DNA interaction, antioxidant, and in vitro antitumor activity of binuclear ruthenium(III) complexes of benzothiazole-substituted ferrocenyl thiosemicarbazones

Abstract

In our search for new anticancer drugs, a series of binuclear ruthenium(III) thiosemicarbazone complexes of the type [RuCl2(EPh3)]2L (where E = P/As; L = binucleating monobasic tridentate thiosemicarbazone ligand) have been synthesized. Structural features were determined by various physico-chemical and spectral techniques. The interactions of these complexes with CT-DNA were investigated by absorption spectral study, indicates that the binuclear ruthenium(III) complexes form adducts with DNA and has intrinsic binding constant in the range of 1.0 × 104–7.9 × 104 M−1. The free radical scavenging activity of binuclear ruthenium(III) complexes have been determined by their interaction with the stable DPPH free radical. All the complexes exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer line, MCF-7. This research may provide knowledge that is an excellent backdrop for the rational design of promising drugs.