Coordination‐Driven Self‐Assembly and Anticancer Potency Studies of Ruthenium–Cobalt‐Based Heterometallic Rectangles

Three new cobalt–ruthenium heterometallic molecular rectangles, 1 – 3 , were synthesized through the coordination‐driven self‐assembly of a new cobalt sandwich donor, (η⁵‐Cp)Co[C₄‐trans‐Ph₂(4‐Py)₂] (L ; Cp: cyclopentyl; Py: pyridine), and one of three dinuclear precursors, [(p‐cymene)₂Ru₂(OO∩OO)₂Cl₂] [OO∩OO: oxalato ( A₁ ), 5,8‐dioxido‐1,4‐naphthoquinone ( A₂ ), or 6,11‐dioxido‐5,12‐naphthacenedione ( A₃ )]. All of the self‐assembled architectures were isolated in very good yield (92–94 %) and were fully characterized by spectroscopic analysis; the molecular structures of 2 and 3 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The anticancer activities of bimetallic rectangles 1 – 3 were evaluated with a 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, an autophagy assay, and Western blotting. Rectangles 1 – 3 showed higher cytotoxicity than doxorubicin in AGS human gastric carcinoma cells. In addition, the autophagic activities and apoptotic cell death ratios were increased in AGS cells by treatment with 1 – 3 ; the rectangles induced autophagosome formation by promoting LC3‐I to LC3‐II conversion and apoptotic cell death by increasing caspase‐3/7 activity. Our results suggest that rectangles 1 – 3 induce gastric cancer cell death by modulating autophagy and apoptosis and that they have potential use as agents for the treatment of human gastric cancer.     

Some divalent metal(II) complexes of salicylaldehyde‐derived Schiff bases: Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,antimicrobial and in vitro anticancer studies

Mononuclear transition metal(II) complexes of the type M(L)₂?2H₂O (where M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) have been synthesized from uninegative Schiff base ligands (HL₁–HL₄) designed by condensation of 4‐fluorobenzylamine with 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde/3,5‐dichlorosalicylaldehyde/3,5‐dibromosalicylaldehyde/3‐bromo‐5‐chlorosalicylaldehyde. The compounds were successfully characterized using spectroscopic and physiochemical methods together with elemental analysis. Spectroscopic elucidation indicates a monobasic bidentate nature of ligands coordinated via deprotonated phenolic oxygen and azomethine nitrogen atom which suggests an octahedral geometry around the central metal ions. The complexes and ligands were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains, the zinc(II) complexes being more active against the tested microbial strains. Further, the metal complexes were found to be more active than the uncomplexed ligands due to chelation process and, moreover, the complexes were more active against fungal strains than bacterial strains. Cytotoxic activities of all compounds were evaluated towards human alveolar adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7), human prostate cancer cell line (DU145) and one normal human lung cell line (MRC‐5) using MTT colorimetric assay with doxorubicin as a standard. The zinc complexes were most active against the cancer cell lines and also found to be less toxic against MRC‐5 normal cell line than standard doxorubicin.     

Heteroscorpionate‐based heteroleptic copper(II) complexes: Antioxidant,molecular docking and in vitro cytotoxicity studies

Three new heteroscorpionate ligands, (2‐hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)methane (HL¹), (4‐diethylamino‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)methane (HL²) and (5‐bromo‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)methane (HL³), and their heteroleptic copper(II) complexes of the type [Cu(L^1–3)diimine]ClO₄ ( 1 – 6 ; where diimine =2,2′‐bipyridyl or 1,10‐phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic methods. The molecular structure of ligand HL¹ was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. UV–visible, electron paramagnetic resonance and theoretical studies suggest a distorted square pyramidal geometry around copper(II) ion. Analyses of highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals have been used to explain the charge transfer taking place within the complexes. The antioxidant activities of the heteroscorpionate ligands and their heteroleptic copper(II) complexes were determined using ABTS, DPPH and H₂O₂ free radical scavenging assays with respect to standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. In molecular docking studies, the complexes showed π–π, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals and electrostatic interactions with fibroblast growth factor receptor kinase. In vitro cytotoxicity activities of ligands and copper(II) complexes were examined on human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7), cervical (HeLa) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines and normal human dermal fibroblast cell line using MTT assay. Complex 4 exhibited higher anticancer activity than the other complexes against all three cancer lines, being more potent than the standard drug cisplatin.     

Synthesis and anticancer activities of novel 1,4-disubstituted phthalazines

A series of novel 1-anilino-4-(arylsulfanylmethyl)phthalazines were designed and synthesized. The structures of all the compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, elemental analysis and MS. The analogues 1-(3-chloro-4-fluoroanilino)-4-(3,4- difluorophenylthio-methyl)phthalazine (12) and 1-(4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylanilino)-4- (3,4-difluorophenyl-thiomethyl)phthalazine (13) showed higher activity than a cisplatin control when tested in vitro against two different cancer cell lines using the microculture tetrazolium method (MTT) method.     

Automated parallel solid-phase synthesis and anticancer screening of a library of peptide-tethered platinum(II) complexes

The automated parallel solid-phase synthesis of a 36-member library of peptide-tethered platinum(II) complexes is described. The identity and quality of each product were confirmed by mass spectrometry and (1)H NMR. Subsequently, each compound was screened for in vitro anticancer activity by treating the A2780 (human ovarian carcinoma) cell line with two concentrations of the drugs (100 and 10 microM) in quadruplicate. The reduction of cell proliferation induced by the drugs at these concentrations was determined with the MTT colorimetric assay (MTT = 3-(4',5'-dimethylthiazol-2'-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and compared to cisplatin. Even though no very active library members could be identified, five apparently most active (8[1], 8[4], 8[10], 8[13], and 8[24]) and two inactive complexes (8[33] and 8[34]) were purified using gel permeation chromatography and fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (195)Pt) and MS. The IC(50) values of these complexes and cisplatin in A2780 cells were subsequently determined using the MTT assay in a conventional manner. All seven complexes have an IC(50) above 100 microM, confirming the results generated by the assay at 100 and 10 microM of the crude reaction products.     

Synthesis of 3-(pyridine-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-thiocarboxamides and their copper(II) complexes

New organic ligands 3-(pyridine-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-thiocarboxamides (L) have been synthesized by a two or three step reaction sequence starting from substituted benzaldehydes and 2-acetyl pyridine. Copper(II) complexes with LCuCl₂ composition were obtained by the reactions of these ligands with CuCl₂·2H₂O. The crystal structure of two synthesized complexes has been determined by X-ray analysis. Copper atoms located in a strongly distorted square piramidal environment and coordinated by pyrazoline and pyridine nitrogen atoms, thiocarbamoyl sulfur atom and two chloride-anions. All complexes undergo reversible or quasi-reversible electrochemical reduction at 0.45–0.28 V with the formation of Cu(I) containing intermediates. The cytotoxicity of copper containing complexes, comparable to cisplatin and doxorubicin, was demonstrated using cancer cell lines MCF-7, A549 and HEK293.     

Tin(IV) cyanoximates: synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity

In recent years, numerous organotin(IV) derivatives have exhibited remarkable cytotoxicity against several types of cancer. However, the properties of the cyanoxime-containing organotin(IV) complexes are unknown. Previously, it has been shown that cyanoximes displayed an interesting spectrum of biological activity ranging from growth-regulation to antimicrobial and pesticide detoxification actions. The work presented here attempts to combine the useful properties of both groups of compounds and investigate the likely antiproliferating activity of the new substances. A series of 19 organotin(IV) complexes, with nine different cyanoxime ligands, were anaerobically prepared by means of the heterogeneous metathesis reaction between the respective organotin(IV) halides (Cl, Br) and ML (M=Ag, Tl; L=cyanoximate anion), using an ultrasound in the CH3CN at room temperature. The compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods (UV-visible, IR, 1H,13C NMR, 119Sn M?ssbauer) and X-ray analysis. The crystal structures of the complexes revealed the formation of two types of tin(IV) cyanoximates: mononuclear five-coordinated compounds of R4-xSnLx composition (R=Me, Et, n-Bu, Ph; x=1, 2; L=cyanoximate anion), and the tetranuclear R8Sn4(OH)2O2L2 species (R=n-Bu, Ph). The latter complex contains a planar [Sn4(OH)2O2]2- core, consisting of three adjacent rhombs with bridging oxo and hydroxo groups. The tin(IV) atoms are five-coordinated and have distorted trigonal-pyramidal surrounding. This is the first instance when the organic anions were found to act as monodentate O-bound planar oxime ligands. All of the compounds were studied in vitro for antiproliferating activity, using human cervical cancer HeLa and WiDR colon cancer cell lines; cisplatin was used as a positive control substance. The two dibutyltin(IV) cyanoximates showed cytotoxicity similar and greater to that of cisplatin.     

Synthesis,characterization, cytotoxicity and computational studies of new phosphine‐ and carbodithioate‐based palladium(II) complexes

In quest of new metallo‐pharmaceuticals with enhanced anticancer activity, four new phosphine‐ and carbodithioate‐based Pd(II) complexes of the type [(R)CS₂Pd(PR₃)Cl] (where R = 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)piperazine ( 1 , 2 ), dibenzyl ( 3 , 4 ); PR₃ = diphenyl(p ‐tolyl)phosphine ( 1 , 3 ), tris(4‐tolyl)phosphine ( 2 , 4 )) were synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared and NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P) spectroscopies and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The X‐ray diffraction data confirmed the pseudo square‐planar geometry ensuring bidentate coordination mode of carbodithioate ligands. Anticancer activity of the synthesized complexes and their ligands was assessed against human lung (A549), breast (MCF‐7) and prostate (PC3) carcinoma cells using MTT assay. All the tested compounds showed activity in micromolar range. In many cases, the cytotoxicity of the synthesized complexes was higher than or comparable to that of the standard drugs cisplatin and doxorubicin. Complex 3 emerged as the most promising compound with the lowest IC₅₀ values of 4.83, 3.72 and 5.11 μM for A549, MCF‐7 and PC3 carcinoma cell lines, respectively. DNA binding studies were also carried out using UV–visible spectroscopy. We extended our investigations to explore the mechanism of anticancer activity using in silico tools. Based on the mechanism of action of standard drugs used, extensive docking studies were carried out on the three different biomolecular targets.     

Self-assembly of neutral and cationic PdII organometallic molecular rectangles: synthesis, characterization and nitroaromatic sensing

Design and synthesis of three novel [2 + 2] self-assembled molecular rectangles 1-3via coordination driven self-assembly of predesigned Pd(ii) ligands is reported. 1,8-Diethynylanthracene was assembled with trans-Pd(PEt(3))(2)Cl(2) in the presence of CuCl catalyst to yield a neutral rectangle 1via Pd-C bond formation. Complex 1 represents the first example of a neutral molecular rectangle obtained via C-Pd coordination driven self-assembly. A new Pd(2)(II) organometallic building block with 180° bite-angle 1,4-bis[trans-(ethynyl)Pd(PEt(3))(2)(NO(3))]benzene (M(2)) containing ethynyl functionality was synthesized in reasonable yield by employing Sonagashira coupling reaction. Self-assembly of M(2) with two organic clip-type donors (L(2)-L(3)) afforded [2 + 2] self-assembled molecular rectangles 2 and 3, respectively [L(2) = 1,8-bis(4-pyridylethynyl)anthracene; L(3) = 1,3-bis(3-pyridyl)isophthalamide]. The macrocycles 1-3 were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques, and in case of 1 the structure was unambiguously determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Incorporation of Pd-ethynyl bonds helped to make the assemblies π-electron rich and fluorescent in nature. Complexes 1-2 showed quenching of fluorescence intensity in solution in presence of nitroaromatics, which are the chemical signatures of many commercially available explosives.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of neutral luminescent rhenium-based molecular rectangles

A series of neutral luminescent molecular rectangles [[Re(CO)(3)(mu-bpy)Br][Re(CO)(3)(mu-L)Br]](2) (1-4) having fac-Re(CO)(3)Br as corners and 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) as the bridging ligand on one side and other bipyridyl ligands of varying length (L) on the other side have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of 1 shows a rectangular cavity with the dimensions of 11.44 x 7.21 A. When the cavity size is tuned from 1 to 4, a dimension of 11.4 x 20.8 A could be achieved, as revealed by the molecular modeling. These rectangles exhibit luminescence in solution at room temperature. In particular, compound 4 containing 1,4-bis(4'-pyridylethynyl)benzene (bpeb) as bridging ligand shows the excited-state lifetime of 495 ns. Fine-tuning of the cavity size of the rectangles improves their excited-state properties. These properties facilitate the study of excited-state electron-transfer reactions with electron acceptors and donors and host-guest binding. Crystallographic information: 1.6CH(3)COCH(3) is monoclinic, P2(1)/c, with a = 12.0890(2), b = 24.2982(2), and c = 12.8721(2) A, beta = 107.923(1) degrees, and Z = 2.     

Four triarylantimony(V) carboxylates: syntheses,structural characterization and in vitro cytotoxicities

Four new organoantimony carboxylates, (R–COO)₂SbR′₃ [R–COOH = (±)-2-phenoxypropionic acid and R′ = phenyl (1), 4-fluorophenyl (2), 3-fluorophenyl (3), 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl (4)], were synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H, ¹³C NMR, IR and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Structural analyses reveal that 1–3 show similar five-coordinate trigonal bipyramidal geometries, binding with three aryl groups and two deprotonated unidentate ligands. Unexpectedly, 4 exhibits pentagonal bipyramidal arrangement accompanied by two Sb–O (carbonyl) coordination bonds. In vitro cytotoxic activities of 1–4 have been determined by the MTT method against four cancer cell lines. Studies reveal that 1–4 have an activity similar to cisplatin on lung cancer cell line A549 and but also exhibit excellent cytotoxicity against cisplatin-insensitive colon cancer cell lines HCT-116, Caco-2 and human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. Additionally, the results showed that most of these triarylantimony(V) complexes exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity compared with the ligand and four triarylantimony dichloride precursors, which clearly implied a positive synergistic effect. Also interestingly, it was found that 3- or 4- mono-fluoro-substituted triphenylantimony, compounds 2 and 3, exhibit higher in vitro cytotoxicities toward the four cancer cell lines than the tri-3,4,5-trifluoro-substituted and without-fluoro-substituted triphenylantimony complexes. The structure-activity relationship of the cytotoxicity of 1–4 is discussed.     

Prodigiosin, the red pigment of Serratia marcescens, shows cytotoxic effects and apoptosis induction in HT-29 and T47D cancer cell lines

In this study, a red pigment of Serratia marcescens PTCC 1111 was purified and identified for antiproliferative activities in HT-29 and T47D cancer cell lines. (1)H-NMR spectroscopy and LC/MS analysis confirmed prodigiosin structure. The antiproliferative effects of prodigiosin were determined by employing the MTT assay. The changes in cell cycle pattern were studied with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) reagent using flow cytometry assay, and Annexin V-PI method was used for apoptotic analysis. Results of MTT assay showed that HT-29 cells were more sensitive to prodigiosin than T47D cells. Prodigiosin-treated HT-29 cells showed increase in S phase and decrease in G2/M, but treated T47D cells showed cell cycle pattern relatively similar to Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium (RPMI). Apoptotic effect of prodigiosin was higher than doxorubicin in HT-29 cells. The data reported here indicate that prodigiosin is a promising antineoplastic agent that triggers apoptosis in different cancer cell lines.     

Synthesis,anti‐proliferative activity,SAR, and kinase inhibition studies of thiazol‐2‐yl‐ substituted sulfonamide derivatives

A series of novel thiazol‐2‐yl substituted‐1‐sulfonamide derivatives were synthesized from anilines. This involved the coupling of sulfonyl chlorides with thiazol amine to obtain the final compounds 7a – 7j and 8a – 8j . All synthesized compounds were screened for anticancer activity against MCF‐7, HeLa, A‐549, and Du‐145 cancer cell lines by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Preliminary bioassay suggests that most of the compounds show anti‐proliferation to different degrees, with doxorubicin used as positive control. The synthesized compounds show IC₅₀ values in the range 2.74–8.17 μM in the different cell lines. The compounds 7d , 7e , 8a , 8d , and 8e were active compared to doxorubicin. The compounds having butyl and pantyl chains were more active than their lower and higher carbon chains and also their ring counterparts.     

Synthesis,computational quantum chemical study,in silico ADMET and molecular docking analysis,in vitro biological evaluation of a novel sulfur heterocyclic thiophene derivative containing 1,2,3-triazole and pyridine moieties as a potential human topoisomerase IIα inhibiting anticancer agent

Computational quantum chemical study and biological evaluation of a synthesized novel sulfur heterocyclic thiophene derivative containing 1,2,3-triazole and pyridine moieties namely BTPT [2-(1-benzyl-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-6-methoxy-4-(thiophen-2-yl) pyridine] was presented in this study. The crystal structure was determined by SCXRD method. For the title compound BTPT, spectroscopic characterization like ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FTIR, UV–vis were carried out theoretically by computational DFT method and compared with experimental data. Druglikeness parameters of BTPT were found through in silico pharmacological ADMET properties estimation. The molecular docking investigation was performed with human topoisomerase IIα (PDB ID:1ZXM) targeting ATP binding site. In vitro cytotoxicity activity of BTPT/doxorubicin were examined by MTT assay procedure against three human cancer cell lines A549, PC-3, MDAMB-231 with IC50 values of 0.68/0.70, 1.03/0.77 and 0.88/0.98 μM, respectively. Our title compound BTPT reveals notable cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell (MDAMB-231), moderate activity with human lung cancer cell (A-549) and less inhibition with human prostate cancer cell (PC-3) compared to familiar cancer medicine doxorubicin. From the results, BTPT could be observed as a potential candidate for novel anticancer drug development process.     

Design, synthesis, and antitumor activities of some novel substituted 1,2,3-benzotriazines

A series of novel substituted 1,2,3-benzotriazines based on the structures of vatalanib succinate (PTK787) and vandetanib (ZD6474) were designed and synthesized. The antiproliferative effects of these compounds were tested on microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) using the MTT assay. Introduction of a methoxy and a 3-chloropropoxy group into the 1,2,3-benzotriazines increased the antiproliferative effects. 4-(3-Chloro-4- fluoroanilino)-7-(3-chloropropoxy)-6-methoxy-1,2,3-benzotriazine (8m) was the most effective compound. It was 4-10 fold more potent than PTK787 in inhibiting the growth of T47D breast cancer cells, DU145 and PC-3 prostate cancer cells, LL/2 murine Lewis lung cancer cells and B16F0 melanoma cells.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,antiproliferative activity,DNA binding and density functional theory calculations of 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-8-tert-butylcoumarin and its copper(II) complex

A Cu(II)–coumarin complex, [CuL₂(NO₃)₂] ( 2 ), where L = 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-8-tert-butylcoumarin ( 1 ), was synthesized with Cu(NO₃)₂⋅3H₂O and characterized using elemental, infrared and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The crystal structure of 1 shows that all the pyrone, benzene and pyridine rings are completely coplanar. The crystal structure of 2 is stabilized by intermolecular C–H···O and C–H···N hydrogen bonds and C···C short contacts, which lead to the formation of a two-dimensional network structure. Density functional theory results give support to the experimentally determined monomeric structure. The in vitro cytotoxic activities of 1 and 2 were investigated against HeLa (cervical carcinoma), A549 (lung), HepG2 (liver) and HUVEC (umbilical vein) cells by MTT assay. The IC₅₀ values show that both 1 and 2 have lower toxicity than doxorubicin and cisplatin in every case. Ligand 1 exhibits higher anti-HeLa activity than doxorubicin. Complex 2 displays higher anti-HeLa activity than coumarin but lower than that of cisplatin. Various spectroscopic approaches indicate that 1 and 2 could effectively bind with DNA through intercalation mode.     

Self-assembly with postmodification: kinetically stabilized metalla-supramolecular rectangles

Interaction of a predesigned molecular "clip" (4) with rigid dipyridyl bridging ligands, in acetone/water mixtures, leads to the formation of molecular rectangles (5-8) in 92-97% isolated yields via spontaneous self-assembly. Characterization was accomplished with multinuclear NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy, FAB mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. The length of these metallamacrocycles ranges from 2 to 3 nm. Postmodification via non-nucleophilic counterion exchange results in enhanced structural integrity for the assemblies.     

Synthesis,characterization, and biological activity of new mixed ammine/amine platinum(IV) complexes

A series of mixed ammine/amine platinum(IV) complexes with lipophilic ligands in their axial positions were designed, synthesized, and spectrally characterized. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of these complexes and their lead compounds have been carried out against A549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW480 human cancer cell lines. The introduction of carboxylate ions as leaving group can improve the aqueous solubility and stability of the platinum(II) complexes. The carboxylato ligands and chloride ligands in the axial position markedly increased the lipophilicity and cytotoxicity of compounds C4 and C5. Particularly, compound C5 showed two to eight times higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin and satraplatin against selected cell lines. For its oral activity and no cross-resistance potentiality, C5 is expected to be an antitumor platinum drug candidate. This novel class of platinum compounds represents a valuable lead in the development of new-generation agents capable of demonstrating cytotoxicity superior to that of the clinically established cisplatin.     

Synthesis,structure and antiproliferative activity of organometallic iridium(III) complexes containing thiosemicarbazone ligands

A series of half‐sandwich iridium complexes ( 1 – 4 ) with thiosemicarbazone ligands in two types of coordination modes were synthesized and characterized. The molecular structures of compounds 1 , 2 and 3 were determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The nature of the complexes was studied using density functional theory calculations. The stability of the complexes was investigated using UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. The compounds were further evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activities against HeLa, HepG2, CNE‐2, SGC‐7901, KB and HEK‐293 T cell lines. Compound 2 displays the highest antiproliferative activity among the other analogues and cisplatin.     

Theoretical,antimicrobial, antioxidant,in vitro cytotoxicity,and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 inhibitor studies of metal(II) complexes with bis(imidazol-1-yl)methane-based heteroscorpionate ligands

Abstract

A series of C-centered heteroscorpionate-based homoleptic manganese(II), nickel(II), and copper(II) complexes of type [M(L^1–3)₂] (1–9) have been synthesized by using the ligands (2-hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol-1-yl)methane (HL¹), (4-diethylamino-2-hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol-1-yl)methane (HL²) and (5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol-1-yl)methane (HL³). The geometric parameters of the complexes were determined using UV-vis and theoretical studies suggesting distorted octahedral geometry around metal(II) ion. Frontier molecular orbital analysis supports bioefficacy of the complexes. Antimicrobial activity of the metal(II) complexes were determined against two Gram(–ve) (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and two Gram(+ve) (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, and three fungal (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida krusei) strains. Antioxidant activity of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes were evaluated against ABTS, DPPH, and H₂O₂ free radicals. In vitro cytotoxicity activity of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), cervical (HeLa), and lung (A549) cancer cell lines along with one normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) cell line were carried out by MTT assay, which shows the potent activity of copper(II) complex 8 with respect to the standard drug cisplatin. Molecular docking studies evidence the interaction of complexes with cyclin-dependent kinase 2 receptor (CDK2).