Ternary Schiff base metal (II) complexes with N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethylethylenediamine: Influence of secondary chelates on antimicrobial, scavenging activity, DNA interaction and cytotoxicity

Abstract

A series of complexes involving bivalent metal ions such as cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc were synthesized using Schiff bases derived from l-tyrosine and salicylaldehyde. Utilizing both analytical and spectroscopic methods, the compounds underwent analysis. In terms of their potential biological effects, the antioxidant properties of the samples were gauged by their ability to scavenge DPPH radicals. Notably, all the compounds demonstrated enhanced activity in this aspect, with the exception of the ligand. To investigate their impact on DNA, the compounds' capability to cleave DNA was assessed via gel electrophoresis. Remarkably, the compounds effectively induced the cleavage of supercoiled plasmid DNA. Moreover, the interaction between calf thymus DNA and the metal-imine chelates were examined. The Cu(II) complex had a significant interaction, as evidenced by its binding constant of (3.46 ± 0.02 x 105 M−1).