Light-induced DNA Cleavage Research Articles

DNA binding, prominent photonuclease activity and antibacterial PDT of cobalt(II) complexes of phenanthroline based photosensitizers

The chemistry of Co(II) complexes showing efficient light induced DNA cleavage activity, binding propensity to calf thymus DNA and antibacterial PDT is summarized in this article. Complexes of formulation [Co(mqt)(B)2]ClO4 1–3 where mqt is 4-methylquinoline-2-thiol and B is N,N-donor heterocyclic base, viz. 1,10-phenanthroline (phen 1), dipyrido[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]quinoxaline (dpq 2) and dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (dppz 3) have been prepared and characterized. The DNA-binding behaviors of these three complexes were explored by absorption spectra, viscosity measurements and thermal denaturation studies. The DNA binding constants for complexes 1, 2 and 3 were determined to be 1.6 × 103 M−1, 1.1 × 104 M−1 and 6.4 × 104 M−1 respectively. The experimental results suggest that these complexes interact with DNA through groove binding mode. The complexes show significant photocleavage of supercoiled (SC) DNA proceeds via a type-II process forming singlet oxygen as the reactive species. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy was studied using photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) assay against E. coli and all complexes exhibited significant reduction in bacterial growth on photoirradiation.

Novel iron phenanthroline-based photosensitizers for antimicrobial PDT: synthesis, DNA binding and photo-induced DNA cleavage activity

The chemistry of Fe(II) complexes showing efficient light-induced DNA cleavage activity, binding propensity to calf thymus DNA and antibacterial photodynamic therapy has been summarized in this article. Complexes of formulation [Fe(mqt)(B)2](PF6)(1)–(3), where mqt is 2-thiol-4-methylquinoline and B is N,N-donor heterocyclic base, viz. 1,10-phenanthroline, dipyrido[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]quinoxaline and dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine have been prepared and characterized. The DNA-binding behaviors of these three complexes were explored by absorption spectra, viscosity measurements and thermal denaturation studies. The DNA binding constants for complexes (1), (2) and (3) were determined to be 1.9 × 103, 3.4 × 104 and 8.1 × 104 M−1, respectively. The experimental results suggest these complexes interact with DNA through groove-binding mode. The complexes show significant photocleavage of supercoiled DNA proceeds via a type-II process forming singlet oxygen as the reactive species. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy was studied using photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy assay against Escherichia coli and all complexes exhibited significant reduction in bacterial growth on photoirradiation.

Efficient energy transfer between coronene-modified permethyl-β-cyclodextrins and porphyrin for light induced DNA cleavage.

A novel supramolecular assembly was constructed by the noncovalent complexation of hexa-cata-hexabenzocoronene modified permethyl-β-cyclodextrins with tetrasodium tetraphenylporphyrintetrasulfonate in water, exhibiting highly efficient excited energy transfer behaviors and a promising DNA photocleavage ability.

DNA binding, nuclease activity, DNA photocleavage and cytotoxic properties of Cu(II) complexes of N-substituted sulfonamides

Ternary copper(II) complexes [Cu(NST)2(phen)] (1) and [Cu(NST)2(NH3)2]·H2O (2) [HNST=N-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)naphthalene-1-sulfonamide] were prepared and characterized by physico-chemical techniques. Both 1 and 2 were structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structures show the presence of a distorted square planar CuN4 geometry in which the deprotonated sulfonamide, acting as monodentate ligand, binds to the metal ion through the thiazole N atom. Both complexes present intermolecular π–π stacking interactions between phenanthroline rings (compound 1) and between naphthalene rings (compound 2). The interaction of the complexes with CT DNA was studied by means of thermal denaturation, viscosity measurements and fluorescence spectroscopy. The complexes display good binding propensity to the calf thymus DNA giving the order: 1>2. Complex 1, which has a higher capability for binding to DNA, showed better nuclease activity than 2 in the presence of ascorbate/H2O2. Both the kinetics and the mechanism of the DNA cleavage reaction were investigated. Furthermore, complex 1 showed efficient photo-induced DNA cleavage activity on irradiation with UV light in the absence of any external reagent. The UV light induced DNA cleavage follows a photo-redox pathway with generation of hydroxyl radicals as reactive species. In addition, the cytotoxic properties of both complexes (1 and 2) were evaluated in human cancer cells (HeLa, Caco-2 and MDA-468). The low IC50 values, in particular those against Caco-2, have indicated that the compounds can be considered as promising chemotherapeutic agents.

A Copper Complex, ghn‐12, as a sensitization of DNA to UVA offers potential for a novel photochemotherapy

Photochemotherapy is a modern therapy modality, based upon the application of a photosensitizing agent onto the tissue followed by illumination with light sources, which is a proven therapeutic strategy for a number of non‐malignant hyperproliferative skin diseases and various cancers. The aim of the present study is to investigate a new synthesis copper complex (ghn‐12, Chemical Formula: C53H39ClCuN8O5) as a potent photocytotoxic agent. Photoinduced DNA cleavage activity, cell cytotoxicity, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis assay are used to investigate the effect of ghn‐12 on therapeutic applications. Ghn‐12 induced supercoiled pUC19 DNA cleavage from supercoiled to nicked circular form at a low‐power monochromatic UV‐A light of 365 nm. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that photoinduced ghn‐12 sensitized squamous cell carcinoma (SCC15) cells to arrest in the G0/G1 and S‐G2/M phases of the cell cycle with a concomitantly significant increase in the sub‐G1 cell population, indicating cell death by apoptosis. This photoinduced apoptosis process was accompanied by activation of caspase‐3 expression and FITC Annexin V staining after SCC15 cells treated with ghn‐12. Our data suggest that a new photosensitizing compound, ghn‐12, exhibiting light‐induced cleavage of double‐stranded DNA and causing apoptosis of squamous cell carcinoma. Ghn‐12 is a potential therapeutic reagent. Research support by grant from the National Science Council, Taiwan Grant NSC99‐2314‐B‐384 ‐002 ‐MY3.

More Radical Magic with B12: B12-Catalyzed, Light-Induced Cleavage of DNA

B(12) in a new light: the B(12) derivative hydroxocobalamin can be used as an efficient catalyst for light-induced strand cleavage of DNA. The proposed radical process involves hydroxy radicals and is controlled by visible light. Such light-controlled radical reactions promise to be particularly useful in intracellular applications.

Photocytotoxic Lanthanum(III) and Gadolinium(III) Complexes of Phenanthroline Bases Showing Light-Induced DNA Cleavage Activity

Lanthanide complexes of formulation [La(B)(2)(NO(3))(3)] (1-3) and [Gd(B)(2)(NO(3))(3)] (4-6), where B is a N,N-donor phenanthroline base, namely, 1,10-phenanthroline (phen in 1, 4), dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq in 2, 5) and dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz in 3, 6), have been prepared, characterized from physicochemical data, and their photoinduced DNA and protein cleavage activity studied. The photocytotoxicity of the dppz complexes 3 and 6 has been studied using HeLa cancer cells. The complexes exhibit ligand centered bands in the UV region. The dppz complexes show the lowest energy band at 380 nm in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The La(III) complexes are diamagnetic. The Gd(III) complexes (4-6) have magnetic moments that correspond to seven unpaired electrons. The complexes are 1:1 electrolytic in aqueous DMF. The dpq and dppz complexes in DMF show ligand-based reductions. The complexes display moderate binding propensity to calf thymus DNA giving binding constant values in the range of 5.7 x 10(4)-5.8 x 10(5) M(-1) with a relative order: 3, 6 (dppz) > 2, 5 (dpq) > 1, 4 (phen). The binding data suggest DNA surface and/or groove binding nature of the complexes. The complexes do not show any hydrolytic cleavage of plasmid supercoiled pUC19 DNA. The dpq and dppz complexes efficiently cleave SC DNA to its nicked circular form on exposure to UV-A light of 365 nm at nanomolar complex concentration. Mechanistic studies reveal the involvement of singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) and hydroxyl radical (HO*) as the cleavage active species. The complexes show binding propensity to bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein giving K(BSA) values of approximately 10(5) M(-1). The dppz complexes 3 and 6 show BSA protein cleavage activity in UV-A light of 365 nm. The dppz complexes 3 and 6 exhibit significant photocytotoxicity in HeLa cells giving respective IC(50) values of 341 nM and 573 nM in UV-A light of 365 nm for an exposure time of 15 min (IC(50) > 100 microM in dark for both the complexes). Control experiments show significant dark and phototoxicity of the dppz base alone (IC(50) = 413 nM in light with 4 h incubation in dark and 11.6 microM in dark with 24 h incubation). A significant decrease in the dark toxicity of the dppz base is observed on binding to the lanthanide ions while retaining similar phototoxicity.

Photocytotoxic Oxovanadium(IV) Complexes Showing Light-Induced DNA and Protein Cleavage Activity

Oxovanadium(IV) complexes [VO(L)(B)]Cl(2) (1-3), where L is bis(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine and B is 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq) or dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz), have been prepared, characterized, and their photo-induced DNA and protein cleavage activity studied. The photocytotoxicity of complex 3 has been studied using adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The phen complex 1, structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, shows the presence of a vanadyl group in six-coordinate VON(5) coordination geometry. The ligands L and phen display tridentate and bidentate N-donor chelating binding modes, respectively. The complexes exhibit a d-d band near 740 nm in 15% DMF-Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.2). The phen and dpq complexes display an irreversible cathodic cyclic voltammetric response near -0.8 V in 20% DMF-Tris-HCl buffer having 0.1 M KCl as supporting electrolyte. The dppz complex 3 exhibits a quasi-reversible voltammogram near -0.6 V (vs SCE) that is assignable to the V(IV)-V(III) couple. The complexes bind to calf thymus DNA giving binding constant values in the range of 6.6 x 10(4)-2.9 x 10(5) M(-1). The binding site size, thermal melting and viscosity binding data suggest DNA surface and/or groove binding nature of the complexes. The complexes show poor "chemical nuclease" activity in dark in the presence of 3-mercaptopropionic acid or hydrogen peroxide. The dpq and dppz complexes are efficient photocleavers of plasmid DNA in UV-A light of 365 nm via a mechanistic pathway that involves formation of both singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals. The complexes show significant photocleavage of DNA in near-IR light (>750 nm) via hydroxyl radical pathway. Among the three complexes, the dppz complex 3 shows significant BSA and lysozyme protein cleavage activity in UV-A light of 365 nm via hydroxyl radical pathway. The dppz complex 3 also exhibits photocytotoxicity in non-small cell lung carcinoma/human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells giving IC(50) value of 17 microM in visible light (IC(50) = 175 microM in dark).

Benzo[h]quinoline based Macrocyclic Copper(II), Cobalt(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization and Light induced DNA Cleavage Studies

A new ligand dibenzo[h]quinolineno[1,3,7,9] tetraazacyclododecine-7,15 (14H, 16H)-dibenzene (L) and its Co(II)/Cu(II) metal complexes of type [MLX2] (Where (M = Co(II) (5), Cu(II) (6) and X = Cl) were synthesized and are well characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, FAB mass elemental analysis, and electronic spectral data. The role of the cobalt/copper metals in photo-induced DNA cleavage reactions was explored by designing complex molecules having macrocyclic structure. Finally, we have shown that photocleavage of plasmid DNA is more efficiently enhanced when this macrocyclic ligand is irradiated in the presence of copper(II) than that of cobalt metal.

Interaction of DNA with a novel photoactive platinum diimine complex

Interaction of DNA with a novel photoactive platinum diimine compound has been studied by electronic absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and viscosity measurements. The red light-induced DNA cleavage activity of the platinum compound has also been studied by agarose gel electrophoresis. The results suggest that the platinum compound may interact with DNA by intercalation mode. When irradiated with red light, the platinum compound can generate singlet oxygen, resulting in cleavage of DNA.

Photosensitizer in a Molecular Bowl and its Effect on the DNA-Binding and -Cleavage Activity of 3d-Metal Scorpionates

Ternary 3d -metal complexes [M(Tp (Ph))(B)](ClO 4) ( 1- 8), where M is Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II), Tp (Ph) is anionic tris(3-phenylpyrazolyl)borate, and B is N,N-donor heterocyclic base, namely, 1,10-phenanthroline (phen, 1- 4) and dipyrido[3,2- d:2',3'- f]quinoxaline (dpq, 5- 8), were prepared from a reaction of the perchlorate salt of the metal with KTp (Ph) and B in CH 2Cl 2. The complexes were characterized by various physicochemical methods. 4- 6 and 8 were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The crystal structures of the complexes show the presence of discrete cationic complexes having a square-pyramidal (4 + 1) coordination geometry in which two nitrogen atoms of the phenanthroline base (B) and two nitrogen atoms of the Tp (Ph) ligand occupy the basal plane and one nitrogen of the Tp (Ph) ligand binds at the axial site. The phenyl groups of the Tp (Ph) form a bowl-shaped structure that essentially encloses the {M(phen/dpq)} moiety. DNA-binding studies were carried out using various spectral techniques and from viscosity measurements. The complexes show moderate binding propensity to calf thymus DNA at the minor groove, giving binding constant values ( K b) of approximately 10 (4) M (-1). The complexes exhibit poor DNA-cleavage activity in the dark in the presence of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) or hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2). The photoinduced DNA-cleavage activity of the complexes was investigated using UV-A radiation of 365 nm and visible light of two different wavelengths with a tunable multicolor Ar-Kr mixed gas ion laser source. The dpq complexes show efficient photoinduced DNA-cleavage activity via a metal-assisted photoexcitation process involving the formation of singlet oxygen as the cleavage active species in a type-II pathway. The paramagnetic d (7)-Co(II)-dpq and d (9)-Cu(II)-dpq complexes exhibit efficient DNA-cleavage activity in visible light. The paramagnetic d (8)-Ni(II)-dpq complex displays only minor DNA-cleavage activity in visible light. Diamagnetic d (10)-Zn(II)-dpq complex shows only UV-A light-induced DNA cleavage but no apparent DNA-cleavage activity in visible light. Steric protection of the photoactive quinoxaline moiety of the dpq ligand inside the hydrophobic {M(Tp (Ph))} molecular bowl has a positive effect on the photoinduced DNA-cleavage activity.

DNA cleavage in red light promoted by copper(ii) complexes of α-amino acids and photoactive phenanthroline bases

Ternary copper(II) complexes [Cu(L-trp)(B)(H(2)O)](NO(3)) (1-3) and [Cu(L-phe)(B)(H(2)O)](NO(3)) (4-6) of L-tryptophan (L-trp) and L-phenylalanine (L-phe) having phenanthroline bases (B), viz. 1,10-phenanthroline (phen, 1 and 4), dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq, 2 and 5) and dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz, 3 and 6), were prepared and characterized by physico-chemical techniques. Complexes 3 and 6 were structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography and show the presence of a square pyramidal (4 + 1) CuN(3)O(2) coordination geometry in which the N,O-donor amino acid (L-trp or L-phe) and N,N-donor phenanthroline base bind at the equatorial plane with an aqua ligand coordinated at the elongated axial site. Complex 3 shows significant distortion from the square pyramidal geometry and a strong intramolecular pi-pi stacking interaction between the pendant indole ring of L-trp and the planar dppz aromatic moiety. All the complexes display good binding propensity to the calf thymus DNA giving an order: 3,6 (dppz) > 2,5 (dpq) > 1,4 (phen). The binding constant (K(b)) values are in the range of 2.1 x 10(4)-1.1 x 10(6) mol(-1) with the binding site size (s) values of 0.17-0.63. The phen and dpq complexes are minor groove binders while the dppz analogues bind at the DNA major groove. Theoretical DNA docking studies on 2 and 3 show the close proximity of two photosensitizers, viz. the indole moiety of L-trp and the quinoxaline/phenazine of the dpq/dppz bases, to the complementary DNA strands. Complexes 2 and 3 show oxidative DNA double strand breaks (dsb) of supercoiled (SC) DNA forming a significant quantity of linear DNA along with the nicked circular (NC) form on photoexposure to UV-A light of 365 nm and red light of 647.1 nm (Ar-Kr laser). Complexes 1,5 and 6 show only single strand breaks (ssb) forming NC DNA. The red light induced DNA cleavage involves metal-assisted photosensitization of L-trp and dpq/dppz base resulting in the formation of a reactive singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) species.

DNA Cleavage on Photoexposure at the d−d Band in Ternary Copper(II) Complexes Using Red-Light Laser

Ternary copper(II) complexes [Cu(L1)B](ClO4) (1, 2) and [Cu(L2)B](ClO4) (3, 4), where HL1 and HL2 are tridentate NSO- and ONO-donor Schiff bases and B is a heterocyclic base, viz. dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq, 1 and 3) or dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz, 2 and 4), were prepared and their DNA binding and photoinduced DNA cleavage activity studied. Complex 1, structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, shows an axially elongated square-pyramidal (4 + 1) coordination geometry in which the monoanionic L1 binds at the equatorial plane. The NN-donor dpq ligand exhibits an axial-equatorial binding mode. The complexes display good binding propensity to calf thymus DNA, giving a relative order 2 (NSO-dppz) > 4 (ONO-dppz) > 1 (NSO-dpq) > 3 (ONO-dpq). They cleave supercoiled pUC19 DNA to its nicked circular form when treated with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) by formation of hydroxyl radicals as the cleavage active species under dark reaction conditions. The photoinduced DNA cleavage activity of the complexes was investigated using UV radiation of 365 nm and red light of 633, 647.1, and 676.4 nm (CW He-Ne and Ar-Kr mixed gas ion laser sources) in the absence of MPA. Complexes 1 and 2, having photoactive NSO-donor Schiff base and dpq/dppz ligands, show dual photosensitizing effects involving both the photoactive ligands in the ternary structure with significantly better cleavage properties when compared to those of 3 and 4, having only photoactive dpq/dppz ligands. Involvement of singlet oxygen in the light-induced DNA cleavage reactions is proposed. A significant enhancement of the red-light-induced DNA cleavage activity is observed for the dpq and dppz complexes containing the sulfur ligand when compared to their earlier reported phen (1,10-phenanthroline) analogue. Enhancement of the cleavage activity on photoexposure at the d-d band indicates the occurrence of metal-assisted photosensitization processes involving the LMCT and d-d band in the ternary structure.

Photocleavage of DNA by copper(II) complexes

The chemistry of ternary and binary copper(II) complexes showing efficient visible light-induced DNA cleavage activity is summarized in this article. The role of the metal in photo-induced DNA cleavage reactions is explored by designing complex molecules having a variety of ligands. Ternary copper(II) complexes with amino acid like L-methionone or L-lysine and phenanthroline base are efficient photocleavers of DNA. Complexes of formulation [Cu(Ln)(phen)](C1O4) with NSO-donor Schiff base (HLn) and NN-donor heterocyclic base 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) show significant cleavage of super-coiled (SC) DNA on exposure to red light at ≈ 700 nm. Thed-d and CT electronic bands of the copper(II) complexes play important roles in DNA cleavage reactions. The mechanistic pathways are found to be dependent on the types of ligands present in the copper(II) complexes and the photo-excitation energy. While UV exposure generally proceeds via a type-II process forming singlet oxygen as the reactive species, red-light exposure leads to DNA cleavage following different mechanistic pathways, viz. type-I, type-II and photo-redox pathways. Ternary copper(II) complexes with phen as DNA binder and Schiff base with a thiomethyl group as photosensitizer, cleave SC DNA to its nicked circular (NC) form in a type-II process in red-light. The binary complex [Cu(dpq)2(H20)](C104)2 (dpq, dipyridoquinoxaline) cleaves DNA by photo-redox pathway at 694 nm. The binuclear complex [Cu II 2 (RSSR)2], where H2RSSR is a Schiff base derived from 2-(thioethyl)salicylaldimine, cleaves SC DNA at 632.8 nm (CW He-Ne laser) and 694 nm (ruby laser) involving sulphide (type-I process) and hydroxyl radicals (photo-redox pathway) as the reactive species.

Steric Protection of a Photosensitizer in a N,N-Bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]-2-phenylethylamine-copper(II) Bowl that Enhances Red Light-Induced DNA Cleavage Activity

Ternary copper(II) complexes [Cu(py2phe)B](ClO4)2 (1-3), where py2phe is a tripodal ligand N,N-bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]-2-phenylethylamine and B is a heterocyclic base (viz., 1,10-phenanthroline (phen, 1), dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq, 2), or dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz, 3)), are prepared and their DNA-binding and photoinduced DNA-cleavage activities are studied. Complex 1 has been structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The molecular structure shows an axially elongated square-pyramidal (4 + 1) coordination geometry in which the phen ligand binds at the basal plane. The tripodal ligand py2phe displays an axial-equatorial binding mode with the amine nitrogen bonded at the axial site. A chemically significant CH-pi interaction involving the CH moiety of the phenyl group of the tripodal ligand and the aromatic ring of phen is observed. The complexes display good binding propensity to calf thymus DNA giving a relative order of 3 (dppz) > 2 (dpq) > 1 (phen). The DNA binding constants (K(b)) for 1-3, determined from absorption spectral studies, are 6.2 x 10(3), 1.0 x 10(4), and 5.7 x 10(4) M(-1), respectively. The complexes show chemical nuclease activity in the presence of 3-mercaptopropionic acid as a reducing agent forming hydroxyl radicals as the cleavage active species. The photoinduced DNA-cleavage activity of the complexes has been studied using UV radiation of 365 nm and red light of 632.8 and 694 nm. The phen complex in absence of any photosensitizing moiety does not show any DNA cleavage upon photoirradiation. The dpq and dppz ligands with their photoactive quinoxaline and phenazine moieties display significant photoinduced DNA-cleavage activity. The dppz complex is more active than its dpq analogue because of the better steric protection of the DNA-bound photosensitizing dppz ligand from the solvent molecules. Control experiments reveal the formation of singlet oxygen in the light-induced DNA-cleavage reactions. The observed efficient photoinduced DNA-cleavage activity of 2 and 3 is akin to the "light switch" effect known for the tris-chelates of ruthenium(II).

Metal-assisted red light-induced DNA cleavage by ternary l-methionine copper(ii) complexes of planar heterocyclic bases

Ternary copper(II) complexes [Cu(l-met)B(Solv)](ClO4) (1-4), where B is a N,N-donor heterocyclic base like 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy, 1), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen, 2), dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq, 3) and dipyrido[3,2-a:2'],3'-c]phenazene (dppz, 4), are prepared and their DNA binding and photo-induced DNA cleavage activity studied (L-Hmet =L-methionine). Complex 2, structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography, shows a square pyramidal (4 + 1) coordination geometry in which the N,O-donor L-methionine and N,N-donor heterocyclic base bind at the basal plane and a solvent molecule is coordinated at the axial site. The complexes display a d-d band at approximately 600 nm in DMF and exhibit a cyclic voltammetric response due to the Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple near -0.1 V in DMF-Tris-HCl buffer. The complexes display significant binding propensity to the calf thymus DNA in the order: 4(dppz) > 3(dpq) > 2(phen>> 1(bpy). Control cleavage experiments using pUC19 supercoiled DNA and distamycin suggest major groove binding for the dppz and minor groove binding for the other complexes. Complexes 2-4 show efficient DNA cleavage activity on UV (365 nm) or red light (632.8 nm) irradiation via a mechanistic pathway involving formation of singlet oxygen as the reactive species. The DNA cleavage activity of the dpq complex is found to be significantly more than its dppz and phen analogues.

Designing molecules for PDT: red light-induced DNA cleavage on disulfide bond activation in a dicopper(ii) complex

The binuclear copper(II) complex [Cu)(RSSR)2](1), where RSSR is a dianionic Schiff base derived from 2-(thioethyl)salicylaldimine having a disulfide bond is prepared, structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography and its photo-induced DNA cleavage activity studied. The Schiff base ligand H2RSSR is also structurally characterized. The crystal structure of shows the discrete dimeric nature of the complex with each metal showing square-planar geometry with a CuN2O2 coordination (Cu...Cu, 5.011(1)A). The tetradentate Schiff base RSSR acts as a linker of two copper centers. The sulfur atoms in the disulfide unit do not show any apparent interaction with the metal ion. Complex 1, which is cleavage inactive in the dark in the presence of reducing agents, shows significant cleavage of supercoiled pUC19 DNA on exposure to UV light of 312 nm or visible light of different wavelengths under aerobic conditions, in the absence of any additives. DNA cleavage data from control experiments reveal involvement of the disulfide unit as a photosensitizer undergoing photo-induced S-S bond cleavage on exposure to UV light and the resulting species activates molecular oxygen to form singlet oxygen (1O2) that causes DNA cleavage following a type-II process. Photo-induced DNA cleavage by 1 on red-light exposure using a CW laser of 632.8 nm or a pulsed ruby laser of 694 nm is proposed to involve sulfide radicals in a type-I process and hydroxyl radicals as the reactive species.

Synthesis, crystal structure and photo-induced DNA cleavage activity of ternary copper(II)-thiosemicarbazone complexes having heterocyclic bases

New ternary copper(II) complexes of formulations [Cu(Ph-tsc)B] (B=1,10-phenanthroline, phen ( 1); dipyridoquinoxaline, dpq ( 2); dipyridophenazine, dppz ( 3); Ph-H 2tsc, salicylaldehyde- N(4)-phenylthiosemicarbazone) and [Cu(Me-tsc)(phen)] ( 4, Me-H 2tsc, salicylaldehyde- N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone) are prepared, and their DNA binding and cleavage properties studied. Complex 1 has been characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The molecular structure shows a distorted square pyramidal (4 + 1) geometry of the complex with the dianionic NSO-donor N(4)-phenyl-substituted thiosemicarbazone binding at the basal plane and the NN-donor planar heterocyclic base (phen) displaying axial–equatorial coordination. The one-electron paramagnetic complexes exhibit axial EPR spectra and show a d–d band near 580 nm for the phen and near 720 nm for the dpq, dppz complexes in their electronic spectra in DMF. The complexes show quasireversible cyclic voltammetric response near 0.08 V vs. SCE in DMF–0.1 M TBAP assignable to the Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple. The Ph-tsc complexes display good binding propensity to calf thymus (CT) DNA. They also show oxidative cleavage of supercoiled (SC) pUC19 DNA in dark under aerobic condition in the presence of mercaptopropionic acid. The complexes exhibit light-induced DNA cleavage activity at 312 and 532 nm. Mechanistic investigations reveal DNA minor groove binding for the phen and dpq complexes, and major groove binding for the dppz species. The complexes are cleavage inactive under argon atmosphere. In the ternary structure, the thiosemicarbazones, dpq and dppz act as photosensitizers, while the planar heterocyclic bases are binder to DNA. The mechanistic pathways involved and the role of metal in the DNA cleavage reactions are discussed.

Metal-assisted light-induced DNA cleavage activity of 2-(methylthio)phenylsalicylaldimine Schiff base copper(II) complexes having planar heterocyclic bases

Ternary copper(II) complexes [CuLL ′](ClO 4), where HL is NSO-donor Schiff base (2-(methylthio)phenyl)salicylaldimine and L ′ is NN-donor phenanthroline bases like 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), dipyridoquinoxaline (dpq) and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmp), are prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The complexes have a distorted square-pyramidal (4 + 1) CuN 3OS coordination geometry. While [CuL(phen)](ClO 4) and [CuL(dpq)](ClO 4) show axial sulfur ligation, [CuL(dmp)](ClO 4) has the sulfur bonded at the equatorial site. The one-electron paramagnetic complexes exhibit axial electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra in dimethylformamide glass at 77 K. The complexes are redox active and a quasireversible electron transfer process near 0.0 V vs saturated calomel electrode (SCE) in DMF–Tris buffer (1:4 v/v at pH 7.2) involving Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple is observed for the phen and dpq complexes. The dmp complex exhibits an irreversible reduction process forming bis(dmp)copper(I) species. A profound effect of the substituents of the phenanthroline bases is observed on the binding of the complexes to the calf thymus (CT) and in the cleavage of supercoiled (SC) pUC19 DNA. The phen and dpq complexes show DNA cleavage activity in presence of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA). The dmp complex is cleavage inactive in presence of MPA. All the complexes show photocleavage activity when irradiated with a monochromatic UV light of 312 nm. The dpq complex also cleaves SC DNA on visible light irradiation at 436, 532 and 632.8 nm but with a longer exposure time and higher complex concentration. The cleavage reactions in presence of MPA are found to involve hydroxyl radical. The photocleavage reactions are found to occur under aerobic conditions showing an enhancement of cleavage in D 2O and inhibition with azide addition suggesting formation of singlet oxygen as a reactive species. The roles of sulfur of the Schiff base as photosensitizer and the phenanthroline bases as minor groove binder, and their influence on the photocleavage activity are discussed. The quinoxaline ligand exhibits significant photosensitizing effect assisted by the copper(II) center.

Metal-assisted red light-induced efficient DNA cleavage by dipyridoquinoxaline-copper(II) complex.

Complete cleavage of double stranded pUC19 DNA by the complex [Cu(dpq)2(H2O)](ClO4)2 (dpq, dipyridoquinoxaline) has been observed on irradiation at 694 nm from a pulsed ruby laser, assisted by the metal d-band transition as well as the quinoxaline triplet states in the absence of any external additives.