Computational studies, cytotoxicity, DNA interactions of bioactive novel 2-methoxy 5-trifluoromethyl benzenamine Schiff base metal complexes

Abstract

Two novel Schiff base ligands (HL1), (HL2) and their metal(II) complexes [Co(HL1)2(H2O)2]-A; [Ni(HL1)2]-B; [Cu(HL1)2]-C; [Co(HL2)2(H2O)2]-D; [Ni(HL2)2]-E; [Cu(HL2)2]-F have been characterized by various techniques (NMR, FTIR, ESI mass, UV-Visible, ESR, TGA) and confirmed that Ni (II), Cu(II) complexes exhibit square planar geometry whereas Co(II) complexes exhibit octahedral geometry. Interaction experiments involving DNA binding and cleavage studies have revealed that the mode of binding is intercalative and complexes effectively cleave supercoiled DNA. Pathological tests of all compounds against microbial strains in vitro showed that all complexes are more potent than free ligands and Cu(II) complexes are more potent than other complexes. Higher antioxidant activity (by DPPH method) was found by Cu(II) complexes. In addition, synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in-vitro cytotoxic potential against human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) and oral cancer cell (KB3) using cis-platin as a standard drug by MTT assay and found complexes are more potent than free ligands.