Exploring DNA binding ability of two novel α-N-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazone palladium(II) complexes

One mononuclear and another dinuclear Pd(II) complexes bearing a α-N-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazone ligand have been synthesized, fully characterized and studied as biological agents. In both complexes, the palladium center is coordinated to 3,5-diacetyl-1,2,4-triazol bis(N4,N4-dimethylthiosemicarbazone) via three sites (N, N and S). Their binding ability to DNA has been evaluated using spectroscopic and biophysical techniques. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics calculations supports the existence of a minor groove binding mode between the studied compounds and DNA.