Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes incorporated with active analogue fragments molecule of the aristolochic acid: Crystal structure and biological activity

Abstract

Two complexes, [Cu(MDPAc)2(Phen)(H2O)·H2O] (MDPAc = 3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenylacetic-carboxylate, Phen = 1,10-Phenanthroline) and [Zn(MDPAc)2(2,2′-bipy)] (2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), were synthesized and successfully obtained as single crystals. The single-crystal structures of two complexes and the weak intermolecular force in the crystal were analyzed by Hirshfeld surface analysis. The competitive capacity of the complexes about calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopy, and their antibacterial activity was determined by paper diffusion method. The cytotoxicity experiments of the complexes were carried out on two kinds of cancer cell lines (HepG, SKOV-3). The results show that the complexes had anti-tumor activity and cytotoxicity. Finally, molecular docking studies of the complexes with PI3K enzyme indicate that the complexes had beneficial biological activity.