DNA binding behaviors and cleavage properties of a Ru(II) polypyridyl complex

A novel complex, [Ru(phen)2pzip]2+1 (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; pzip = 2-(pyrazine-2-yl)imidazo-[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline]), has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ES-MS, 1H NMR. The DNA-binding behaviors of this complex were studied by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that the complex can bind to CT-DNA in an intercalative mode. When irradiated at 365 nm, complex 1 can promote the cleavage of plasmid pBR322DNA. Furthermore, Zn2+ can trigger the DNA cleavage of complex 1 without irradiation. The mechanism studies revealed that the DNA cleavage by complex 1 in the presence of Zn2+ is likely to proceed via a hydrolytic cleavage process.

A novel ruthenium(II) complex, [Ru(phen)2pzip]2+ has been synthesized and characterized. DNA cleavage results show that the complex can promote cleavage of plasmid pBE322DNA under irradiation, Zn2+ can trigger the DNA cleavage of this complex without irradiation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A novel complex, [Ru(phen)2pzip]2+ has been synthesized and characterized.
► The DNA-binding result suggest that this Ru(II) complex can bind to DNA by intercalation.
► When irradiated at 365 nm, this complex can promote cleavage of pBR322 DNA.
► Zn2+ can trigger the DNA cleavage of the Ru(II) complex without irradiation.