DNA-binding and cleavage studies of novel binuclear copper(II) complex with 1,1′-dimethyl-2,2′-biimidazole ligand

DNA-binding properties of novel binulear copper(II) complex [Cu2(Dmbiim)4(H2O)2](ClO4)4 · 6H2O, where Dmbiim = 1, 1′-Dimethyl-2, 2′-biimidazole are investigated using electronic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurement and voltammetry. The results show that the copper(II) complex interacts with DNA through minor groove binding. The interaction between the complex and DNA has also been investigated by gel electrophoresis, interestingly, we found that the copper(II) complex can cleave circular plasmid pBR322 DNA efficiently in the presence of AH2 (ascorbic acid) at pH 8.0 and 37 °C.