Synthesis,characterization, antimicrobial,SOD mimic and DNA interaction behavior of copper(II) complexes with pefloxacin and phenanthroline derivatives

Square pyramidal copper(II) complexes with second‐generation fluoroquinolone, pefloxacin and phenanthroline derivatives were prepared and characterized. They were also screened for in–vitro activity against two Gram^(+ve) and three Gram^(−ve) microorganisms. SOD mimic behavior was actively sought for clinical and mechanistic purposes under a nonenzymatic system (NBT–NADH–PMS), and was found to have good antioxidant activity. The complexes are avid DNA binders having binding constant (K_b) in the power of 4. Viscosity measurement data confirmed that complexes bind through classical intercalative mode of binding. The cleavage ability on pUC19 DNA was determined using gel electrophoresis technique. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.