Investigation of DNA/BSA binding and cytotoxic properties of new Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) hydrazone complexes

Abstract

Two mononuclear complexes of Co(II) (1) and Ni(II) (2) and a chloro bridged binuclear copper(II) complex (3) of 2-benzoylpyridine-4-methoxybenzoylhydrazone have been synthesized in order to explore their biological activities, such as DNA binding, protein-binding, antioxidant activity and anticancer activity. Analytical and spectroscopic techniques have been used to characterize the complexes. The molecular structures of 2 and 3 have been obtained by single crystal XRD. Interaction of the ligand and the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been explored by absorption and emission titrations, which revealed that the compounds interacted with CT-DNA through intercalation. Absorption titration and biological studies revealed that the complexes interact with BSA through different binding modes to different extents. The radical scavenging ability of the ligand and the complexes was studied against DPPH radicals. The ligand and its metal complexes were tested for potential cytotoxicity towards human breast cancer (MCF-7) and lung cancer (A-549) cell lines.