Comprehensive studies on the DNA-binding and cleavage properties of a nickel complex derived from phthalate and 1,10-phenanthroline

Binding properties of a nickel complex, [Ni(phen)(pha)(H2O)3] (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, pha = o-phthalate) to DNA were comprehensively investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy, viscosity, electrochemistry, melting temperature and gel electrophoresis measurements. After interaction with DNA, the hypochromism and bathochromism for the characteristic absorption peaks of [Ni(phen)(pha)(H2O)3] revealed a typical intercalation, which was proved by viscosity and melting temperature experiments. Electrochemical assays showed that the electrochemical activity of the nickel complex was shielded after inserting into the double-helix structure of DNA. Moreover, the results of agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the complex had moderate cleavage ability to supercoiled DNA in the presence of H2O2.

Graphical abstractDNA-binding properties of a nickel complex were comprehensively studied by electronic absorption spectra, viscosity and melting temperature, et al. The experimental results showed that the nickel complex could intercalatively bind to DNA with medium intrinsic association strength. Agarose gel electrophoresis suggested that in the presence of H2O2, the complex could cleave the supercoiled plasmid pBR322 DNA, showing an artificial nucleases activity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide