Synthesis, structural characterization, antimicrobial, DNA-binding, and photo-induced DNA cleavage activity of some bio-sensitive Schiff base copper(II) complexes

Abstract

Schiff base mixed-ligand copper complexes [CuL1(phen)Cl2], [CuL1(bipy)Cl2], [Cu(L1)2Cl2], [Cu(L2)2Cl2], [CuL2(bipy)Cl2], and [CuL2(phen)Cl2] (where L1 = 4-[3,4-dimethoxy-benzylidene]-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-pyrazole-3-one; L2 = 4-[3-hydroxy-4-nitro-benzylidene]-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-pyrazole-3-one; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; and bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized. Their DNA-binding properties have been studied by electronic absorption spectra, viscosity, and electrochemical measurements. The absorption spectral and viscosity results suggest that the copper(II) complexes bind to DNA via partial intercalation. The addition of DNA resulting in the decrease of the peak current of the copper(II) complexes indicates their interaction. Interaction between the complexes and DNA has also been investigated by submarine gel electrophoresis. The copper complexes cleave supercoiled pUC19 DNA to nicked and linear forms through hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen in the presence of 3-mercaptopropionic acid as the reducing agent. These copper complexes promote the photocleavage of pUC19 DNA under irradiation at 360 nm. Mechanistic study reveals that singlet oxygen is likely to be the reactive species responsible for the cleavage of plasmid DNA by the synthesized complexes. The in vitro antimicrobial study indicates that the metal chelates have higher activity against the bacterial and fungal strains than the free ligands.