Novel mononuclear Pt2Â + and Pd2Â + complexes containing (2,3-f)pyrazino(1,10)phenanthroline-2,3-dicarboxylic acid as a multi-donor ligand. Synthesis, structure, interaction with DNA, in vitro cytotoxicity, and apoptosis

Two novel Pt and Pd complexes, coordinating as ligand the [2,3-f]pyrazino [1,10]phenanthroline-2,3-dicarboxylic acid, have been designed and synthesized. The complexes showed significant DNA cleavage abilities. In vitro cytotoxicity was investigated against two different human cancer cell lines evidencing good cytotoxic activities.86