diazadiphosphetidine H₂L and its binuclear Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes. Six tautomers and geometrical isomers of the diazadiphosphetidine ligand were confirmed using semiempirical AM1 and DFT method from DMOL³ calculations. The copper complex had the best antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213). DNA cleavage activities of the compounds, evaluated on pBR322 DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis in the presence and absence of an oxidant (H₂O₂) and a free‐radical scavenger (DMSO), indicated no activity for the ligand and moderate activity for the complexes, with the copper complex cleaving pBR322 DNA more efficiently in the presence of H₂O₂.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA interaction,apoptosis and molecular docking of Cu(II) and Mn(II) complexes with endo‐norbornene‐cis‐5,6‐dicarboxylic acid

Two new novel complexes, [Cu₄(Endc)₄(phen)₄]⋅7(H₂O)⋅2(O) and [Mn₂(Endc)₂(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]⋅(H₂O) (phen =1,10‐phenanthroline, H₂Endc = endo ‐norbornene‐cis ‐5,6‐dicarboxylic acid), were synthesized and structurally characterized using IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies, elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry. Their reactivity with calf thymus DNA and HeLa cell DNA was measured using UV absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. The results indicated that these complexes can bind to DNA with different binding affinity. Gel electrophoresis assay demonstrated the ability of the complexes to cleave pBR322 plasmid DNA. Apoptotic study showed that the complexes exhibit significant cancer cell inhibitory rates. Eventually, the complexes can suitably dock with a special DNA (PDB ID: 1AIO).     

Syntheses and Characterizations of Two Palladium(II) Complexes of 5‐Mercapto‐1‐methyltetrazole

Reaction of PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂ with the sodium salt of 5‐mercapto‐1‐methyltetrazole (MetzSNa) in methanol solution affords an interesting dinuclear palladium complex [Pd₂(MetzS)₄ ] ( 1 ). However, treatment of PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂ with neutral MetzSH ligand in methanol solution produces a mononuclear palladium complex [Pd(MetzSH)₄]Cl₂ ( 2 ). Both complexes were characterized by IR, ¹HNMR, UV‐Vis spectroscopy as well as X‐ray crystallography. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses of two complexes lead to the elucidation of the structures and show that 1 possesses an asymmetric structure: one Pd atom is tetracoordinated by three sulfur atoms and one nitrogen atom to form PdS₃N coordination sphere, the other Pd atom is tetracoordinated by three nitrogen atoms and one sulfur atom to form PdSN₃ coordination sphere. The molecules of 1 are associated to 1‐D infinite linear chain by weak intermolecular Pd···S contacts in the crystal lattice. In 2 , the Pd atom lies on an inversion center and has a square‐planar coordination involving the S atoms from four MetzSH ligands. The two chloride ions are not involved in coordination, but are engaged in hydrogen bonding.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA binding,cytotoxicity and molecular docking properties of three novel butterfly-like complexes with nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ligands

Three novel complexes, namely [Nd·L₁·HCOO·(H₂O)₄] ( 1 ), [Pr·L₁·HCOO·(H₂O)₄] ( 2 ) and [In·L₂·Cl·(H₂O)₂] ( 3 ) (L₁ = 1,1-bis(5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methane, L₂ = 1,1-bis(5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)ketone), were synthesized and characterized. The molecular structures of 1 – 3 were confirmed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All three obtained complexes are zero-dimensional and connected to each other by hydrogen bonds. In 1 and 2 the metal is surrounded by nine donors and 3 has seven coordination sites. The interaction of 1 – 3 with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was explored using UV absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra. The intrinsic binding constants of 1 – 3 with CT-DNA are about 1.9 × 10⁴, 1.4 × 10⁴ and 1.1 × 10⁴, respectively. Stern–Volmer quenching plots of 1 – 3 have slopes of 0.1508, 0.134 and 0.1205, respectively. The ability of these complexes to cleave pBR322 plasmid DNA was demonstrated using gel electrophoresis assay. Apoptosis studies of the three novel complexes showed a significant inhibitory effect on HeLa cells. Furthermore, MTT assays were used to evaluate the anticancer activity of the three complexes. The cytotoxicity study indicated that complex 1 possesses a higher inhibitory rate of HeLa cells than the other complexes. Especially, the efficacy of 1 was shown to be the highest for cisplatin at 24 h. A further molecular docking technique was introduced to understand the binding of the complexes toward the target DNA.     

Biological evaluation of organometallic palladium(II) complexes containing 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (3‐ethoxy‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazide: Synthesis,structure, DNA/protein binding,antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity

New palladium(II) complexes, [Pd(PPh₃)L] ( 2 ) and [Pd(AsPh₃)L] ( 3 ), were synthesized using 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (3‐ethoxy‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazide ( 1 ) ligand (H₂L), and characterized using various physicochemical techniques. The molecular structures of 2 and 3 were determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, which reveals a square planar geometry around the palladium(II) metal ion. In vitro DNA binding studies were conducted using UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and viscosity measurements, which suggest that the metal complexes act as efficient DNA binders. The interaction of ligand H₂L and complexes 2 and 3 with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated using UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopies. Absorption and emission spectral studies indicate that complexes 2 and 3 interact with BSA protein more strongly than the parent ligand. The free radical scavenging potential of all the synthesised compounds ( 1 – 3 ) was also investigated under in vitro conditions. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes to tumour cells lines (HeLa and MCF‐7) was examined using the MTT assay method.     

One‐Dimensional Channels Encapsulated in Supramolecular Networks Constructed of Zinc(II), Manganese(II), or ­Nickel(II) Atoms with 3‐(Carboxymethyl)‐2, 7‐dimethyl‐3H‐benzo[d]imidazole‐5‐carboxylic Acid

Four complexes with supramolecular architectures, namely, MZCA · 3H₂O ( 1 ), [Zn(H₂O)₆]²⁺ · [MZCA]₂ · [H₂O]₆ ( 2 ), [Mn(MZCA)₂(H₂O)₄] · 2H₂O ( 3 ), and [Ni(MZCA)₂(H₂O)₄] · 2H₂O ( 4 ) [MZCA = 3‐(carboxymethyl)‐2, 7‐dimethyl‐3H‐benzo[d]imidazole‐5‐carboxylic acid], were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 display a remarkable 3D network with 1D hydrophilic channels. Complexes 3 and 4 are isostructural and exhibit a 3D structure encapsulating 1D 24‐membered ring microporous channels. The UV/Vis and fluorescent spectra were measured to characterize complexes 1 – 4 . The thermal stability of complexes 2 – 4 were also examined.     

Antibacterial Activities and Nuclease Properties of Two New Ternary Copper(II) Complexes with 2‐(4′‐Thiazolyl)‐benzimidazole and 2,2′‐Bipyridine/1,10‐phenanthroline

Two new complexes: [Cu(TBZ)(bipy)Cl]Cl·H₂O ( 1 ) and [Cu(TBZ)(phen)Cl]Cl·H₂O ( 2 ) [TBZ=2‐(4′‐thiazolyl)‐ benzimidazole, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline and bipy=2,2′‐bipyridine] have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, IR, and UV‐vis methods. Complex 2 , structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c in a unit cell of a=0.85257(12) nm, b=2.5358(4) nm, c=1.15151(13) nm, β=118.721(8)°, V=2.183.2(5) nm³, Z=4, D_c=1.624 g·cm⁻³, µ=1.367 mm⁻¹. The complexes, free ligands and chloride copper(II) salt were each tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of two gram‐positive (B. subtilis and S. aureus) and two gram‐negative (Salmonella and E. coli) bacteria. The complexes showed good antibacterial activities against the microorganisms. The interaction between the complexes and calf thymus DNA in aqueous solution was investigated adopting electronic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurements and cyclic voltammetry. Results suggest that the two complexes can bind to DNA by intercalative mode. In addition, the result of agarose gel electrophoresis suggested that the complexes can cleave the plasmid DNA at physiological pH and room temperature. Mechanistic studies with different inhibiting reagents reveal that hydroxyl radicals, and a singlet oxygen‐like copper‐oxo species are all involved in the DNA scission process mediated by the complexes.     

Metal Derivatives of Heterocyclic Thioamides: Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Copper Complexes with 1‐Methyl‐1,3‐imidazoline‐2‐thione and 1,3‐Imidazoline‐2‐thione

Reactions of copper(I) halides (Cl, Br, I) with 1‐methyl‐1, 3‐imidazoline‐2‐thione (mimzSH) in 1 : 2 molar ratio yielded sulfur‐bridged dinuclear [Cu₂X₂(μ‐S‐mimzSH)₂(η¹‐S‐mimzSH)₂] (X = I, 1 , Br, 2 ; Cl, 3 ) complexes. Copper(I) iodide with 1,3‐imidazoline‐2‐thione (imzSH₂) and Ph₃P in 1 : 1 : 1 molar ratio has also formed a sulfur‐bridged dinuclear [Cu₂I₂(μ‐S‐imzSH₂)₂(PPh₃)₂] ( 4 ) complex. The central Cu(μ‐S)₂Cu cores form parallelograms with unequal Cu–S bond distances {2.324(2), 2.454(3) Å} ( 1 ); {2.3118(6), 2.5098(6) Å} ( 2 ); {2.3075(4), 2.5218(4) Å} ( 3 ); {2.3711(8), 2.4473(8) Å} ( 4 ). The Cu···Cu separations, 2.759–2.877Å in complexes 1 – 3 are much shorter than 3.3446Å in complex 4 . The weak intermolecular interactions {H₂CH···S^# ( 2 ); CH···Cl^# ( 3 ); NH···I^# ( 4 )} between dimeric units in complexes 2 – 4 lead to the formation of linear 1D polymers.     

Nitrile‐functionalized Hg(II)‐ and Ag(I)‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes: synthesis,crystal structures,nuclease and DNA binding activities

Various nitrile‐functionalized benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene carbene complexes of Hg(II) and Ag(I) were synthesized by the interaction of 1‐benzyl/1‐butyl‐3‐(cyano‐benzyl)‐3 H‐benzimidazol‐1‐ium mono/dihexafluorophosphate with Hg(OAc)₂/Ag₂O in acetonitrile. Two of the benzimidazolium salts were structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction technique. Structures of reported compounds were characterized by ¹ H, ¹³C NMR, FT‐IR, UV–visible spectroscopic techniques, and molar conductivity and elemental analyses. For bis‐benzimidazolium salt, dinuclear Hg(II)– and Ag(I)–carbene complexes were obtained. Nuclease activity and binding interactions of the synthesized benzimidazolium salts and their Ag(I)–carbene complexes with DNA were studied using agarose gel electrophoresis and, absorption spectroscopy and viscosity measurements, respectively. Ag(I)–carbene complexes showed higher DNA binding activity compared to their respective benzimidazolium salts. However, a benzimidazolium salt and two of the Ag(I) complexes showed remarkably higher nuclease activity both, in the presence and absence of an oxidizing agent. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,DNA/bovine serum albumin binding and antitumor activity of two transition metal complexes with 4‐acylpyrazolone derivative

Two new complexes, namely [Cu₆L₆] ( 1 ) and [Zn(HL)₂] ( 2 ) (H₂L = N‐(1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐propenylidene‐5‐pyrazolone)‐2‐furancarboxylic acid hydrazide), have been synthesized and characterized. Single crystal X‐ray analysis indicates that complex 1 has a hexanuclear structure and complex 2 exhibits a mononuclear structure. The DNA/bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding properties of complexes 1 and 2 were investigated by absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence quenching. Both complexes could effectively intercalate to DNA with calculated quenching constants of 2.6 × 10⁵ and 1.25 × 10⁵ M^?1, respectively. The quenching mechanism of the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA by the complexes was found to be a static one. The cytotoxicities of 1 and 2 were investigated in two human tumor cell lines, human esophageal cancer cells (Eca‐109) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Complex 1 exhibits higher antitumor activity than 2 . Furthermore, 1 can inhibit HeLa cells by inducing apoptosis and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. All results demonstrate that 1 and 2 both have DNA/BSA binding capacity and antitumor activity.     

Novel 3‐Hydroxy‐2‐naphthoic hydrazone and Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) Complexes: Synthesis,Spectroscopic Characterization,Antimicrobial, DNA Cleavage and Computational Studies

A novel hydrazone ligand derived from condensation reaction of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthoic hydrazide with dehydroacetic acid, and its Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes were synthesized, characterized by spectroscopic, elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility and conductivity methods, and screened for antimicrobial, DNA binding and cleavage properties. Spectroscopic analysis and elemental analyses indicated the formula, [MLCl₂], for the complexes; square planar geometry for the nickel, and tetrahedral geometry for copper and cobalt complexes. The non‐electrolytic natures of the complexes in Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) were confirmed by their molar conductance values in the range of 6.11–14.01 Ω^?1cm²mol^?1. The copper complex had the best antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213). DNA cleavage activities of the compounds, evaluated on pBR322 DNA, by agarose gel electrophoresis, in the presence and absence of oxidant (H₂O₂) and free radical scavenger (DMSO), indicated no activity for the ligand, and moderate activity for the complexes, with the copper complex cleaving pBR322 DNA more efficiently in the presence of H₂O₂. When the complexes were evaluated for antibacterial and A‐DNA activity using Molecular docking technique, the copper complex was found to be most effective against Gram‐positive (S. aureus) bacteria. [CuLCl₂] showed good hydrogen bonding interaction with the major‐groove (C₂^.G₁₃ base pair) of A‐DNA. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the structural and electronic properties of the complexes revealed that [CuLCl₂] had a smaller HOMO‐LUMO gap, suggesting a higher tendency to donate electrons to electron‐accepting species of biological targets.     

Honeycomb‐like Ordered Assembly of DNA Induced by Flexible Binuclear Ruthenium(II)–Polypyridyl Complexes

A series of binuclear ruthenium(II)–polypyridyl complexes of the type [Ru₂(N‐N)₄(BPIMBp)]⁴⁺, in which N‐N is 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy; 1 ), 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen; 2 ), dipyrido[3,2‐d:2′,3‐f] quinoxaline (dpq; 3 ), dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c] phenanzine (dppz; 4 ), and 1,4′‐bis[(2‐pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1,1′‐biphenyl (BPIMBp) is a bridging ligand, have been synthesized and characterized. These complexes are charged (4+) cations and flexible due to the ?CH₂ group of the bridging ligand and possess terminal ligands with variable intercalative abilities. The interaction of complexes 1 – 4 with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) was explored by using UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, steady‐state emission, emission quenching with K₄[Fe(CN)₆], ethidium bromide displacement assay, Hoechst displacement assay, and viscosity measurements and revealed a groove‐binding mode for all the complexes through a spacer and an intercalative mode for complexes 3 and 4 . A decrease in the viscosity of DNA revealed bending and coiling of DNA, an initial step toward aggregation. Interestingly, a distinctive honeycomb‐like ordered assembly of the DNA–complex species was visualized by fluorescence microscopy in the solution state. The use of SEM and AFM confirmed the disordered self‐organization of the DNA–complex adduct on evaporation of the solvent. The small orderly nanosized DNA aggregates were confirmed by means of circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and TEM. These complexes are moderately cytotoxic against three different cell lines, namely, MCF‐7, HeLa, and HL‐60.