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Background: The benzimidazole and their derivatives have rich biological relevance with respect to available natural amino acids and their role in protein folding and quaternary conformations. Thus the ligand trizbenzim and their Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal complexes were prepared to induce G-quadruplex conformation even under no-salt conditions with remarkable anticancer activities. Methods: The ligand N,N',N''-Tris-(1H-benzoimidazol-2-ylmethyl)-[1,3,5]triazine-2,4,6-triamine ( trizbenzim) and its Cu and Zn complexes (Cu-trizbenzim, Zn-trizbenzim) were synthesized and characterized by IR, NMR, and MALDI-TOF techniques. The pure ligand and its complexes interacted with human telomere DNA sequence d(TTAGGG), HTelo8and HTelo20and the interactions were followed by circular dichroism spectroscopy, FID assay, and molecular docking techniques. The compounds were tested for anticancer activity towards selected cell lines. Results: All the three compounds stabilized the HTelo8 and HTelo20 in parallel and antiparallel G-quadruplex conformations with salt conditions. Under no-salt conditions, the compounds induce and stabilize the G-quadruplex conformation in antiparallel topology selectively. The pure ligand, Cu-trizbenzim, and Zn-trizbenzim were involved in partial or classical intercalation and some backbone interactions on the strand. The FID assay using thiazole orange intercalator supports the proposed intercalation mode of binding for the three compounds, especially for the pure ligand and the Cu-complex. The MOE docking experiments using X-ray and NMR derived G-quadruplex models with the title compounds extensively support the G-quadruplex induction and stabilization of the telomere sequence by these compounds. The guanines bases involved in the G-tetrad formation interact well with the triazine and the benzimidazole part of the ligand through strong π-π interactions. The primary mode of binding is described as end stacking and intercalation of the compounds to the G-quadruplex structures. The Cu-trizbenzim exhibited more anticancer property in comparison to the pure ligand and the Zntrizbenzim complex. The IC50 values were in the nanomolar range from 50 to 150nM in concentration. Conclusion: This novel self-induction of G-quadruplex is novel without the presence of alkali metal ions.

Background:The ligand Hpyramol is a redox active, which on coordination with Cu(II) cleaves DNA without any added reductant. Another ligand phendione is known for its wide application towards anticancer activities. We combined the ligands with CuCl2 to have an intercalation moiety and a redox active ligand in participation towards telomere DNA cleavage and anticancer activity.Objective:In this study, our aim is to interact it with Human telomere DNA and to see their effects on cancer cells.Methods:The complex [Cu(L)(L’)Cl] has interacted with the human telomere DNA sequence (TTAGGG), HTelo20. The HTelo20 was stabilized under both parallel and antiparallel G-quadruplex conformations and the complex [Cu(L)(L’)Cl] has interacted followed by circular dichroism spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis.Results:The parallel G-quadruplex and randomly coiled conformations of HTelo20 were easily cleaved than the anti-parallel G-quadruplex conformation. The nature of DNA cleavage was found to be oxidative rather hydrolytic. The formation of phenoxyl radical species under electrochemical and controlled potential electrolysis conditions by the complex [Cu(L)(L’)Cl] proves the possibility of oxidative nature of DNA cleavage. The comet assay also proves the DNA cleavage induced by the complex [Cu(L)(L’)Cl] inside the nucleus of HeLa cancer cells.Conclusion:The complex [Cu(L)(L’)Cl] was tested for anticancer activity, induced by ROS and DNA cleavage. The IC50 values resulted in nanomolar concentrations with selected cancer cell lines. Relatively the Cu complex shows less toxicity with the normal cell line L132.

Recently, hydrophobically functionalized polymers have been deployed as carriers to improve the encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs. The metal nanocomposites are extensively used to improve the biocompatibility of the formulation and target the drug to the specialized site. In our current study, naphthalene acetate (NAA) was incorporated into the amine group of chitosan to form a hydrophobically functionalized chitosan–NAA drug delivery carrier. The calcium ferrite nanoparticles (CFNP) were embedded in the chitosan–NAA matrix to form a super paramagnetic hybrid nanocarrier for controlled curcumin drug delivery. Various analytical techniques were performed to ensure the functional group modifications, thermal stability, surface nature and morphological behavior of synthesized hybrid carriers. The maximum encapsulation efficiency of 93.6% was obtained under the optimized conditions of drug to chitosan–NAA at 0.1, CFNP to chitosan–NAA at 0.75 and TPP to chitosan–NAA at 1.0 (w/w) ratios, respectively, by adapting Taguchi method. Drug release studies were conducted to determine the effect of pH, drug loading concentrations and magnetic field responses. The drug release data were fitted to various kinetic release models to understand the drug release mechanism. The biocompatibility of the hybrid material was tested using L929 mouse fibroblast cells. The cytotoxicity test against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) was also performed to study the anticancer property of the hybrid paramagnetic material. The prepared curcumin-loaded chitosan–NAA/CFNP was very active against cancer cells in comparison to the normal cells. The results confirmed the applicability of the hybrid nanocarriers in cancer cell-targeted drug delivery.

The (E)-2-((2-hydrohy-5-methylphenylimino) methyl) phenol ligand was synthesized. The receptor was characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR and CHN analysis. The ligand exhibits colorimetric and fluorometric sensing of Zn2+ and Mg2+ ions in semi-aqueous medium (DMSO-H2O). The receptor was tested with series of transition metal ions (Cr2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) and heavy metal ions (Sn2+, Pd2+, Ce2+, Hg2+, Cd2+) and the essential human body elements like Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+ ions. The naked eye colorimetric sensing was absorbed only for Zn2+ and Mg2+. Both ions (ZnCl2 and MgCl2 in H2O), when added to the colorless solutions of the receptor of about 1 equivalence in incremental additions turn the solution into bright turmeric yellow. All other ions remain inactive, in colorimetric sensing. Further the Zn2+ and Mg2+ ions were probed by absorption and emission spectroscopy through incremental addition of respective metal ions. The in-situ deprotonation of the ligand on both Mg2+ and Zn2+ ions binding was confirmed by 1H NMR titration studies. The imino nitrogen of the receptor is not coordinated to the metal ions. The Job's plot studies reveal the 1:2 binding ratio of metal ions to the receptor. The high fold fluorescence output on metal ions binding was positively used to sense the Zn2+ and Mg2+ ions, separately and together in HeLa cancer cells through cell imaging.

The hydrophobic modification of chitosan was performed by the incorporation of aromatic phendione to the amino group of chitosan to improve the hydrophobic drug encapsulation efficiency and anticancer activity. The phendione-modified chitosan was coated with the copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles to obtain the hybrid material for the model drug (curcumin) delivery. The synthesized hybrid nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The extent of phendione modification on chitosan, presence of CuO nanoparticles, drug encapsulation, and size and morphology of the prepared hybrid materials were observed by using the techniques mentioned. The drug release studies were performed on simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) and simulated body fluid (pH 7.4) to analyze the release kinetics of curcumin from the chitosan and chitosan–phendione with CuO. The drug release was also monitored at different initial drug loading conditions. As the initial loading of drug decreased, the rate of drug release was also decreased. Mostly, the drug release followed a non-Fickian, case II type transport mechanism. The drug-loaded chitosan–phendione and chitosan with CuO nanoparticles were investigated for anticancer activities toward the cell lines M19-MEL, MCF-7, and HeLa. © 2017 Curtin University and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A sustainable biomass-based nanocomposite hydrogel was formulated, characterized, and applied for curcumin delivery. Phytosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) employing musk melon (Cucumis melo) seed extract was embedded in the hydrogel matrices and cross-linked using Dialdehyde cellulose prepared from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse (SCB). Nanoparticle incorporation enhanced the hydrogel's swelling degree to 4048% at pH 4.0. Also, an improved tensile strength of 14.1 ± 0.32 MPa was exhibited by the nanocomposite hydrogel compared to 9.79 ± 0.76 MPa for the pure chitosan cellulose hydrogel. A curcumin loading efficiency of 89.68% with around 30% increased loading was exhibited for the nanocomposite hydrogel. A Fickian diffusion-controlled curcumin release mechanism with maximum release at pH 7.4 was obtained. The synergistic effect on the antimicrobial activity was exhibited against Staphylococcus aureus and Trichophyton rubrum. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies employing L929 cells and A431 cells demonstrated good biocompatibility and enhanced anticancer activity of the curcumin-loaded green nanocomposite hydrogel compared to pure curcumin.

The (E)-2-((2-hydrohy-5-methylphenylimino) methyl) phenol ligand was synthesized. The receptor was characterized by IR

Synthesis, spectroscopy, characterization, structures, and cytotoxicity studies of 2,6-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyliminomethyl)pyridine (LLL) ruthenium compounds are described. The starting compound [RuCl3(LLL)] has been fully characterized using IR spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the crystal structure of the ligand LLL has been determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. With the ruthenium(III) trichloride compound as starting material, a new family of Ru(II) complexes with a number of neutral and charged bidentate co-ligands have been synthesized and used for characterization and cytotoxicity studies. The synthesis of the corresponding [RuIILLL(LL)Cl]+/0 complexes with co-ligands— LL is 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2′-bipyridyl, 2-(phenylazo)pyridine, 2-(phenylazo)-3-methylpyridine, 2-(tolylazo)pyridine, or the anionic 2-picolinate—is reported. Analytical, spectroscopic (IR spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry), and structural characterization of the new compounds is described. Crystal structure analyses of two Ru(II) compounds show a slightly distorted octahedral Ru(II) geometry with tridentate LLL coordinated in a planar meridional fashion, and the chelating co-ligand (LL) and a chloride ion complete the octahedron. The co-ligand plays a significant role in modulating the physicochemical and cytotoxic properties of these new ruthenium complexes. The in vitro cytotoxicity of these new Ru(II) complexes (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50, of 0.5–1.5 μM), in comparison with the parent Ru(III) compound (half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 3.9–4.3 μM) is higher for several of the human cancer cell lines tested. The cytotoxic activity of some of the new ruthenium compounds is even higher than that of cisplatin in the same cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity of these new anticancer compounds is discussed in the light of structure-based activity relationships, and a possible mechanism of action is suggested. Synthesis, spectroscopy, structures, and cytotoxicity studies of new Ru(III) and Ru(II) compounds with a substituted bis(arylimino)pyridine ligand and bidentate co-ligands are reported. The co-ligands play a significant role in modulating the physicochemical and cytotoxic properties. The in vitro cytotoxicity data are discussed in the light of structure-based activity relationships (SARs). Highlights

The present study comprises preparation of hot crude plant extract from Clitoria ternatea L. blue flowered leaves and successive fractionation of the filtered extract using various solvents. All the fractions used for preliminary phytochemical tests as well as for quantification some important secondary metabolites. In addition, in vitro antioxidant and anti-urolithiatic potentials of all the fractions were evaluated. During qualitative phytochemical analysis, all the fractions displayed all the phytocompounds tested such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, sterols, saponins and terpenoids. All the fractions contained an adequate level of quantitatively determined secondary metabolites such as total phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins. All the fractions showed varied level of antioxidant activities assayed. Interestingly, among various fractions, n-butanol fraction only exhibited significant inhibition of nucleation, aggregation and growth of CaOx crystals. This may be due to significant free radical scavenging activities of this fraction for total antioxidant capacity, ABTS•+, nitric oxide and DPPH would further strengthen its use to ameliorate urolithiasis induced oxidative stress.

A new copper(II) compound with an unusual composition containing the tetranitratocuprate(II) is reported. [Cu(mbpzbpy)NO3]2[Cu(NO3)4]·2(CH3CN) in which mbpzbpy = 6,6′-bis(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine, has been synthesized and fully characterized, including the X-ray and the magnetic susceptibility. The X-ray structure of the complex depicts Cu(II) centers with entirely different coordination environments. The Cu1 ion is coordinated to an embracing N4 ligand mbpzbpy and one oxygen atom of an axial nitrate anion, giving rise to a square-pyramidal geometry. The Cu2 ion exhibits a highly distorted coordination environment formed by four bidentate nitrate ions. Also, in the asymmetric unit of the complex, two optically related, right and left-handed enantiomers of Cu1 units are connected to one Cu2 center, through a weak Cu–O bond. Magnetic susceptibility studies down to 5 K and low temperature and room temperature EPR indicate that only a very weak magnetic exchange is present, despite the short Cu⋯Cu contact distances of 4.88 A.

The electrochemical oxidation of four zinc(II) coordination compounds from the ligands 4-methyl-2-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminophenol (Hpyramol) and 4-methyl-2-(2-pyridylmethylene)aminophenol (Hpyrimol) with chloride or acetate as counter-ions has been studied by in situ spectroelectrochemistry in dimethylformamide (DMF). Low-temperature EPR studies of electrolyte solutions of all zinc compounds indicate the presence of a phenoxyl radical with a g -value in the range 2.070–2.099, which is illustrative for an electron delocalization over the metal centre. The final product of this oxidative process is shown to be a benzoquinone methide derivative.

The synthetic, spectroscopic, structural, and biological studies of a bis(arylimino)pyridine Ru(III) chloride compound containing the ligand, 2,6-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyliminomethyl)pyridine are reported. The bis(arylimino)pyridine ligand, with three donor nitrogen atoms, was synthesized by condensation of 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehyde with 2,4,6-trimethylaniline. The Ru(III) complex, with formula [RuCl 3(L1)](H 2O) (RuL1), where L1 = 2,6-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyliminomethyl)pyridine, was structurally determined on the basis of analytical and spectroscopic (IR, UV-vis, ESI-MS) studies. A straightforward strategy to fully characterize the paramagnetic compound using advanced (1)H NMR is reported. This new complex is a prototype for a series of new anticancer Ru(III) and Ru(II) compounds with improved cytostatic properties; likely to be modified in a desirable manner due to the relatively facile ligand modification of the bis(imino)pyridines and their molecular architecture. The present Ru(III) complex is the first example of this family of Ru(III)/Ru(II) anticancer compounds with the aimed physicochemical characteristics. Although the ligand itself is moderately active in selected cell lines (EVSA-T and MCF-7), the activity of the [Ru(L1)Cl 3] complex has increased significantly for a broad range of cancer cell lines tested in vitro (IC 50 values = 11 approximately 17 microM). Reaction of the RuL1 species with the DNA model base 9-ethylguanine (9EtGua) was found to produce in a redox reaction the species trans-[Ru(II)(L1)(9EtGua) 2(H 2O)](ClO 4) 2 (abbreviated as RuL1-9EtGua), which was studied in solution and also in the solid state, by X-ray crystallography. The structure comprises the as yet unknown trans-bis(purine)Ru(II) unit.

The zinc(II) complexes reported here have been synthesised from the ligand 4-methyl-2-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminophenol (Hpyramol) with chloride or acetate counterions. All the five complexes have been structurally characterised, and the crystal structures reveal that the ligand Hpyramol gradually undergoes an oxidative dehydrogenation to form the ligand 4-methyl-2-N-(2-pyridylmethylene)aminophenol (Hpyrimol), upon coordination to Zn(II). All the five complexes cleave the phiX174 phage DNA oxidatively and the complexes with fully dehydrogenated pyrimol ligands were found to be more efficient than the complexes with non-dehydrogenated Hpyramol ligands. The DNA cleavage is suggested to be ligand-based, whereas the pure ligands alone do not cleave DNA. The DNA cleavage is strongly suggested to be oxidative, possibly due to the involvement of a non-diffusible phenoxyl radical mechanism. The enzymatic religation experiments and DNA cleavage in the presence of different radical scavengers further support the oxidative DNA cleavage by the zinc(II) complexes.

A series of mixed ligand Ru(II) complexes of 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (5,6-dmp) as primary ligand and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), pyridine (py) and NH3 as co-ligands have been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis and 1H NMR and electronic absorption spectroscopy. The X-ray crystal structure of the complex [Ru(phen)2(bpy)]Cl2 reveals a distorted octahedral coordination geometry for the RuN6 coordination sphere. The DNA binding constants obtained from the absorption spectral titrations decrease in the order, tris(5,6-dmp)Ru(II) > bis(5,6-dmp)Ru(II) > mono(5,6-dmp)Ru(II), which is consistent with the trend in apparent emission enhancement of the complexes on binding to DNA. These observations reveal that the DNA binding affinity of the complexes depend upon the number of 5,6-dmp ligands and hence the hydrophobic interaction of 5,6-dimethyl groups on the DNA surface, which is critical in determining the DNA binding affinity and the solvent accessibility of the exciplex. Among the bis(5,6-dmp)Ru(II) complexes, those with monodentate py (4) or NH3 (5) co-ligands show DNA binding affinities slightly higher than the bpy and phen analogues. This reveals that they interact with DNA through the co-ligands while both the 5,6-dmp ligands interact with the exterior of the DNA surface. All these observations are supported by thermal denaturation and viscosity measurements. Two DNA binding modes – surface/electrostatic and strong hydrophobic/partial intercalative DNA interaction – are suggested for the mixed ligand complexes on the basis of time-resolved emission measurements. Interestingly, the 5,6-dmp ligands promote aggregation of the complexes on the DNA helix as a helical nanotemplate, as evidenced by induced CD signals in the UV region. The ionic strength variation experiments and competitive DNA binding studies on bis(5,6-dmp)Ru(II) complexes reveal that EthBr and the partially intercalated and kinetically inert [Ru(phen)2(dppz)]2+ (dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine) complexes revert the CD signals induced by exciton coupling of the DNA-bound complexes with the free complexes in solution.

The role of various carboxylic acids (substituted/unsubstituted acetic, benzoic and salicylic acids) with various electron donating and/or withdrawing substituents on the Na 2 WO 4 /H 2 WO 4 -catalysed, biphasic epoxidations of cyclooctene and 1-octene, using H 2 O 2 as terminal oxidant has been investigated. The presence of the different acids in catalytic amounts widely affects the catalytic activity of the above system depending on the nature of their substituents. The results obtained have been discussed in the light of the stereo/electronic effects of these substituents. It has been observed that the added substituted/unsubstituted acetic and benzoic acids generally enhance the rate of the epoxidation while salicylic acids significantly decrease the catalyst activity, under the same conditions, most likely due to the additional deactivating hydroxy moiety.

The new mixed ligand complex [Ru(5,6-dmp) 2 (dppz)]Cl 2 [5,6-dmp = 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, dppz = dipyrido[3,2- a :2′,3′- c ]phenazine] has been isolated and its DNA-binding properties studied by employing UV–visible (UV–Vis), steady-state and time-resolved emission and circular dichroism spectral methods, viscometry, thermal denaturation and cyclic/differential pulse voltammetric techniques. The complex acts as a ‘molecular light-switch’ on binding to DNA, but the enhancement in emission intensity is only 75% of that of the parent complex [Ru(phen) 2 (dppz)] 2+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The emission decay curves and quenching studies suggest two different DNA-binding modes both involving intercalation of the dppz ligand of [Ru(5,6-dmp) 2 (dppz)]Cl 2 . The characteristic red-shift of the induced CD signal, which is not observed for the phen analogue, arises from exciton coupling. The hydrophobicity and polarizability of 5,6-dmp co-ligand strongly favour the formation of a stable structural and electronic scaffold on the DNA surface for the unbound molecules to couple with the DNA-bound complexes facilitating spontaneous assembly of novel extended molecular aggregates using DNA as a helical nanotemplate. This observation is consistent with the shift in Ru(II)/Ru(III) redox potential to more positive values with a dramatic drop in peak current on binding of the 5,6-dmp complex to calf thymus (CT) DNA. Equilibrium dialysis experiments monitored by CD spectroscopy unambiquously reveal the preferential binding of the Δ-enantiomer to the right-handed calf thymus (CT) DNA. The 5,6-dmp complex exhibits preferential binding to [d(AT) 6 ] 2 over [d(GC) 6 ] 2 and the complex aggregates formed consist of six [Ru(5,6-dmp) 2 (dppz)] 2+ cations per base pair of [d(AT) 6 ] 2 ; however, only one [Ru(phen) 2 (dppz)] 2+ cation per base pair is involved in DNA binding.

The tungsten-containing biphasic catalytic system [Na 2 WO 4 /H 2 WO 4 PTR/chloroacetic acid] effectively epoxidizes alkenes with 50% H 2 O 2 as terminal oxidant, under organic solvent-free conditions. The catalytic process isproposed to proceed via a dinuclear tungsten peroxo species with coordinated chloroacetic acid, as suggested by ESI-MS measurements. The catalytic system is suggested to involve tungsten-peroxo and/or peracetic acid type of epoxidation catalyzed by the tungsten(VI) in the presence of an organic acid and H 2 O 2 . The reaction conditions employed for various alkenes for epoxidation are mild compared to the earlier studies and result in high product selectivity and conversion rate.

Copper(II) complexes of three linear unsymmetrical tridentate ligands viz. N-methyl-N'-(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)ethylenediamine (L1), N,N-dimethyl-N'-(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)ethylenediamine (L2) and N,N-dimethyl-N'-((6-methyl)pyrid-2-ylmethyl)ethylenediamine (L3) have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, electronic absorption and EPR spectroscopy and cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. Of these complexes [Cu(L2)Cl2] and [Cu(L3)Cl2] have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The [Cu(L2)Cl2] complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a=11.566(2) A, b=7.369(1) A, c=15.703(3) A, alpha=90 degrees , beta=109.68(8) degrees , gamma=90 degrees and Z=4 while [Cu(L3)Cl2] crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a=9.191(2) A, b=12.359(3) A, c=14.880(3) A, alpha=79.61(13) degrees , beta=86.64(13) degrees , gamma=87.28(8) degrees and Z=2. The coordination geometries around copper (II) in these two complexes are best described as trigonal bipyramidal distorted square based pyramidal (TBDSBP). The distorted CuN3Cl basal plane in them is comprised of three nitrogen atoms of the meridionally coordinated ligand and a chloride ion and the axial position is occupied by the other chloride ion. The interaction of these complexes with Calf Thymus DNA (CT DNA) has been studied by using absorption, emission and circular dichroic spectral methods, thermal denaturation studies, viscometry and cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. A strong blueshift in the ligand field band and a redshift in the ligand based bands of the copper(II) complexes on binding to DNA imply a covalent mode of DNA binding of the complexes, which involves coordination of most possibly guanine N7 nitrogen of DNA to form a CuN4 chromophore. This is supported by studying the interaction of the complexes with N-methylimidazole (N-meim), guanosine monophosphate (GMP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and cytidine (cytd) by ligand field and EPR spectral methods, which indicate the formation of a CuN4 chromophore only in the case of the more basic N-meim and GMP. The DNA melting curves obtained in the presence of copper(II) complexes reveal a monophasic and irreversible melting of the DNA strands and the high positive DeltaTm values (12-21 degrees C) also support the formation of strong Cu-N bonds by the complexes with DNA, leading to intra- and/or interstrand crosslinking of DNA. Competitive ethidium bromide (EthBr) binding studies show that the L2 and L3 complexes are less efficient than the L1 complex in quenching EthBr emission, which is consistent with their forming DNA crosslinking preventing the displacement of the DNA-bound EthBr. A very slight decrease in relative viscosity of DNA is observed on treating the L1 and L2 complexes with CT DNA; however, a relatively significant decrease is observed for the L3 complex suggesting that the length of the DNA fiber is shortened. DNA cleavage experiments show that all the complexes induce the cleavage of pBR322 plasmid DNA, the complex of L1 being more efficient than those of sterically hindered L2 and L3 ligands.

The dinuclear ruthenium(II) complex [{(5,6-dmp)2Ru}2(μ-bpm)]4+ (5,6-dmp = 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline; bpm = 2,2′-bipyrimidine) was synthesized and the meso (ΔΛ) and rac (ΔΔ, ΛΛ) diastereoisom...

The interaction of a series of mixed ligand complexes of the type [Ru(NH3)4(diimine)]Cl2, where diimine=2,2′-bipyridine (bipy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (5,6-dmp), 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (4,7-dmp), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (2,9-dmp), 3,4,7,8-tetra-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Me4phen), with calf thymus DNA has been studied using absorption, emission and circular dichroic spectral measurements and viscometry and electrochemical techniques. On interaction with DNA the complexes show hypochromism and red-shift in their MLCT band suggesting that the complexes bind to DNA. The magnitude of the binding constant (Kb) obtained from absorption spectral titration varies depending upon the nature of the diimine ligand: Me4phen > 5,6-dmp > 4,7-dmp > phen suggesting the use of diimine ‘face’ of the octahedral complexes in binding to DNA. The interaction of phen complex possibly involves phen ring partially inserted into the DNA base pairs. In contrast, the methyl-substituted phen complexes would involve hydrophobic interaction of the phen ring in the grooves of DNA, which is supported by hydrogen bonding interactions of the ammonia ligands with the intrastrand nucleobases. Also the shape and size of the phen ligand as modified by the methyl substituents determine the DNA binding site sizes (0.12–0.45 base pairs). The relative emission intensities (I/I0) of the DNA-bound complexes parallel the variation in Kb values. Almost all the metal complexes exhibit induced CD bands on binding to B DNA, with the 4,7-dmp and Me4phen complexes inducing certain structural modifications on the biopolymer. DNA melting curves obtained in the presence of metal complexes reveal a monophasic melting of the DNA strands, the Me4phen complex exhibiting a slightly enhanced tendency to stabilize the double-stranded DNA. There were slight to appreciable changes in the relative viscosities of DNA, which are consistent with enhanced hydrophobic interaction of the methyl-substituted phen rings. Upon interaction with CT DNA, the Me4phen, 4,7-dmp and 5,6-dmp complexes, in contrast to bipy, phen and 2,9-dmp complexes, show a decrease in anodic peak current in their cyclic voltammograms suggesting that they exhibit enhanced DNA binding. DNA cleavage experiments show that all the complexes induce cleavage of pBR322 plasmid DNA, the Me4phen and 5,6-dmp complexes being remarkably more efficient than other complexes.

The bisadduct of Cu(II) chloride with the potential nonadentate ligand N2,N2,N4,N4,N6,N6-hexakis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine, [Cu2Cl4(L)]·2CH3CN, is described. Each of the 2 Cu(II) ions is in a 5-coordinate geometry, intermediate between square pyramidal and tetragonal pyramidal, comprising a CuN3Cl2 chromophore. The intramolecular Cu–Cu distance of 7.511(2) A is too large for a significant magnetic interaction, as confirmed by EPR spectroscopy. All Cu–N and Cu–Cl distances are as commonly found. An acetonitrile solvent molecule is filling a lattice cavity. Packing interactions also appear as normal and intermolecular Cu–Cu contacts are 8.773(2) and 9.991(2) A.

The coordination geometry around copper(II) in [Cu(imda)(phen)(H2O)] (1) (H2imda = iminodiacetic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) is described as distorted octahedral while those in [Cu(imda)(5,6-dmp)] (2) (5,6-dmp = 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) and [Cu(imda)(dpq)] (3) (dpq = dipyrido-[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]-quinoxaline) as trigonal bipyramidal distorted square-based pyramidal with the imda anion facially coordinated to copper(II). Absorption spectral (Kb: 1, 0.60 ± 0.04 × 103; 2, 3.9 ± 0.3 × 103; 3, 1.7 ± 0.5 × 104 M−1) and thermal denaturation studies (ΔTm: 1, 5.70 ± 0.05; 2, 5.5 ± 10; 3, 10.6 ± 10 °C) and viscosity measurements indicate that 3 interacts with calf thymus DNA more strongly than 1 and 2. The relative viscosities of DNA bound to 1 and 3 increase while that of DNA bound to 2 decreases indicating formation of kinks or bends and/or conversion of B to A conformation as revealed by the decrease in intensity of the helicity band in the circular dichroism spectrum of DNA. While 1 and 3 are bound to DNA through partial intercalation, respectively, of phen ring and the extended planar ring of dpq with DNA base stack, the complex 2 is involved in groove binding. All the complexes show cleavage of pBR322 supercoiled DNA in the presence of ascorbic acid with the cleavage efficiency varying in the order 3 > 1 > 2. The highest oxidative DNA cleavage of dpq complex is ascribed to its highest Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox potential. Oxidative cleavage studies using distamycin reveal minor groove binding for the dpq complex but a major groove binding for the phen and 5,6-dmp complexes. Also, all the complexes show hydrolytic DNA cleavage activity in the absence of light or a reducing agent with cleavage efficiency varying in the order 1 > 3 > 2.

The reaction of the redox-active ligand, Hpyramol (4-methyl-2-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminophenol) with K(2)PtCl(4) yields monofunctional square-planar [Pt(pyrimol)Cl], PtL-Cl, which was structurally characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. This compound unexpectedly cleaves supercoiled double-stranded DNA stoichiometrically and oxidatively, in a non-specific manner without any external reductant added, under physiological conditions. Spectro-electrochemical investigations of PtL-Cl were carried out in comparison with the analogue CuL-Cl as a reference compound. The results support a phenolate oxidation, generating a phenoxyl radical responsible for the ligand-based DNA cleavage property of the title compounds. Time-dependent in vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed with both PtL-Cl and CuL-Cl in various cancer cell lines. The compound CuL-Cl overcomes cisplatin-resistance in ovarian carcinoma and mouse leukaemia cell lines, with additional activity in some other cells. The platinum analogue, PtL-Cl also inhibits cell-proliferation selectively. Additionally, cellular-uptake studies performed for both compounds in ovarian carcinoma cell lines showed that significant amounts of Pt and Cu were accumulated in the A2780 and A2780R cancer cells. The conformational and structural changes induced by PtL-Cl and CuL-Cl on calf thymus DNA and phiX174 supercoiled phage DNA at ambient conditions were followed by electrophoretic mobility assay and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The compounds induce extensive DNA degradation and unwinding, along with formation of a monoadduct at the DNA minor groove. Thus, hybrid effects of metal-centre variation, multiple DNA-binding modes and ligand-based redox activity towards cancer cell-growth inhibition have been demonstrated. Finally, reactions of PtL-Cl with DNA model bases (9-Ethylguanine and 5'-GMP) followed by NMR and MS showed slow binding at Guanine-N7 and for the double stranded self complimentary oligonucleotide d(GTCGAC)(2) in the minor groove.

Phenanthroline derivatives are of interest due to their potential activity against cancer, and viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. In a search for highly specific antitumor and antibacterial compounds, we report the activities of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione or L(1)), dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz or L(2)), and their corresponding platinum complexes ([PtL(1)Cl2] and [PtL(2)Cl2]), and provide the solid-state 3D structure for [PtL(1)Cl2]. It is generally known that a toxic metal ion coordinated to an active organic moiety leads to a synergistic effect; however, we report herein that the platinum complexes [PtL(1)Cl2] and [PtL(2)Cl2] have weaker activities relative to those of the free ligands, especially against bacteria. Testing these agents against a variety of human cancer cell lines revealed that L(1) and [PtL(1)Cl2] were at least as active as cisplatin against several of the cell lines (including a cisplatin-resistant cell line). The absence of antibacterial activity of [PtL(1)Cl2] removes the detrimental effect of phenanthrolines toward intestinal flora, suggesting a highly promising new strategy for the development of anticancer drugs with reduced side effects.

The reactions of the ligand 2-(2-pyridyl)benzthiazole (pbt) with CuBr 2 and ZnCl 2 in acetonitrile produce the complexes [Cu(pbt)Br 2] ( 1) and [Zn(pbt)Cl 2] ( 3), respectively. When complex 1 is dissolved in DMF, complex 2 is obtained as light-green crystals. The reaction of pbt with CuBr 2 in DMF also yields the complex [Cu(pbt)Br 2(dmf)] ( 2) (dmf = dimethylformamide). Complexes 1- 3 were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1 and 3 have distorted tetrahedral coordination environments, and complex 2 is constituted of two slightly different copper centers, both exhibiting distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometries. Complexes 1 and 2 cleave phiX174 phage DNA, both in the presence and the absence of reductant. The free ligand pbt does not show any DNA-cleaving abilities. The poor solubility of complex 3 makes it not applicable for biological tests. The occurrence of DNA breaks in the presence of various radical scavengers suggests that no diffusible radicals are involved in the DNA cleavage by complex 1, as none of the scavengers inhibit the cleavage reaction. The DNA-cleavage products are not religated with the enzyme T4 DNA ligase, which is an additional proof that the cleavage is nonhydrolytic. Most probably the cleaving reaction involves reactive oxygen species, which could not be trapped, leading to an oxidative mechanism. An easy oxidation of Cu (II)(pbt)Br 2 to Cu (III) in DMF and the reduction of the same to Cu (I), under similar electrochemical conditions may lead to the in situ activation of molecular oxygen, resulting in the formation of metal solvated nondiffusible radicals able to prompt the oxidative cleavage of DNA. Complex 1 and the pure ligand exhibit remarkable cytotoxic effects against the cancer cell lines L1210 and A2780 and also against the corresponding cisplatin-resistant mutants of these cell lines.

Chemical nucleases based on the transition-metal ions cleave DNA hydrolytically and/or oxidatively, with or without added reductant. We report here the novel DNA cleavage properties of the highly water-soluble, square-planar [Cu(Hpyrimol)Cl] complex, together with the results of cytotoxicities toward selected cancer cell lines. The copper complex cleaves PhiX174 supercoiled DNA efficiently without any reductant and shows high cytotoxicities toward L1210 murine leukemia and A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cancer cell lines that are sensitive and resistant to cisplatin. The IC50 values obtained for the copper complex in the sensitive cell lines are in the range of cisplatin, and for the cisplatin-resistant leukemia cell line, this value is even better.

The X-ray crystal structure of the complex rac-[Ru(5,6-dmp)(3)]Cl(2) (5,6-dmp = 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) reveals a distorted octahedral coordination geometry with the Ru-N bond distances shorter than in its phen analogue. Absorption spectral titrations with CT DNA reveal that rac-[Ru(5,6-dmp)(3)](2+) interacts (K(b), (8.0 +/- 0.2) x 10(4) M(-1)) much more strongly than its phen analogue. The emission intensity of the 5,6-dmp complex is dramatically enhanced on binding to DNA, which is higher than that of the phen analogue. Also, interestingly, time-resolved emission measurements on the DNA-bound complex shows biexponential decay of the excited states with the lifetimes of short- and long-lived components being higher than those for the phen analogue. The CD spectral studies of rac-[Ru(5,6-dmp)(3)](2+) bound to CT DNA provide a definite and elegant evidence for the enantiospecific interaction of the complex with B-form DNA. Competitive DNA binding studies using rac-[Ru(phen)(3)](2+) provide support for the strong binding of the complex with DNA. The Delta-enantiomer of rac-[Ru(5,6-dmp)(3)](2+) binds specifically to the right-handed B-form of poly d(GC)(12) at lower ionic strength (0.05 M NaCl), and the Lambda-enantiomer binds specifically to the left-handed Z-form of poly d(GC)(12) generated by treating the B-form with 5 M NaCl. The strong electronic coupling of the DNA-bound complex with the unbound complex facilitates the change in its enantiospecificity upon changing the conformation of DNA. The (1)H NMR spectra of rac-[Ru(5,6-dmp)(3)](2+) bound to poly d(GC)(12) reveal that the complex closely interacts most possibly in the major grooves of DNA. Electrochemical studies using ITO electrode show that the 5,6-dmp complex stabilizes CT DNA from electrocatalytic oxidation of its guanine base more than the phen analogue does.

Chemical nucleases based on the transition-metal ions cleave DNA hydrolytically and/or oxidatively, with or without added reductant. We report here the novel DNA cleavage properties of the highly water-soluble, square-planar [Cu(Hpyrimol)Cl] complex, together with the results of cytotoxicities toward selected cancer cell lines. The copper complex cleaves ΦX174 supercoiled DNA efficiently without any reductant and shows high cytotoxicities toward L1210 murine leukemia and A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cancer cell lines that are sensitive and resistant to cisplatin. The IC50 values obtained for the copper complex in the sensitive cell lines are in the range of cisplatin, and for the cisplatin-resistant leukemia cell line, this value is even better.

Starting from the Ru(III) complex, [RuCl3(L1)](H2O) (L1: 2,6-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyliminomethyl)pyridine), the chemical reactivity and cytotoxic activity of a new family of Ru(II) complexes with a number of bidentate co-ligands have been studied. The synthesis of the Ru(II)-bis(arylimino)pyridine complexes with the co-ligands 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2′dipyridyl-(bpy), 2-(phenylazo)pyridine (azpy), 2-(phenylazo)-3-methylpyridine (3mazpy), 2-(tolylazo)pyridine (tazpy), and 2-picolinate (pic) is reported. These new six complexes, with L1 and different bidentate N donor co-ligands, have been designed to allow the binding of a monodentate chloride ligand, which would be easily hydrolysed in vitro. Elemental analysis and several spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV-Vis, 1D and 2D 1H NMR and ESI-MS) have been used for the characterization of the new Ru(II) compounds. In addition, the crystal structure of the chlorido(2-picolinato)(2,6-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyliminomethyl)pyridine)ruthenium(II) was solved and shows a slightly distorted octahedral geometry for the Ru(II) centre with the tridentate L1 ligand coordinated in a planar mer fashion, with the bidentate ligand in a perpendicular orientation and a monodentate chloride, trans to the coordinating oxygen of the picolinate ion. The in vitro cytotoxic properties of these new Ru(II) complexes in comparison with the parent, starting Ru(III)-compound (IC50 values = 11–17 μM) appear to be encouraging for a broad range of cancer cell-lines tested (IC50 values = 0.4–10 μM). Some of them show better cytotoxic effects than cisplatin on a straight comparison with the same cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity data are discussed in the light of structure–activity relationships and these ruthenium(II) compounds could well be promising next generation candidates worth further investigation.

The DNA-cleavage properties of the two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(mbpzbpy)Br(2)](H(2)O)(2.5) (1) and [Cu(mpzbpya)Cl](CH(3)OH) (2), obtained from the ligands 6,6'-bis(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) (mbpzbpy) and 6'-(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine-6-carboxylic acid) (Hmpzbpya), respectively, are reported. Upon coordination to Cu(II) chloride in methanol, one arm of the ligand mbpzbpy is hydrolyzed to form mpzbpya. Under the same experimental conditions, the reaction of mbpzbpy with CuBr(2) does not lead to ligand hydrolysis. The ligand mpzbpya is coordinated to a copper(ii) ion generating a CuN(3)OCl chromophore, resulting in a distorted square-pyramidal environment, whereas with the N(4) mbpzbpy ligand, the Cu(II) ion is four-coordinated in a distorted square planar geometry. Both complexes promote the oxidative DNA cleavage of phiX174 phage DNA in the absence of reductant. The oxidative nature of the DNA cleavage reaction has been confirmed by religation and cell-transformation experiments. Studies using standard radical scavengers suggest the involvement of hydroxyl radicals in the oxidative cleavage of DNA. Although both compounds do convert form I (supercoiled) DNA to form II (nicked, relaxed form), only complex 1 is able to produce small amounts of form III (linearized DNA). This observation may be explained either by the attack of the copper(ii) complexes to only one single strand of DNA, or by a single cleavage event. Statistical analysis of relative DNA quantities present after the treatment with both copper(ii) complexes supports a random mode of DNA cleavage.