DNA binding and cleavage by dinuclear nickel(II) complexes with neutral bidentate ligands and ciprofloxacin

Abstract

Dinuclear nickel(II) complexes of type [Ni2(L)2(cpf)2(H2O)2]·2H2O have been synthesized and characterized using spectral, physicochemical, mass spectra and elemental analyses. Antimicrobial efficacy of the compounds has been screened against five different microorganisms. Interestingly, all complexes demonstrated potent in-vitro antibacterial activity against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and Escherichia coli bacteria. Moreover, the interactions of the prepared complexes with DNA helix were studied using absorption titrations, gel electrophoresis, and viscometric techniques.