DNA interaction studies of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complex : [Ru(dmb)2(ITAP)](ClO4)2 (ITAP = isatino [1,2-b]-1,4,8,9-tetraazatriphenylene)

A new ligand ITAP and its complex [Ru(dmb)₂(ITAP)](ClO₄)₂ (ITAP = isatino [1,2-b]-1,4,8, 9-tetraazatriphenylene, dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, Fast atom bombardment mass spectra, Electrospray mass spectra, and ¹H NMR. Thermal denaturation and absorption titration experiments show the complex binds to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) with moderate affinities. Viscosity measurements and thermal denaturation indicate that the DNA-binding mode could be intercalative interaction. The Ru(II) complex in the presence of plasmid pBR322 DNA has been found to promote the cleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA from the supercoiled Form I to the open circular Form II upon irradiation. Mechanisms for DNA cleavage by the complex were also investigated.