Synthesis, molecular structure, DNA-binding, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and antioxidant activity of compounds containing aryloxazole

•Three new aryloxazole compounds were synthesized.•The DNA-binding behaviors were studies by absorption titration, viscosity measurements.•The cytotoxicity of these complexes was evaluated by MTT method.•The cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry.•The antioxidant activity of these compounds against hydroxyl radical was also explored.

Three novel aryloxazole compounds 1–3 were synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of compounds 2 and 3 show that N atom locates at β-position and O atom at α-position in naphthalene cycle. The DNA binding constants for compounds 1–3 are 4.44 × 103, 5.31 × 103 and 2.64 × 103 M−1, respectively. The viscosity measurements indicate that these compounds intercalate between the DNA base pairs. Upon irradiation, compounds 1–3 can effectively cleave pBR322 DNA. The cytotoxicity of the compounds against BEL-7402, A549, MG-63 and SKBR-3 were assayed by MTT method. The apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were investigated towards A549 cells. The antioxidant activities of the compounds against hydroxyl radicals were also explored.

Graphical abstractThree novel aryloxazole compounds 1–3 were synthesized. The DNA-binding behaviors were investigated. The cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT method. The cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were also studied.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide