DNA interaction and cytotoxic activity of copper complex based on tridentate hydrazone derived ligand and nitrogen donor heterocycle

• Tetradentate copper(II) complex was synthesized based on novel hydrazone ligand.
• Single crystal studies of the complex revealed square planar geometry.
• DNA binding studies of the complex stated the intercalative binding mode.
• Cytotoxicity studies against MCF-7 for the complex and ligand were carried out.

Tetra coordinated copper(II) complex of formula [Cu(L1)(imid)] is synthesized using imidazole and a tridentate O,N,O hydrazone ligand L1 prepared by condensation of 1,1,1-trifluoropentanedione and 4-chlorobenzhydrazide. The ligand and complex are characterized by UV–Visible, FTIR, NMR, mass and single crystal XRD techniques. DNA binding mode is assessed by UV absorption, fluorescence spectral and circular dichroism studies. Based on the results, it is observed that complex has preferred intercalative mode of binding with DNA. The binding constant, Kb, was found to be 4.02 ± 0.09 × 104 M− 1. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH, ΔS and ΔG obtained from acridine orange fluorescence displacement assay revealed that the hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions are playing a major role in the binding pattern. In addition, cytotoxicity of the complex towards MCF-7 breast cancer cell line has also been assessed.

Tetradentate copper(II) complex was synthesized using novel hydrazone ligand and nitrogen donor heterocycle. DNA binding mode of the characterized complex was investigated using UV absorption, fluorescence displacement assays, circular dichroism studies and molecular docking studies. The cytotoxicity of the complex was assessed against MCF-7 cell line.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide