Study of DNA interactions with cyclic chalcone derivatives by spectroscopic techniques

A series of chalcone derivatives (1–4) were studied. The interaction between these ligands and calf thymus DNA was studied with UV–vis spectrophotometry, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The binding constants K were estimated at 0.5–4.6 × 105 M−1. All these measurements indicated that the compounds behave as effective DNA-intercalating agents. Electrophoretic separation proved that ligands inhibited topoisomerase I at a concentration of 60 μM.

Graphical abstractThe interaction between these ligands and calf thymus DNA was studied with UV–vis, fluorescence in addition to circular dichroism spectroscopy. The binding constants, topoisomerase, inhibition of these compounds are reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The interaction between a series of chalcone derivatives (1–4) and calf thymus DNA was studied with UV–vis spectrophotometry, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. ► The binding constants K were estimated at 0.5–4.6 × 105 M−1. ► All these measurements indicated that the compounds behave as effective DNA-intercalating agents. ► Electrophoretic separation proved that ligands inhibited topoisomerase I at a concentration of 60 μM