Syntheses of bifunctional molecules containing [12]aneN3 and carbazol moieties as effective DNA condensation agents

Abstract

Bifunctional molecules containing macrocyclic polyamine [12]aneN3 and carbazol units, 1–4, have been efficiently synthesized and fully characterized. Through gel electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic light scattering experiments, compounds 3 and 4b bearing both [12]aneN3 and carbazol moieties showed effective DNA condensation ability at the concentration of 80 μM. Investigations from EB displacement fluorescence spectra, viscosity titration, and ionic strength effects revealed that the effective DNA condensation comes from the appropriate combination of carbazol and [12]aneN3 units in the bifunctional molecules, and the DNA condensation process is reversible. The incorporation of triazole units in the molecules clearly reduced the cytotoxicity.