Synthesis, characterization of new copper (ii) Schiff base and 1,10 phenanthroline complexes and study of their bioproperties

• Cu(II) Schiff base complexes are better DNA intercalators in cancer therapy.
• Hydrolytic pathway usually depends on the lewis acidity of the central metal ion.
• Liposolubility is an important factor for controlling antimicrobial activity.

Three mononuclear Cu(II) complexes [Cu(naph-phe)phen] (1), [Cu(naph-tyr)(phen)] (2) and [Cu(naph-trp)(phen)] (3) were synthesized, characterized and their biological properties were studied. Complexes 1, 2, 3 exhibit square pyramidal geometry where Schiff base acts as a binegative tridentate ONO donor ligand and phen acts as NN donor ligand. CT-DNA binding studies revealed that the complexes bind through intercalative mode and show good binding propensity. The hydrolytic DNA cleavage activity of these complexes has been studied using gel electrophoresis. The DNA binding and cleavage affinities decrease in the order of 3 > 2 > 1. The in-vitro antimicrobial activities of the complexes were also studied.

Graphical Abstract[Cu(II)(naph-phe)phen] (1), [Cu(II)(naph-tyr)phen] (2)and [Cu(II)(naph-trp)phen] (3) were synthesized, characterized and their DNA binding, cleavage and antibacterial properties were studied.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide