Binding interactions of mixed ligand copper(II) amino acid Schiff base complexes with biological targets: Spectroscopic evaluation and molecular docking

Three mixed ligand copper(II) complexes [Cu(o ‐vanillin‐l ‐tryptophan Schiff base)(diimine)] (diimine =2,2′‐bipyridine ( 1 ), 1,10‐phenanthroline ( 2 ) and 5,6‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline( 3 )) were synthesized and characterized using analytical and spectral methods. The molecular structures of 1 – 3 were optimized using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/LanL2DZ levels in the gas phase. Spectral and DFT studies suggest a distorted square pyramidal geometry around the copper ion. Binding interactions of 1 – 3 with calf thymus DNA and bovine serum albumin protein were studied using UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopies, viscometric titrations and cyclic voltammetry and also using molecular docking analysis. Studies of the binding of the complexes with calf thymus DNA reveal intercalation, which is supported by molecular docking simulation. The DNA cleavage nature of 1 – 3 with pUC19 DNA shows that the complexes can cleave DNA without any external agents, and the efficiency follows the order 1  >  3  >  2 . Synchronous and three‐dimensional fluorescence spectral studies suggest that the secondary structures of the protein are altered by the complexes. Antioxidant studies reveal that the complexes have significant radical scavenging activity against DPPH. In vitro cytotoxic activity of the complexes was evaluated against breast cancer cells (MCF‐7), revealing that complex 2 exhibits higher cytotoxicity than the other complexes. Nuclear chromatin condensation and fragmentation were observed with DAPI staining assay. The mitochondrial membrane potential damage was studied by FITC staining assay. Flow cytometric analysis suggests that all the metal complexes induce cell apoptosis.     

DNA Binding,amelioration of oxidative stress,and molecular docking study of Zn(II) metal complex of a new Schiff base ligand

Abstract

A new Schiff base ligand, H₂L, and its Zn(II) complex were prepared and characterized by different analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The elemental analysis results suggest the stoichiometry of the complex to be 1:1. The molar conductance study shows the non-electrolytic nature of the complex. Infrared spectra reveal that the metal ion is coordinated in tetradentate fashion which was further confirmed by NMR study. The synthesized complex was found to interact with CT-DNA quite efficiently. The DNA binding study of the complex was explored by UV–vis and viscosity measurement. Fluorescence titration studies and the experimental results suggest that the complex might bind to DNA via an intercalative mode. The in silico target prediction and molecular docking experiments confirm that, apart from high interaction potentiality with nucleotides, the complex has possible implications in carcinogenesis, too.     

Synthesis of 2-aminobenzophenone-based Schiff base Pd(II) complexes: Investigation on crystal structure,biological behavior of DNA/protein-binding,molecular docking,and in vitro anticancer activities

Two new monobasic bidentate ligands and their Pd(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. The structures of the complexes were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The bimolecular binding of the ligands and complexes has been carried out and described. Interestingly, both the bidentate chelating ligands replaced all the triphenyl arsine and chloride ions from the metal precursor in the formation of new complexes and were found to be approximately square planar. The interaction of the ligands and the complexes with calf thymus DNA and bovine serum albumin was studied by electronic and emission spectroscopy techniques, which suggested an intercalation mode of binding. It is well-known that the viscosity of a DNA solution increases if any compound added binds to it through intercalation because this process lengthens the DNA helix due to the increased separation of the DNA base pairs when the compound slides in between, whereas a partial, nonclassical intercalation could bend (or kink) the DNA helix, which leads to a reduction in length and thereby reducing its viscosity. By contrast, there will be no change in the viscosity when the compounds bind with DNA grooves or by partial intercalation, which was further confirmed by viscosity measurements and molecular docking studies. It has been found that the compounds cleaved supercoiled DNA into nicked DNA without any external agent. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies of the ligands and complexes against human lung (A549) and breast (MCF7) cancer cell lines showed significant activity for both species.     

Synthesis and characterization of Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes with a new tetraazamacrocyclic Schiff base ligand containing a piperazine moiety: X-ray crystal structure determination of the Co(II) complex

Two macrocyclic Schiff base ligands, L¹ [1+1] and L² [2+2], have been obtained in a one-pot cyclocondensation of 1,4-bis(2-formylphenyl)piperazine and 1,3-diaminopropane. Unfortunately, because of the low solubility of both ligands, their separation was unsuccessful. In the direct reaction of these mixed ligands (L¹ and L²) and the appropriate metal ions only [CoL¹(NO₃)]ClO₄, [NiL¹](ClO₄)₂, [CuL¹](ClO₄)₂ and [ZnL¹(NO₃)]ClO₄ complexes have been isolated. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, FAB-MS, conductivity measurements and in the case of the [ZnL¹(NO₃)]ClO₄ complex with NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA binding,apoptosis and molecular docking of three Mn(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes with terpyridine‐based carboxylic acid

A series of novel cytotoxic compounds, [Mn(cpt)₂], [Zn(tpt)(H₂O)₂]?DMA?2(H₂O) and [Cu(tpt)]?DMA (cpt = 4′‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine, tpt = 4‐(2,4,6‐tricarboxylphenyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine, DMA = (CH₃)₂NH), were isolated and characterized. The structures of these complexes were characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The mode and extent of binding between fish sperm DNA and the complexes were investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking. These results indicate the ability of the complexes to bind to DNA with different binding affinities. The binding of the Zn(II) complex with DNA is stronger than that of the corresponding Cu(II) analogue, which is expected due to the z* effect and geometry. The ability of these complexes to cleave pBR322 plasmid DNA was demonstrated using gel electrophoresis assay, showing that the complexes have effective DNA cleavage activity. In addition, the cytotoxic effects of these complexes were examined on HeLa cells (human cervix epithelia carcinoma cells) in vitro. The three complexes exhibit different cytotoxic effects and decent cancer cell inhibitory rate. This means that the structures and type of metal have a great influence on the activity of these novel complexes.     

Synthesis,physicochemical elucidation,biological screening and molecular docking studies of a Schiff base and its metal(II) complexes

A Schiff base 1-((3-nitrophenylimino)methyl)naphthalen-2-olate (HL) and its two novel complexes with Zn(II) and Co(II) metals were successfully synthesized and characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, TGA and EIS-MS. Crystal of Schiff base was also characterized by X-ray analysis and experimental parameters were found in line with the theoretical parameters. Quantum mechanical approach was also used to compare structural and calculated parameters and to ensure the geometry of metal complexes. The photometric behaviors of all the synthesized compounds were investigated in a wide pH range using BR buffers. Appearance of isosbestic point suggested the existence of Schiff base molecules in different tautomeric forms. Binding of synthesized complexes with calf thymus DNA was explored by photometric and voltammetric titrations and binding constants were calculated. The results indicated that ligand and its metal complexes bind to DNA by intercalation mode. Docking studies indicate their binding possibilities with topoisomerase II. Moreover, all these prepared compounds were screened for enzyme inhibition, antibacterial, cytotoxic and in vivo antidiabetic activities and found active against one or other activity. This effort just provides preliminary data for some biological properties and which can act as foundation stone for their application in drug development.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and imine bond activation of a copper(II) Schiff base complex

A new copper(II) complex [Cu(HL)(ClO₄)](ClO₄) (1), where HL is a multidentate Schiff base N,N′-(2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl)bis(pyridine-2-aldimine), is prepared, structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography and its spectral and electrochemical properties studied. The complex forms a one-dimensional chain in the solid state structure in which the monomeric Cu(HL) units are linked by the perchlorate ligand. The complex has an axially elongated six coordinate geometry (4+2) with a CuN₄O₂ core in which the Schiff base ligand displays a tetradentate mode of bonding in the basal plane. The axial ligand is perchlorate with a significantly long Cu–O bond of ca. 2.6 Å. The one-electron paramagnetic complex displays a cyclic voltammetric response for the Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple at 0.01 V versus SCE in MeCN–0.1 M TBAP. The azomethine bond of the Schiff base in 1 on treatment with H₂O₂ undergoes oxidative conversion to form a bis(picolinato)copper(II) · dihydrate species through the formation of an amido intermediate as evidenced from the solution infrared spectral studies.     

Five new cobalt(II) complexes based on indazole derivatives: synthesis,DNA binding and molecular docking study

Five cobalt(II) complexes based on 1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid (H₂L), [Co(phen)(HL)₂]·2H₂O (1), [Co(5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipy)(HL)₂] (2), [Co(2,2′-bipy)₂(HL)₂]·5H₂O (3), [Co₂(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phen)₂(L)₂] (4) and [Co₂(6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipy)₂(L)₂]·H₂O (5) (2,2'-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR and UV-vis spectroscopies and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The results indicate that 1–3 possess mononuclear Co(II) structures, while 4 and 5 exhibit binuclear structure. 1D water tape which is linked by the multiple hydrogen bonds was embedded in the 3D motif of complex 3. Complexes 4 and 5 show two orthogonal planes of motif that was constituted by phen/2,2′-bipy and indazole acid, respectively. The intermolecular interactions including hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions are stabilizing these complexes. The interactions of the synthesized complexes with calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) have been investigated by UV-vis absorption titration, ethidium bromide displacement assay and viscosity measurements. The results reveal that the complexes could interact with CT-DNA via a groove binding mode. Their behavior rationalization was further theoretically studied by molecular docking.     

Theoretical investigation on molecular structure of a new mononuclear copper(II) thiocyanato complex with tridentate Schiff base ligand

An asymmetrical Schiff base ligand, 4-bromo-2-(2-pyridylmethyliminomethyl)phenol (HL), and its copper(II) complex, [Cu(L)SCN] (1), have been synthesized. Complex 1 is experimentally characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and UV–vis spectroscopic techniques, and cyclic voltammetry. The structure of the complex has been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, which reveal a square planar geometry of the central copper(II) ion in 1. The neighboring molecules of the complex connect each other by π–π stacking interactions with centroid-to-centroid ring distance 3.653 Å. The ligand can display two possible tautomeric forms; therefore, 1 can have an alternate molecular structure. DFT calculations have been employed to investigate the structure and relative stabilities of the suggested tautomeric forms of the ligand and its corresponding copper(II) complex.     

Coordination behavior of 3,4-bis(2-pyridylmethylthio)toluene with copper(II) ions: Synthesis,structural characterization and reactivity,and DNA binding study of the dinuclear copper(II) complex

On reaction of different copper(II) salts with 3,4-bis(2-pyridylmethylthio)toluene (L) having neutral tetradentate NSSN donor set in different chemical environments, two mononuclear copper(II), one dinuclear copper(I) and one dinuclear copper(II) complexes, formulated as [Cu^II(L)(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ (1), [Cu^II(pic)₂] (2), [Cu^I₂(L)₂](ClO₄)₂ (3) and [Cu^II₂(L)₂Cl₂](ClO₄)₂ (4), respectively, were isolated in pure form [where pic = picolinate]. All the complexes were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The product of the reactions are dependent on the counter anion of copper(II) salts used as reactant and on the reaction medium. Complexes 1 and 4 were obtained with nitrate and perchlorate copper(II) salts, respectively. On the other hand, C–S bond cleavage was observed in the reaction of L with copper(II) chloride to form in situ picolinic acid and complex 2. Dinuclear complexes 3 and 4 were separated out when copper(II) perchlorate was allowed to react with L in methanol and in acetonitrile, respectively, under aerobic condition. The X-ray diffraction analysis of the dinuclear complex 3 shows a highly distorted tetrahedral geometry about each copper ion. Complex 4 is converted to 3 in acetonitrile in presence of catechol. The spectral study of complex 4 with calf thymus DNA is indicative of a groove binding mode interaction.     

X-ray structure and theoretical studies on a palladium(II) Schiff base complex

Treatment of N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (H₂L) with PdCl₂ in the presence of triethylamine afforded [Pd(N₂O₂)]. Recrystallization in chloroform and acetonitrile (1?:?1) gave suitable crystals for X-ray crystallography. The solid-state structure shows that the environment around palladium is square planar. The structural parameters of the molecule obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculation in the gas phase and by X-ray diffraction are compared. The Pd(II) Schiff base complex adopts planar geometry by DFT calculation. The coordination site structural parameters, which are obtained from geometry optimization calculation, are close to those from X-ray crystallographic data. The spectral properties such as vibrational frequencies, chemical shifts, electronic excitation and the natural bond orbital analyses of Pd(Salen) are calculated, analyzed and compared with experimental data.     

A new Co(II) complex with N,O-donor Schiff base: Synthesis, structure and characterization

A new Co(II) complex with tridentate Schiff base ligand with a N,N,O donor set has been synthesized and characterized by single X-ray technique and spectroscopic techniques. The thermochemical properties have been studied. X-ray structure analysis of the title compound Co(II)L₂ [HL = 2-methyl-6-(2′-hydroxybenzylideneamino) pyridine] shows that the polyhedron around Co(II) is a distorted tetrahedron, and the self-assembly via intermolecular π-π interactions leads to a three-dimensional network. Crystal data for the title complex C₂₆H₂₂CoN₄O₂: Monoclinic, space group Ia, a = 11.741(7) Å, b = 8.149(5) Å, c = 22.764(16) Å, β = 98.530(12)°, V = 2154(2) ų, Z = 4.     

Ni(II) complexes of stereo-isomeric hexazamacrocyclic ligands derived from 2,6-diacetylpyridine

The nitrate and perchlorate Ni(II) complexes of the stereo-isomeric hexazamacrocyclic ligands L¹ (3,6,14,17,23,24-hexaazatricyclo[17.3.1.18,12]tetracosa-1(23),8,10,12(24),19,21-hexaene,2,7,13,18-tetramethyl) and L² (3,7,15,19,25,26-hexaazatricyclo[19.3.1.19,13]hexacosa-1(25),9,11,13(26),21,23-hexaene,2,8,14,20-tetramethyl) derived from 2,6-diacetylpyridine have been synthesized and characterized by microanalysis, LSI-MS, conductivity measurements, IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy and magnetic studies. Crystal structures of L¹·2H₂O as well as of the complexes [NiL¹](ClO₄₎₂$[{\text{NiL}}^1]({\text{ClO}}_4{)}_2$ and [NiL²](NO₃₎₂$[{\text{NiL}}^2]({\text{NO}}_3{)}_2$ have been determined. The X-ray studies show the presence of mononuclear endomacrocyclic complexes with the metal ion coordinated to all the nitrogen donor atoms from the macrocyclic framework in a N6 core. The geometry around the metal ions can be described as distorted octahedral. The nitrate and perchlorate anions do not coordinate to the metal ions, but they are involved in intermolecular interactions through hydrogen bonds to the amine groups of the macrocyclic ligands.     

Synthesis,urease inhibitory activities,and molecular docking studies of two Cu(II) complexes

Two mononuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu(C₄H₃N₂O₂)₂?·?4H₂O] (1) and [Cu(C₁₂H₁₁N₂O₂Cl₂)₂] (2), were synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The copper(II) adopts a square-planar environment in 1, while the geometry in 2 can be described as distorted square-pyramidal. Complexes 1 and 2 were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against jack bean urease in vitro and both were found to have strong inhibitory activities comparable to that of acetohydroxamic acid. A docking simulation was performed to position 2 into the jack bean urease active site to determine the probable binding conformation.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,redox behavior and DNA-binding properties of a series of copper(II) complexes with two new carboxamide derivatives

Four mononuclear copper(II) complexes of two new carboxamide derivatives formulated as [Cu(L¹)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1a), [Cu(L¹)₂](NO₃)₂ (1b), [Cu(L²)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2a), and [Cu(L²)₂(H₂O)](NO₃)₂ (2b) have been isolated in pure form from the reaction of L¹ and L² [where L¹ = N-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide and L² = N-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide] with copper(II) salts of perchlorate and nitrate. All the complexes were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic tools along with single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The structural analyses showed that 1 is monomeric of square planar geometry with copper(II) chelated by two L¹ ligands. Complex 2 differs in coordination geometry, being octahedral and distorted square pyramidal. Two L² ligands occupy the equatorial positions of the octahedral 2a and the basal sites of the pyramidal 2b, with water molecules that complete the coordination sphere in each case. Electrochemical studies using cyclic voltammetry showed a reversible redox behavior of the copper(II) in 1 and 2. The electronic spectroscopic behavior and the trend of one electron equivalent redox potential corresponding to a Cu^II/Cu^I couple have also been confirmed by density functional theory calculations. The spectroscopic and viscosity measurement study in tris–HCl buffer suggested an intercalative interaction of 1a and 2 with calf thymus DNA likely due to the stacking between the non-coordinated furan and thiophene chromophore with the base pairs of DNA.     

Mononuclear copper(II) complex with terpyridine and an extended phenanthroline base, [Cu(tpy)(dppz)]: Synthesis, crystal structure, DNA binding and cytotoxicity activity

The new dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (dppz) copper(II) complex, [Cu(tpy)(dppz)]²⁺, where tpy is 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine, has been prepared and fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Its DNA binding and in vitro cytotoxicity have been also studied. The molecular structure shows a distorted trigonal bipyramidal CuN₅ coordination geometry around the copper atom. The bidentate dppz ligand binds in the equatorial plane, while tpy exhibits axial-equatorial bonding. The interaction of the complex with DNA has been investigated by electronic absorption, competitive fluorescence titration, linear dichroism, voltammetric techniques and a gel electrophoresis mobility shift assay. It is proposed that the binding mode of the complex to DNA is of an intercalation nature with the planar dppz ligands located between the base pairs of double-stranded DNA.An in vitro cytotoxicity study of the complex on human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) cell line by an MTT assay indicates that the title complex may have the potency to act as an effective anticancer drug, with an IC₅₀ value of 4.57 μM (3.62-5.77).     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and antibacterial activity of two new mononuclear nickel(II) complexes of a NNS Schiff base

Two new mononuclear nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(L)(N₃)] (1) and [Ni(L)₂(NCS)₂] (2), where HL = 2-{[phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]amino}benzenethiol, a tridentate Schiff base derived from 2-aminothiophenol and 2-benzoylpyridine, have been prepared and characterized. The syntheses of 1 and 2 have been achieved by the reaction of equimolar amounts of nickel perchlorate and HL in the presence of azide and thiocyanate, respectively. The complexes have been characterized by microanalytical, spectroscopic, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and other physicochemical studies. Structural studies reveal that 1 and 2 adopt two different geometries, distorted square planar in 1 and octahedral in 2. The two mononuclear complex units are held together by π…π or C–H…π weak intermolecular interactions to develop supramolecular networks in their solid states. The antibacterial activity of 1, 2 and their constituent Schiff base has been tested against some gram(+) and gram(?) bacteria.     

Syntheses,characterizations, crystal structures,and biological activities of two new mixed ligand Ni(II) and Cu(II) Schiff base complexes

Two mixed-ligand complexes, [Cu(L)(2imi)] (1) and [Ni(L)(2imi)]·MeOH (2) [L = 2-(((5-chloro-2-oxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenolato) and 2imi = 2-methyl imidazole], have been prepared by the reaction of appropriate metal salts with H₂L and 2-methyl imidazole. Their structures were characterized by microanalysis, FT-IR, UV–vis, molar conductivity, and ¹H NMR for [Ni(L)(2imi)]·MeOH. The structures were determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Each four-coordinate metal center, Cu(II) in 1 and Ni(II) in 2, is surrounded by donors of Schiff base (L^2?) and N of 2-methyl imidazole in square planar geometries. α-Amylase activities of these compounds have also been investigated. The experimental data showed that α-amylase was inhibited by Ni(II) complex while the Cu(II) complex causes a 1.3-fold decrease in K_m value. Antimicrobial results show that these compounds, especially the Cu(II) complex, have potential for antibacterial activity against Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria and antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus.     

Nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes of methyl(2-aminocyclopentene-1-dithiocarboxy)-S-acetate (ACDASAMe)

Nickel(II) and cobalt(II) bis-chelates of methyl(2-aminocyclopentene-1-dithiocarboxy)-S-acetate (ACDASAMe) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods and in the case of the nickel complex, X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The ligand exhibits the (N, S) coordination mode on interacting with the metal centers. The X-ray structure of the nickel(II) complex reveals a NiN₂S₂ distorted square planar coordination geometry with the ligands showing a cis configuration. There is no interaction between the –CH₂COOMe moieties of the ligand and the metal center, however intermolecular hydrogen bonds through the carbonyl group leads to the building of dimeric associations.     

Investigation of DNA/BSA binding of three Ru(II) complexes by various spectroscopic methods,molecular docking and their antimicrobial activity

An intercalative ligand, ppip (ppip = {2-(4-(piperidin-1-yl)phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline}), and its mononuclear Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes, [Ru(phen)₂(ppip)]²⁺ (1) (phen=1,10-phenanthrolene), [Ru(bpy)₂(ppip)]²⁺ (2) (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine) and [Ru(dmb)₂(ppip)]²⁺ (3) (dmb=4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques such as UV–vis, IR, ¹H, as well as ¹³C NMR and ESI-MS. The interaction of these complexes with DNA/BSA (bovine serum albumin) was investigated using absorption, emission spectroscopy, viscosity measurements and molecular docking studies. The docking study infers that the binding strength (K_b) of these complexes was in agreement with results from absorption and emission techniques. These studies reveal that these three Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes bind to DNA/BSA. The binding ability of these complexes in the presence of different ions and solvents were also reported. All complexes were effectively cleaving pBR322 DNA in different forms and follows order which is similar to absorption and emission studies. These complexes were effective exhibiting the antimicrobial activity against different microbes Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.