Synthesis, DNA-binding, DNA-photonuclease profiling and antimicrobial activity of novel tetra-aza macrocyclic Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes constrained by thiadiazole

A new tetra-aza macrocyclic ligand, L (C24H16N12O2S4) and its complexes of type, [MLCl2] and [CuL]Cl2 (where M = Ni(II), Co(II); L = N,N′-(benzene-1,3-diyldi-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5,2-diyl)bis{2-[(5-benzene-1,3-diyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)amino]acetamide}) were synthesized and characterized by the spectral and analytical techniques. An octahedral geometry has been proposed for Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes while Cu(II) complex exhibit a square planar geometry. All the synthesized metal complexes were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against selected species of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The binding property of the complexes with CT-DNA was studied by absorption spectral analysis, followed by viscosity measurement and thermal denaturation studies. The photo induced cleavage studies revealed that the complexes possess photonuclease property against pUC19 DNA under UV–visible irradiation.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Synthesis of tetra-aza macrocyclic Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) metal complexes. ► Characterized by the spectral and analytical techniques. ► Screening of newly synthesized complexes for in vitro antimicrobial activity. ► DNA binding and photo cleavage studies of macrocyclic transition metal complexes.