Synthesis, structural characterization and DNA binding affinity of new bioactive nano‐sized transition metal complexes with sulfathiazole azo dye for therapeutic applications

Abstract

The azo dye ligand 4‐(5‐chloro‐2‐hydroxyphenylazo)‐N‐thiazol‐2‐ylbenzenesulfonamide (H2L) formed by the coupling reaction of sulfathiazole and p‐chlorophenol was synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) as well as UV–visible spectra. Nano‐sized divalent Cu, Co, Ni, Mn and Zn complexes of the synthesized azo dye ligand were prepared and investigated using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Elemental and thermal analyses indicated the formation of the Cu(II), Ni(II) and Mn(II) complexes in a molar ratio of 1:2 (L:M) while Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes exhibited a 1:1 (M:L) ratio. FT‐IR spectral studies confirmed the coordination of the ligand to the metal ions through the phenolic hydroxyl oxygen, azo nitrogen, sulfonamide oxygen and/or thiazole nitrogen. The geometric arrangements around the central metal ions were investigated applying UV–visible and electron spin resonance spectra, thermogravimetric analysis and molar conductance measurements. X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed crystalline nature of H2L and amorphous nature of all synthesized complexes. Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed nano‐sized particles and their homogeneous distribution over the complex surface. Antibacterial, antifungal and antitumour activities of the investigated complexes were screened compared with familiar standard drugs to confirm their potential therapeutic applications. The Cu(II) complex showed IC50 of 3.47 μg ml−1 (5.53 μM) against hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which means that it is a more potent anticancer drug compared with the standard cisplatin (IC50 = 3.67 μg ml−1 (12.23 μM)). Furthermore, the Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes displayed IC50 greater than that of an applied standard anticancer agent (5‐flurouracil) towards breast carcinoma cells. Hence, these complexes can be considered as promising anticancer drugs. The mode of binding of the complexes with salmon serum DNA was determined through electronic absorption titration and viscosity studies.