Donor Atom Preference of Organoruthenium and Organorhodium Cations on the Interaction with Novel Ambidentate (N,N) and (O,O) Chelating Ligands in Aqueous Solution

Two novel, pyridinone-based chelating ligands containing separated (O,O) and (N_amino,N_het) chelating sets (N_amino = secondary amine; N_het = pyrrole N for H(L3) (1-(3-(((1H-pyrrole-2-yl)methyl)-amino)propyl)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpyridin-4(1H)-one) or pyridine N for H(L5) (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-(3-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)propyl)pyridin-4(1H)-one)) were synthesized via reduction of the appropriate imines. Their proton dissociation processes were explored, and the molecular structures of two synthons were assessed by X-ray crystallography. These ambidentate chelating ligands are intended to develop Co(III)/PGM (PGM = platinum group metal) heterobimetallic multitargeted complexes with anticancer potential. To explore their metal ion binding ability, the interaction with Pd(II), [(η⁶-p-cym)Ru]²⁺ and [(η⁵-Cp*)Rh]²⁺ (p-cym = 1-methyl-4-isopropylbenzene, Cp* = pentamethyl-cyclopentadienyl anion) cations was studied in aqueous solution with the combined use of pH-potentiometry, NMR and HR ESI-MS. In general, organorhodium was found to form more labile complexes over ruthenium, while complexation of the (N,N) chelating set was slower than the processes of the pyridinone unit with (O,O) coordination. Formation of the organoruthenium complexes starts at lower pH (higher thermodynamic stabilities of the corresponding complexes) than for [(η⁵-Cp*)Rh]²⁺ but, due to the higher affinity of [η⁶-p-cym)Ru]²⁺ towards hydrolysis, the complexed ligands are capable of competing with hydroxide ion in a lesser extent than for the rhodium systems. As a result, under biologically relevant conditions, the rhodium binding effectivity of the ligands becomes comparable or even slightly higher than their effectivity towards ruthenium. Our results indicate that H(L3) is a less efficient (N,N) chelator for these metal ions than H(L5). Similarly, due to the relative effectivity of the (O,O) and (N,N) chelates at a 1:1 metal-ion-to-ligand ratio, H(L5) coordinates in a (N,N) manner to both cations in the whole pH range studied while, for H(L3), the complexation starts with (O,O) coordination. At a 2:1 metal-ion-to-ligand ratio, H(L3) cannot hinder the intensive hydrolysis of the second metal ion, although a small amount of 2:1 complex with [(η⁵-Cp*)Rh]²⁺ can also be detected.     

Synthesis,spectral, thermal,potentiometric and antimicrobial studies of transition metal complexes of tridentate ligand

A series of metal complexes of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Fe(III) and Mn(II) have been synthesized with newly synthesized biologically active tridentate ligand. The ligand was synthesized by condensation of dehydroacetic acid (3-acetyl-6-methyl-(2H) pyran-2,4(3H)-dione or DHA), o-phenylene diamine and fluoro benzaldehyde and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, IR, ¹H-NMR, UV–Vis spectroscopy and mass spectra. From the analytical data, the stoichiometry of the complexes was found to be 1:2 (metal:ligand) with octahedral geometry. The molar conductance values suggest the non-electrolyte nature of metal complexes. The IR spectral data suggest that the ligand behaves as a dibasic tridentate ligand with ONN donor atoms sequence towards central metal ion. Thermal behaviour (TG/DTA) and kinetic parameters calculated by the Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger method suggest more ordered activated state in complex formation. To investigate the relationship between stability constants of metal complexes and antimicrobial activity, the dissociation constants of Schiff bases and stability constants of their binary metal complexes have been determined potentiometrically in THF–water (60:40%) solution at 25 ± 1 °C and at 0.1 M NaClO₄ ionic strength. The potentiometric study suggests 1:1 and 1:2 complexation. Antibacterial and antifungal activities in vitro were performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma, respectively. The stability constants of the metal complexes were calculated by the Irving–Rosotti method. A relation between the stability constant and antimicrobial activity of complexes has been discussed. It is observed that the activity enhances upon complexation and the order of antifungal activity is in accordance with stability order of metal ions.     

DNA‐binding,antibacterial and spectral investigations of drug–Fe(II) complexes

The antibiotic agent ciprofloxacin is well known for its drug design and coordinating ability towards metal ions. Iron(II) complexes of ciprofloxacin with various neutral bidentate ligands have been prepared. The structure of complexes has been investigated using spectral, physicochemical and elemental analyses. Antibacterial activity has been carried out using agar plate technique against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens. The results show a significant increase in antibacterial activity compared with parental ligands, metal salt and standard drugs (ofloxacin, levofloxacin). The DNA binding and cleavage efficacy were determined using absorption titration and gel electrophoresis techniques, respectively. The DNA binding and cleavage efficacy were increased in complexes compared with parental ligands and metal salt. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and recognition properties of α-d-glucose-based fluorescent crown ethers incorporating an acridine unit

Two new chiral glucopyranoside-based crown ethers incorporating acridine fluorescent signalling units, 15-membered ligand 1 and 21-membered ligand 2 were synthesized. Their complexation properties toward alkali and alkali earth metal ions, and their enantioselectivity towards chiral ammonium salts were studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic experiments. Macrocycle 1 formed 1:1 complexes with all the metal ions selected and the stability constants were low (lg K < 2.3). The cavity-size of 2 allowed only the complexaton of organic ammonium ions. Crown 2 showed chiral discrimination in case of all the four ammonium salts used as model guest compounds; the highest enantioselectivity (K(R)/K(S) ~3) was observed for the enantiomers of phenylethyl ammonium perchlorate. Ligand 2 forms much more stable complexes with metal ions; the highest stability constant was obtained for the Ca²⁺ complex (lg K = 6.15). The coordination of metal ions by ligand 2 was accompanied by marked fluorescence enhancement, whereas the binding of ammonium ions by the same species resulted in significant fluorescence quenching.     

Zn^2＋ Recognition by Two New Bipyridine Ligands

IntroductionThehighsensitivityandselectivityofmolecularfluores cenceorluminescencehavebeenwidelyutilizedinmonitoringH+ ,Ca2 + ,Na+ ,Mg2 + ,andotherimportantcationoran ionionsinbiologicalorenvironmentalsystems.Duetothesensitiveresponseofluminescenceuponmicroenviromentalchanges (e .g .polarityofsolvent,pH ,thepresenceofions) ,bipyridinecomplexesofRe(I)andRu(II)withmetaltoligandchargetransferexcitedstatesconstitutealargefami lyofchemicalsensors.1 5Intheseprobingmolecules ,theco operationofthe…     

Ligand Reprogramming in Dinuclear Helicate Complexes: A Consequence of Allosteric or Electrostatic Effects?

The ditopic ligand 6,6'-bis(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)-3,3'-([18]crown-6)-2,2'-bipyridine (L(1)) contains both a potentially tetradentate pyridyl-thiazole (py-tz) N-donor chain and an additional "external" crown ether binding site which spans the central 2,2'-bipyridine unit. In polar solvents (MeCN, MeNO(2)) this ligand forms complexes with Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II) and Cu(I) ions via coordination of the N donors to the metal ion. Reaction with both Hg(II) and Cu(I) ions results in the self-assembly of dinuclear double-stranded helicate complexes. The ligands are partitioned by rotation about the central py--py bond, such that each can coordinate to both metals as a bis-bidentate donor ligand. With Zn(II) ions a single-stranded mononuclear species is formed in which one ligand coordinates the metal ion in a planar tetradentate fashion. Reaction with Cd(II) ions gives rise to an equilibrium between both the dinuclear double-stranded helicate and the mononuclear species. These complexes can further coordinate s-block metal cations via the remote crown ether O-donor domains; a consequence of which are some remarkable changes in the binding modes of the N-donor domains. Reaction of the Hg(II)- or Cd(II)-containing helicate with either Ba(2+) or Sr(2+) ions effectively reprogrammes the ligand to form only the single-stranded heterobinuclear complexes [MM'(L(1))](4+) (M=Hg(II), Cd(II); M'=Ba(2+), Sr(2+)), where the transition and s-block cations reside in the N- and O-donor sites, respectively. In contrast, the same ions have only a minor structural impact on the Zn(II) species, which already exists as a single-stranded mononuclear complex. Similar reactions with the Cd(II) system result in a shift in equilibrium towards the single-stranded species, the extent of which depends on the size and charge of the s-block cation in question. Reaction of the dicopper(I) double-stranded helicate with Ba(2+) shows that the dinuclear structure still remains intact but the pitch length is significantly increased.     

Spectral characterization and biological evaluation of Schiff bases and their mixed ligand metal complexes derived from 4,6-diacetylresorcinol

In the present study two new series of Copper(II), Nickel(II) and Cobalt(II) complexes with two newly synthesized Schiff base ligands 4,6-bis(1-(4-bromophenylimino)ethyl)benzene-1,3-diol (H₂L¹), 4,6-bis(1-(4-methoxyphenylimino) ethyl)benzene-1,3-diol (H₂L²) and organic ligands 8-hydroxy quinoline, 1,10-phenanthroline have been prepared. The Schiff bases H₂L¹ and H₂L² ligands were synthesized by the condensation of 4,6-diacetyl resorcinol with 4-bromo aniline and 4-methoxy aniline. The ligands and their metal complexes have been characterized by FT-IR, Mass, ¹H NMR, UV–Vis., elemental analysis, ESR and Thermal gravimetric analysis. The Schiff base and their metal complexes were tested for antimicrobial activity against gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungus Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus clavatus using Broth Dilution Method.     

Two silver(I) complexes with bis(benzimidazole)‐2‐oxopropane ligands: Syntheses,crystal structures and DNA binding studies

Two Ag(I) complexes, [Ag₂(bobb)₂]⋅(NO₃)₂ ( 1 ) and [Ag₂(crotonate)₂(aobb)]_n ( 2 ) (bobb =1,3‐bis(1‐benzylbenzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐oxapropane; aobb =1,3‐bis(1‐allylbenzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐oxopropane), have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, electrical conductivities, infrared and UV–visible spectral measurements and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Complex 1 is binuclear and three‐coordinated by two N atoms from two bobb ligands, while complex 2 is a unique metal organic compound with diamond‐like multinuclear Ag centers with each Ag bridged by two aobb ligands and two crotonate ions to form one‐dimensional single polymer chain structures and extended into two‐dimensional frameworks through π–π and intermolecular C─H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds. The adjacent Ag(I) centers are bridged by allyl from aobb which is not only a σ‐bonding ligand, but also a π‐acid ligand. The DNA binding modes of complexes 1 and 2 were investigated using electronic absorption titration, fluorescence spectra and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that the two complexes bind to DNA via an intercalative mode, and their binding affinity for DNA follows the order 2  >  1 . This is due to the chelating effects which can enhance the planar functionality of the metal complexes.     

New tripodal N-heterocyclic carbene chelators for small molecule activation

In an effort to develop new tripodal N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands for small molecule activation, two new classes of tripodal NHC ligands TIME^R and TIMEN^R have been synthesized. The carbon-anchored tris(carbene) ligand system TIME^R (R = Me, t-Bu) forms bi- or polynuclear metal complexes. While the methyl derivative exclusively forms trinuclear 3:2 complexes [(TIME^Me)₂M₃]³⁺ with group 11 metal ions, the tert-butyl derivative yields a dinuclear 2:2 complex [(TIME^t-Bu)₂Cu₂]²⁺ with copper(I). The latter complex shows both “normal” and “abnormal” carbene binding modes and accordingly, is best formulated as a bis(carbene)alkenyl complex. The nitrogen-anchored tris(carbene) ligands TIMEN^R (R = alkyl, aryl) bind to a variety of first-row transition metal ions in 1:1 stoichiometry, affording monomeric complexes with a protected reactivity cavity at the coordinated metal center. Complexes of TIMEN^R with Cu(I)/(II), Ni(0)/(I), and Co(I)/(II)/(III) have been synthesized. The cobalt(I) complexes with the aryl-substituted TIMEN^R (R = mesityl, xylyl) ligands show great potential for small molecule activation. These complexes activate for instance dioxygen to form cobalt(III) peroxo complexes that, upon reaction with electrophilic organic substrates, transfer an oxygen atom. The cobalt(I) complexes are also precursors for terminal cobalt(III) imido complexes. These imido complexes were found to undergo unprecedented intra-molecular imido insertion reactions to form cobalt(II) imine species. The molecular and electronic structures of some representative metal NHC complexes as well as the nature of the metal–carbene bond of these metal NHC complexes was elucidated by X-ray and DFT computational methods and are discussed briefly. In contrast to the common assumption that NHCs are pure σ-donors, our studies revealed non-negligible and even significant π-backbonding in electron-rich metal NHC complexes.     

金属离子与氨羧类螯合配体的键合特性研究

利用前沿色谱法,通过Cu2+、Ni2+和Co2+与螯合配体IDA 键合的准确度(R2>0.98)与精密度(RSD <5%)实验,研究了前沿色谱法同时测定络合稳定常数KML与总键合位点数Λ0值的可行性.为了进一步证明前沿色谱法的普适性,以Cu2+、Ni2+和Co2+为代表,在3种键合缓冲体系(NaAc-HAc、Na-PB、Tris-HCl)中,考察了金属离子在3种氨羧类螯合配体(IDA、Asp、Glu)上络合稳定常数KML的变化规律.结果表明,螯合配体对金属离子键合强度遵循IDA>Asp>Glu;金属离子对螯合配体键合强度遵循Cu2+>Ni2+>Co2+;3种键合缓冲体系中,NaAc-HAc键合效果最好.按照M06/6-311++G (d, p) 方法对螯合配体与金属离子的结合能(ΔE)与吉布斯自由能(ΔG)进行相关的量子计算.根据ΔE 与ΔG 的大小,从理论上推测出螯合配体与金属离子的键合规律,此规律与上述实验结果基本相符.本研究为金属离子与螯合配体间键合参数的求取提供了有效的方法和手段,从而为今后提高IMAC柱的稳定性,解决固定金属亲和柱在应用过程中尤其是竞争洗脱过程中金属离子的流失问题奠定了良好的基础.     

Synthesis,spectroscopy, thermal and biological aspect of novel six‐coordinated dimeric iron(III) mixed‐ligand complexes

The mixed‐ligand complexes of iron(III) with 1‐cyclopropyl‐6‐fluoro‐4‐oxo‐7‐piperazin‐1‐yl‐1,4‐dihydroquinoline‐3‐carboxylic acid and various neutral bidentate Schiff base ligands were prepared. The structure of mixed‐ligand complexes was investigated using spectral, physicochemical and elemental analyses. Biocidal activity was determined using agar plate technique against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens . The result showed a significant increase in a biocidal activity compared with parent ligands, metal salts and standard drugs (ofloxacin, levofloxacin). DNA binding and cleavage studies were carried out using absorption titration and gel electrophoresis techniques, respectively. The binding constant of Fe(III) complexes was obtained in the range 2.5–4.0 × 10⁴ M ^?1. The DNA binding and cleavage efficacy were raised in mixed‐ligand complexes as compared with parental ligands and metal salts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel probes showing specific fluorescence enhancement on binding to a hexahistidine tag

The introduction of hexahistidine (His tag) is widely used as a tool for affinity purification of recombinant proteins, since the His tag binds selectively to nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni(2+)-NTA) complex. To develop efficient "turn-on" fluorescent probes for His-tagged proteins, we adopted a fluorophore displacement strategy, that is, we designed probes in which a hydroxycoumarin fluorophore is joined via a linker to a metal-NTA moiety, with which it forms a weak intramolecular complex, thereby quenching the fluorescence. In the presence of a His tag, with which the metal-NTA moiety binds strongly, the fluorophore is displaced, which results in a dramatic enhancement of fluorescence. We synthesized a series of hydroxycoumarins that were modified by various linkers with NTA (NTAC ligands), and investigated the chemical and photophysical properties of the free ligands and their metal complexes. From the viewpoint of fluorescence quenching, Ni(2+) and Co(2+) were the best metals. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a 1:1 binding stoichiometry for the Ni(2+) and Co(2+) complexes of NTACs in pH 7.4 aqueous buffer. As anticipated, these complexes showed weak intrinsic fluorescence, but addition of a His-tagged peptide (H-(His)(6)-Tyr-NH(2); Tyr was included to allow convenient concentration measurement) in pH 7.4 aqueous buffer resulted in up to a 22-fold increase in the fluorescence quantum yield. We found that the Co(2+) complexes showed superior properties. No fluorescence enhancement was seen in the presence of angiotensin I, which contains two nonadjacent histidine residues; this suggests that the probes are selective for the polyhistidine peptide.     

Synthesis and Physico-Chemical Properties of Homoleptic Copper(I) Complexes with Asymmetric Ligands as a DSSC Dye

To develop low-cost and efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), we designed and prepared three homoleptic Cu(I) complexes with asymmetric ligands, M1, M2, and Y3, which have the advantages of heteroleptic-type complexes and compensate for their synthetic challenges. The three copper(I) complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements. Their absorption spectra and orbital energies were evaluated and are discussed in the context of TD-DFT calculations. The complexes have high V_OC values (0.48, 0.60, and 0.66 V for M1, M2, and Y3, respectively) which are similar to previously reported copper(I) dyes with symmetric ligands, although their energy conversion efficiencies are relatively low (0.17, 0.64, and 2.66%, respectively).     

Synthesis,spectral studies,and antimicrobial activity of binary and ternary Cu(II), Ni(II), and Fe(III) complexes of new hexadentate Schiff bases derived from 4,6-diacetylresorcinol and amino acids

Two new hexadentate N₂O₄ donor Schiff bases, H₄L¹ and H₄L², were synthesized by condensation of 4,6-diacetylresorcinol with glycine and alanine, respectively. The structures of the ligands were elucidated by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H NMR, electronic, and mass spectra. Reactions of the Schiff bases with copper(II), nickel(II), and iron(III) nitrates in 1 : 2 molar ratio gave binuclear metal complexes and, in the presence of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) or 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) as secondary ligands (L′), mixed-ligand complexes in two molar ratios 1 : 2 : 2 and 1 : 2 : 1 (L¹/L² : M : L′). The complexes were characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, IR, electronic, mass, and ESR spectral studies, as well as conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The spectroscopic data reveal that the Schiff-base ligands were dibasic or tetrabasic hexadentate ligands. The coordination sites with the metal ions are two azomethine nitrogens, two oxygens of phenolic groups, and two oxygens of carboxylic groups. Copper(II) complexes were octahedral and square planar while nickel(II) and iron(III) complexes were octahedral. The Schiff bases, H₄L¹ and H₄L², and some of their metal complexes showed antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas phaseolicola) bacteria and antifungal activity towards the fungi Fusarium oxysporium and Aspergillus fumigatus.     

Role of secondary ligands in the structure and stability of metal—cytidine complexes in solution

The interaction of Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Mn(II), Co(II), Mg and Ca ions with cytidine and the biologically important ligands histidine, histamine, glycine and oxalic acid in a 1:1:1 ratio have been investigated by potentiometric equilibrium measurements at 35°C and 0.10 M (KNO₃) ionic strength. These investigations were undertaken to assess the influence of the secondary ligands on the structure and stability of the 1:1 metal—cytidine system. The stability of the binary and ternary complexes has been compared. The enhanced stability of the ternary complexes was measured in terms of Δ log K, the difference between the ternary and binary complexes. The involvement of various donor sites of histidine in metal binding was specially discussed. A general conclusion drawn from this investigation is that aromatic ligands formed more stable complexes than aliphatic ligands. This is attributed to the stacking phenomenon.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of Cd(II) complexes with di-pyridyl hexa-azamacrocyclic ligands having cyano pendant-arms

The coordination capability of two pendant-armed azamacrocyclic ligands with cyanoethyl L¹and cyanomethyl L² pendant groups towards cadmium nitrate and perchlorate salts was achieved. All metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, LSI-MS, IR, conductivity measurements and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray crystal structure of the complexes [CdL¹](NO₃)₂, [CdL¹](ClO₄)₂ · CH₃CN, and [CdL²](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O were also determined. All the complexes are mononuclear with the metal ion in a distorted octahedral environment. The pendant groups are not coordinated to the metal due the linear nature of the cyano groups; however, different interactions between nitrate ions, nitrile groups and pyridine rings from the macrocycle have been observed in the Cd(II) complexes with L¹.     

不同配体对钌多吡啶配合物与DNA的作用和荧光性质的影响

Two polypyridyl ligands DCHIP (2-hydro-3，5-dichlorophenyl-imidazo[4，5-f][1，10] phenanthroline)，MDHIP(2，4-dihydrophenyl-imidazo[4，5-f][1，10]phenanthroline) and their ruthenium(Ⅱ) complexes [Ru(phen)₂MDHIP]²⁺ and [Ru(phen)₂DCHIP]²⁺ were prepared. Their DNA-binding properties were studied by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The results indicated that the complexes both bound to DNA by partial intercalation mode， but [Ru(phen)₂DCHIP]²⁺ exhibited stronger binding affinity for DNA than [Ru(phen)₂MDHIP]²⁺ due to the different planarities and steric effects of ligands. On the other hand， after binding to DNA， the fluorescence intensity of [Ru(phen)₂MDHIP]²⁺ decreased， while the fluorescence intensity of [Ru(phen)₂ DCHIP]²⁺ increased.     

Effects of Y (Ⅲ) Ions on the Fluorescence Properties of Ce(Ⅲ) Ion and the Organic Ligands in the Complex

The enhancement effects of Y ( Ⅲ) ions on the fluorescence of Ce ( Ⅲ) in Ce ( Ⅲ)-Y ( Ⅲ)-PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate ) or Ce ( Ⅲ)-Y ( Ⅲ)-PVC (polyvinyl chloride ) complex systems were observed. The influence of Y ( Ⅲ) ions on the emission spectra of PMMA ligands in PMMA-Y ( Ⅲ) and the fluorescent enhance- ment of Y( Ⅲ) on Ce( Ⅲ) emission in PMMA-Ce-Y by Y( Ⅲ) ion were studied. It was also of interest to note that when Y ( Ⅲ) ions were added into PMMA and into bpy(bipyridine ), respectively, the emission spectrum of PMMA ligands was split into fine structure bands by Y ( Ⅲ), and the fluorescence intensities of bpy ligands in bpy-Y ( Ⅲ) complexes were considerably increased.     

Molecular docking analysis and spectroscopic investigations of zinc(II), nickel(II) N-phthaloyl-β-alanine complexes for DNA binding: Evaluation of antibacterial and antitumor activities

Herein, computational molecular docking, UV/visible and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques have been used to explore the DNA binding interactions of N-phthaloyl-β-alanine (NPA) ligand and its Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes (NPAZn, NPANi). The compounds were further tested for anti-bacterial and anti-tumor activities. Docking analysis depicted that ligand NPA interacted with DNA via intercalation, while its metal complexes showed mixed mode of interactions. Spectroscopic experiments for DNA binding studies were run under physiological conditions of pH (stomach; 4.7, blood; 7.4) and temperature (37 °C). Based on changes in spectral responses, binding parameters for all the compounds were obtained which showed comparatively greater binding constant values (K_b: UV; 1.16 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, Flu; 1.35 × 10⁵ M⁻¹) and more negative free energy changes (ΔG: UV; −30.00 kJ mol⁻¹, Flu; −30.44 kJ mol⁻¹) for NPAZn at pH 4.7. The overall, binding results were also found more significant at stomach pH. Dynamic “K_D” and bimolecular “K_B” constants were evaluated, and the values affirmed the participation of static process for each compound–DNA binding. The greater binding site size values (n > 1) of metal complexes NPAZn and NPANi indicated other sites availability of intercalative compounds. DNA viscosity variation by increasing compound’s concentration further verified the compound–DNA interaction. Antibacterial and tumor inhibitory activities were observed significant for both metal complexes, while ligand has shown no activity. The greater binding affinity of metal complexes, as evaluated both computationally and spectroscopically, further validated the lower IC50 values of complexes as compared to ligand.