Phosphoester binding,DNA binding,DNA cleavage and in vitro cytotoxicity studies of simple heteroleptic copper(II) complexes with bidentate ligands

Abstract

Two mononuclear heteroleptic copper complexes, [Cu(±trans-dach)(bpy)](ClO₄)₂ 1a and [Cu(±trans-dach)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ 2a [dach?=?1,2-diaminocyclohexane, bpy?=?2,2′-bipyridine and phen?=?1,10-phenanthroline], were synthesized and analyzed by CHN analysis, electronic absorption, FT-IR spectroscopy, EPR, and SXRD. The molecular structures of 1a and 2a showed octahedral geometry around Cu(II). Both complexes interacted with phosphoesters and DNA. Their binding affinities with diphenylphosphate, di n-butylphosphate, trimethylphosphate, and triphenylphosphate were studied by UV–vis spectroscopy. For understanding the stereochemical role of dach ligand toward DNA interaction, enantiopure DACH complexes [Cu(R,R-trans-dach(bpy)](ClO₄)₂ 1b, [Cu(S,S-trans-dach)(bpy)](ClO₄)₂ 1c, [Cu(cis-dach)(bpy)](ClO₄)₂ 1d, [Cu(R,R-trans-dach)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ 2b, [Cu(S,S-trans-dach)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ 2c, and [Cu(cis-dach)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ 2d were synthesized and analyzed. All complexes interacted with calf thymus-DNA (CT-DNA) as studied by UV–vis spectroscopy. The nature of binding to CT-DNA was groove/electrostatic as supported by circular dichroism, cyclic voltammetry, and docking studies. Complexes were able to cleave plasmid DNA at 12.5 µM (1a–d) and 6 µM (2a–d), where 2d showed 64% Form II and 36% Form III. The in vitro cytotoxic studies of two different cancer cell lines showed inhibition with low IC₅₀ value in comparison to reference control (cisplatin). These complexes are efficient in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, making them viable for potent anticancer activity.     

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.     

One-pot synthesis,characterization, DNA binding and enzymatic studies of 4-methyl trans-cinnamate zinc(II)-mixed ligand complexes

Four new zinc(II) complexes formulated as [Zn(L)₂] (1), [Zn(L)₂(phen)] (2), [Zn(L)₂(bipy)H₂O] (3), and [Zn(en)₂(H₂O)₂](L)₂(H₂O)₂ (4), where HL = 4-methyl trans-cinnamic acid, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, and en = ethylenediamine, have been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. Single-crystal XRD revealed distorted square-pyramidal structure for 3 and octahedral for 4. The complexes were screened for DNA interaction via viscommetry and UV–visible spectroscopy. The apparent binding constants were calculated to be 1.18 × 10⁴, 1.26 × 10⁵, 4.64 × 10⁴_, and 1.89 × 10⁴ for 1–4, respectively. The binding propensity to salmon sperm DNA was in the order: K₂ > K₃ > K₄ > K₁. Furthermore, these complexes demonstrated efficient inhibition of alkaline phosphatase, which was attributed to the binding of zinc(II) to the enzyme’s active site.     

Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and cleavage studies of chiral Ru(II) salen complexes

Interaction of chiral Ru(II) salen complexes (S)-1 and (R)-1 with Calf Thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was studied by absorption spectroscopy, competitive binding study, viscosity measurements, CD measurements, thermal denaturation study and cleavage studies by agarose gel electrophoresis. The DNA binding affinity of (S)-1 (6.25 × 10³ M⁻¹) was found to be greater than (R)-1 (3.0 × 10³ M⁻¹). The antimicrobial studies of these complexes on five different gram (+)/(−) bacteria and three different fungal organisms showed selective inhibition of the growth of gram (+) bacteria and were not affective against gram (−) and fungal organisms. Further, the (S)-1 enantiomer inhibited the growth of organisms to a greater extent as compared to (R)-1 enantiomer.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA binding,DNA cleavage,antioxidant and in vitro cytotoxicity studies of ruthenium(II) complexes containing hydrazone ligands

The synthesis, spectral characterization, and biological studies of ruthenium(II) hydrazone complexes [RuCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂L] (where L = hydrazone ligands) have been carried out. The hydrazones are monobasic bidentate ligands with O and N as the donors and are preferably found in the enol form in all the complexes. The molecular structure of the ligands HL¹, HL²_, and HL³ were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The DNA binding studies of the ligands and complexes were carried out by absorption spectroscopic and viscosity measurements. The results revealed that the ligands and complexes bind to DNA via intercalation. The DNA cleavage activity of the complexes, evaluated by gel electrophoresis assay, revealed that the complexes are good DNA cleaving agents. The antioxidant properties of the complexes were evaluated against DPPH, OH, and NO radicals, which showed that the complexes have strong radical-scavenging. Further, the in vitro cytotoxic effect of the complexes examined on HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines showed that the complexes exhibited significant anticancer activity.     

Organoruthenium(II) thiosemicarbazone complexes: synthesis, spectral characterization, DNA binding and DNA cleavage studies

A series of new ruthenium(II) complexes were synthesized with Schiff bases derived from salicylaldehyde / o-hydroxyacetophenone/ o-vanillin / 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with thiosemicarbazide and acetyl furan. They are characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectral studies. The elemental analysis suggests the stoichiometry to be 1:1 (metal:ligand). Four of these complexes were tested for its binding with CT-DNA using absorption spectroscopic studies and two of these complexes exhibit efficient DNA cleavage activity.      

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.     

Preparation,Structural characterization and DNA binding/cleavage affinity of new bioactive nano‐sized metal (II/IV) complexes with oxazon‐Schiff's base ligand

A novel oxazon‐Schiff's base ligand named (E)‐3‐(2‐(4‐(diethylamino)‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazineyl)‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐2‐one (HL) has been synthesized in addition to its nano‐sized divalent and tetravalent Mn (II), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Zn (II) and Pt (IV) complexes. The structures and geometries of the synthesized compounds have been confirmed using the different analytical and spectroscopic tools such as elemental analysis, uv–vis., IR, HR‐MS, ¹H NMR, ESR, TGA, XRD, EDX, TEM, SEM, AFM, magnetic and molar conductivity measurements. The elemental analyses confirm 1 M: 2 L stoichiometry of the type [PtL₂].2Cl and [ML₂] (M = Mn (II), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II) and Zn (II)). The FT‐IR spectral studies illustrated that the ligand bind to the metal ions through the phenolic hydroxy oxygen, azo methine nitrogen carbonyl oxazin oxygen. The spectral tools; UV–Vis, ligand field parameters and ESR in addition to the magnetic moment measurements confirmed octahedral geometry around the metal centres. The absence of coordinated or hydrated water complexes were confirmed by thermal analysis data of the complexes. The electron transfer reactions for the complexes have been studied by cyclic voltammetry. XRD, SEM, TEM, and AFM images confirmed nano‐sized particles and homogeneous distribution over the complex surface. The mode of binding of the complexes with DNA has been performed through electronic absorption titration and viscosity studies. The reaction between the metal complexes and DNA were studied by DNA cleavage. In general, MCF‐7 cell were least sensitive to the tested compounds and all compounds were considerably more toxic to the studied cancer cell lines than to the normal cell line HepG‐2. The binding mode of the compounds and DNA was preferably via intercalation. In addition, these results were confirmed based on theoretical studies . Finally, a linear and exponential correlation between interaction constant (K_b) and IC₅₀ for two human cancer cell was observed.     

Rhenium(II) nitrosyl complexes: synthesis,characterization, DFT calculations and DNA nuclease activity

The rhenium(II) dinitrosyl and mononitrosyl complexes, i.e. [Re(NO)₂(CN)₄]·(Phen)₂·2H₂O (1) and PhenH[Re(NO)(CN)₄(H₂O)]·(Phen)·3H₂O (2) have been isolated and characterized. The X-ray crystal structure of 2 reveals that Re(II) is octahedrally coordinated with one nitrosyl, four cyanides, and one water, with one phenanthroline protonated to compensate the charge of the Re(II) center. The crystal structure shows chemically significant non-covalent interactions like hydrogen bonding involving the uncoordinated water and π–π interactions between phenanthrolinium and phen. The structures of both complexes have been optimized by DFT. Absorption and emission spectral studies and viscosity measurements indicate that both 1 and 2 interact with calf thymus DNA through partial intercalation of DNA bases. The intrinsic-binding constants, obtained from UV–vis spectroscopic studies, are 1.2?×?10⁴ and 7.2?×?10⁴?M^?1 for 1 and 2, respectively. Both 1 and 2 are capable of inducing cleavage of plasmid DNA in the presence of H₂O₂ to form the supercoiled form to nicked circular form. The spectroscopic results of DNA binding are supported by molecular docking studies.     

Two MnII,CuII complexes derived from 3,5‐bis(1‐imidazoly) pyridine: Synthesis,DNA binding,Molecular docking and cytotoxicity studies

Two complexes [MnL₂ (H₂O)₂]·2ClO₄ (complex 1) and [CuL(H₂O)₃]·2NO₃ (complex 2) (where L = 3,5‐bis(1‐imidazoly) pyridine) were designed and synthesized. The structures of the complexes were characterized by X‐ray crystallography, elemental analyses, and infrared spectrum. The interaction capacity of the complexes with calf thymus DNA has been investigated by UV and fluorescence spectroscopy. Gel electrophoresis assay demonstrated the ability of the complexes to cleave the pBR322 plasmid DNA. Efficient binding properties of DNA were established by UV–vis, fluorescence, and gel electrophoresis. The intrinsic binding constants (K_b) were calculated to be 0.1524, 0.1041 for complexes 1–2, respectively. The cytotoxic activity of the two complexes exhibited a higher cytotoxicity against HeLa cell lines and lower cytotoxicity toward the normal cell lines. Flow cytometry demonstrated the cancer cell inhibitory rate of two complexes. Furthermore, computer‐aided molecular docking studies were performed to visualize the binding mode of the drug candidate at the molecular level. Interestingly, complex 1 exhibited a significant cancer cell inhibitory rate than cisplatin and other complexes.     

New barium,strontium and strontium‐doped barium squarates: synthesis,crystal structures and DNA/BSA binding,antioxidant and in vitro cytotoxicity studies

A new set of differently hydrated barium and strontium squarates, namely poly[[triaqua(μ‐1,2‐dioxocyclobut‐3‐ene‐1,2‐diolato)barium] monohydrate], {[Ba(C₄O₄)(H₂O)₃]·H₂O}_n ( 1 ), poly[[diaqua(μ‐1,2‐dioxocyclobut‐3‐ene‐1,2‐diolato)strontium] monohydrate], {[Sr(C₄O₄)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O}_n ( 2 ), and poly[[triaqua(μ‐1,2‐dioxocyclobut‐3‐ene‐1,2‐diolato)barium/strontium(0.85/0.15)] monohydrate], {[Ba_0.85Sr_0.15(C₄O₄)(H₂O)₃]·H₂O}_n ( 3 ), is reported. The study of their crystal structures indicates that all the complexes crystallize in the triclinic space group P. Complexes 1 and 3 have a rare combination of squarate units coordinated through monodentate O atoms to two different metal atoms and through two bidentate O atoms to three different metal atoms. Furthermore, they have three coordinated water molecules to give a coordination number of nine. The squarate ligands in complex 2 exhibit two different coordination modes: (i) monodentate O atoms coordinated to four different Sr atoms and (ii) two monodentate O atoms coordinated to two different metal atoms with the other two O atoms bidentate to four different Sr atoms. All the compounds decompose to give the respective carbonates when heated to 800 °C, as evidenced by thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA), which are clusters of nanoparticles. Complexes 1 and 3 show additional endothermic peaks at 811 and 820 °C, respectively, indicating the phase transition of BaCO₃ from an orthorhombic (α‐Pmcn) to a trigonal phase (β‐R3m). All three complexes have significant DNA‐binding constants, ranging from 2.45 × 10⁴ to 9.41 × 10⁴ M^?1 against EB‐CT (ethidium bromide–calf thymus) DNA and protein binding constants ranging from 1.1 × 10⁵ to 8.6 × 10⁵ with bovine serum albumin. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes is indicated by the IC₅₀ values, which range from 128.8 to 261.3 µg ml^?1. Complex 3 shows better BSA binding, antioxidant activity against the DPPH radical and cytotoxicity than complexes 1 and 2 .     

DNA/BSA binding interactions and VHPO mimicking potential of vanadium(IV) complexes: Synthesis,structural characterization and DFT studies

Vanadium(IV) Schiff base complexes (VOL¹‐VOL³) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, various spectral methods and single crystal XRD studies. Structural analysis of VOL² reveals that the central vanadium ion in the complex is six coordinate with distorted octahedral geometry. Density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent (TD‐DFT) studies were used to understand the electronic transitions observed in the complexes in UV–Vis spectra. The electrochemical behavior of the complexes was investigated in acetonitrile medium exhibit quasi‐reversible one electron transfer. The DNA and BSA protein binding interaction of vanadium complexes has been explored by UV–Vis and fluorescence spectral methods and viscosity measurements reveal that the complexes interact with CT‐DNA through intercalation mode and follows the order VOL¹ < VOL³ < VOL². The complexes exhibit binding interactions with BSA protein. The complexes act as chemical nuclease and cleave DNA in the presence of H₂O₂. The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to evaluate the radical scavenging activity demonstrate the antioxidant property of the complexes. The antimicrobial activity was screened for several microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli. The mimicking of vanadium haloperoxidase was investigated by the bromination of the organic substrate phenol red by vanadium complexes in the presence of bromide and H₂O₂.     

Half-sandwich ruthenium(II)-arene complexes: synthesis,spectroscopic studies,biological properties,and molecular modeling

In search for antitumor metal-based drugs that would mitigate the severe side-effects of cisplatin, Ru(II) complexes are gaining increasing recent interest. In this work, we report on the synthesis, characterization (¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, FT-IR), and cytotoxicity studies of two new half-sandwich organometallic Ru(II) complexes of the general formula [Ru(η⁶-arene)(XY)Cl](PF₆) where arene?=?benzene or toluene and XY?=?bidentates: dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (dppz) or 2-(9-anthryl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (aip), which are bound to Ru(II) via two phenanthroline-N atoms in a characteristic “piano-stool” configuration of Ru(II)-arene complexes—as confirmed by vibrational and NMR spectra. In addition, cytotoxic studies were performed for similar half-sandwich organometallic [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(Me₂dppz)Cl]PF₆ complex (Me₂dppz = 11,12-dimethyl-dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine). This study is complemented with elaborate modeling with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which provided insight into reactive sites of Ru(II) structures, further detailed by molecular docking on the B-DNA dodecamer, which identified binding sites and affinities: most pronounced for the [Ru(η⁶-benzene)(aip)Cl](PF₆) in both A-T and G-C regions of the DNA minor groove. Cytotoxic activity was probed versus tumor cell lines B16, C6, and U251 (B16 mouse melanoma, C6 rat glioma, U251 human glioblastoma) and non-tumor cell line HACAT (HACAT normal human keratinocytes).     

Copper(II) complexes of acylhydrazones: synthesis,characterization and DNA interaction

Two new acylhydrazone copper(II) complexes of 4‐hydroxy‐N′‐[(1E)‐1‐(4‐methylphenyl)ethylidene]benzohydrazide (HL¹) and 4 ethyl [4‐({(2E)‐2‐[1‐(4‐methylphenyl)ethylidene]hydrazinyl}carbonyl)phenoxy]acetate (HL²) have been synthesized and characterized. The structures of both acylhydrazone and copper(II) complexes were identified by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, UV–visible electronic absorption spectra, magnetic susceptibility measurements, TGA and powder X‐ray diffraction. DNA binding and DNA cleavage activities of the synthesized copper complexes were examined by using UV‐visible titration and agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. The effect of complex concentration on the DNA cleavage reactions in the absence and presence of H₂O₂ was also investigated. The results indicate that all the complexes bind slightly to calf thymus DNA and cleavage pBR322 DNA. The mechanistic studies demonstrate that a hydrogen peroxide‐derived species and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) are the active oxidative species for DNA cleavage. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,structure elucidation,DNA binding and molecular docking studies of novel copper(II) complexes of two 1,3,4-thiadiazolethiosemicarbazone derivatives

Four novel Cu(II) chelates were synthesized by reacting hydrated CuCl₂ and Cu(CH₃COO)₂ with two derivatives of 1,3,4-thiadiazolethiosemicarbazone. The structures and geometries of the synthesized complexes were deduced applying the alternative analytical and spectral tools confirming the complexes to have the formulae [(LH)Cu(Cl)]•0.5H₂O, [(LH)Cu(OAc)(H₂O)₂]•0.5H₂O, [(LCl)Cu(Cl)(H₂O)₂]•H₂O and [(LCl)Cu(OAc)]; where LH and LCl are phenyl and p-chlorophenyl derivatives of 1,3,4-thiadiazolethiosemicarbazone ligands, respectively (deprotonated form). IR spectral data confirmed the coordination of the ligands to the copper center as monobasic tridentate in the thiol form. Thermal analysis, UV–Vis spectra and magnetic moment assured the geometry around the copper center to be square planar, trigonal bipyramid and octahedral which have been confirmed by the computational studies. The two ligand derivatives and their copper complexes were applied to evaluate their binding modes with SS-DNA via UV–Vis spectral titration and viscosity measurements. The DNA-binding constant (k_b) values of the investigated derivatives were calculated and compared with ethidium bromide in order to assess their mode of binding with DNA. Moreover, docking study of these complexes was carried out to recognize the drug–DNA interactions and to calculate their binding energies.     

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.     

New mixed ligand complexes of ruthenium(II) that incorporate a modified phenanthroline ligand: Synthesis, spectral characterization and DNA binding

The hexafluorophosphate and chloride salts of two ruthenium(II) complexes, viz. [Ru(phen)(ptzo)₂]² and [Ru(ptzo)₃]²⁺, where ptzo = 1,10-phenanthrolino[5,6-e]1,2,4-triazine-3-one (ptzo) — a new modified phenanthroline (phen) ligand, have been synthesised. These complexes have been characterised by infrared, UV-Vis, steady-state emission and¹H NMR spectroscopic methods. Results of absorption and fluorescence titration as well as thermal denaturation studies reveal that both thebis- and tris-complexes of ptzo show moderately strong affinity for binding with calf thymus (CT) DNA with the binding constants being close to 10⁵M^-1 in each case. An intercalative mode of DNA binding has been suggested for both the complexes. Emission studies carried out in non-aqueous solvents and in aqueous media without DNA reveal that both [Ru(phen)(ptzo)₂]²⁺ and [Ru(ptzo)₃]²⁺ are weakly luminescent under these solution conditions. Successive addition of CT DNA to buffered aqueous solutions containing [Ru(phen)(ptzo)₂]²⁺results in an enhancement of the emission. These results have been discussed in the light of the dependence of the structure-specific deactivation processes of the MLCT state of the metallo-intercalator with the characteristic features of its DNA interaction. In doing so, attempts have been made to compare and contrast its properties with those of the analogous phenanthroline-based complexes including the ones reported by us previously.     

In vitro biomolecular interaction studies and cytotoxic activities of copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes bearing ONS donor thiosemicarbazones

Among all the bio‐metals, zinc and copper derivatives of ONS donor thiosemicarbazone have aroused great interest because of their potential biological applications. Multisubstituted thiosemicarbazone ligand H₂dspt (3,5‐dichlorosalicylaldehyde‐N⁴‐phenylthiosemicarbazone) derived new ternary complexes like [Zn(dspt)(phen)]?DMF ( 1 ) and [Cu(dspt)(phen)]?DMF ( 2 ), and another thiosemicarbazone, H₂dsct (3,5‐dichlorosalicylaldehyde‐N⁴‐cyclohexylthiosemicarbazone), derived [Cu(dsct)(bipy)]?DMF ( 3 ). These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis (CHNS), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H‐NMR) spectra. The structures of the complexes were obtained by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 got crystallized in the monoclinic P2₁/c space group. The complexes showed interesting supramolecular interaction, which in turn stabilizes the complexes. The ground state electronic configurations of the complexes were studied using the B3LYP/LANL2DZ basis set, and ESP plots of complexes were investigated. The interaction of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) was studied using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. A UV study of the interaction of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) has shown that the complexes can effectively bind to CT‐DNA, and [Cu(dspt)(phen)]·DMF ( 2 ) exhibited the highest binding constant to CT‐DNA (K_b = 3.7 × 10⁴). Fluorescence spectral studies also indicated that Complex 2 binds relatively stronger with CT DNA through intercalative mode, exhibiting higher binding constant (K_q = 4.7 × 10⁵). The DNA cleavage result showed that the complexes are capable of cleaving the DNA without the help of any external agent. Molecular docking studies were carried out to understand the binding of complexes with the molecular target DNA. Complex 2 exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cell line MD‐MBA‐231 (IC₅₀ = 23.93 μg/mL) as compared to Complex 1 (IC₅₀ = 44.40 μg/mL) .     

Synthesis and characterization of glycoconjugate tin(IV) complexes: In vitro DNA binding studies, cytotoxicity, and cell death

New glycosyl derived ligand and its complexes, with SnCl₄·5H₂O (1) and (CH₃)₂SnCl₂(2) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic (IR, ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR, UV-vis, ESI-MS) and analytical methods. Interaction studies of 1 and 2 with CT DNA were studied by using various biophysical techniques, which showed high binding affinity of 2 with CT DNA. In vitro cytotoxicity of complexes 1 and 2 were evaluated against different human cancer cell lines of different histological origins by employing SRB Assay. The organotin(IV) complex 2 exhibited remarkable activity against DWD (oral cancer) cell lines with GI₅₀ values <10 μg/ml. Complex 2 induced apoptosis of DWD cell line at a very low concentration of 1-4 μg/mL.