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.