DNA interaction, in vitro antimicrobial and SOD-like activity of copper(II) complexes with norfloxacin and terpyridines

The novel octahedral copper(II) complexes with the second generation fluoroquinolone, norfloxacin and terpyridine derivatives were prepared and characterized. The antimicrobial efficiency of the complexes were tested on five different microorganisms and showed good biological activity. Viscosity measurement and absorption titration were employed to determine the mode of binding of complexes with DNA whereas the cleavage efficacy of the complexes towards pUC19 DNA was determined by electrophoresis in presence of ethidium bromide. SOD mimic behaviour was actively sought for clinical and mechanistic purposes under a nonenzymatic system (NBT/NADH/PMS), and was found to have good antioxidant activity.

Viscosity measurement can be regarded as a reliable tool in the absence of crystallographic and NMR data. The intercalation of a molecule into DNA could result in lengthening, unwinding and stiffening of the helix and is usually accompany by increase in solution viscosity.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The action of many drugs depends on coordination with metal ions or/and the inhibition on the formation of metalloenzymes.
► Drug based mixed-ligand Cu(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized.
► Antibacterial activity of complexes against Gram(+ve) and Gram(−ve) bacteria was checked.
► DNA interaction studies have been carried out using different techniques.
► Superoxide dismutase activity has been done to measure the IC50 value of the complexes.