DNA binding, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of homo- and heteronuclear copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes with new oxime-type ligands

Some homo- and heteronuclear Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes of new oxime-type ligands were tested against several pathogenic microorganisms to assess their antimicrobial potentials. The antimicrobial activities of complexes were evaluated in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC; μg/μL) and it was observed that the complexes possess moderate antimicrobial properties. The binding of the complexes with DNA were also investigated by using UV–Vis spectroscopy. It was seen that three of the complexes could bind to DNA through an intercalative mode while the other complexes could have other mechanisms. Furthermore, the antioxidant efficiencies of the metal complexes were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radical scavening activities. Due to the observed IC50 values, they are potential drugs to eliminate the radicals.

Graphical abstractMononuclear Cu(II) (K3, K4), homodinuclear Cu(II) (K1 and K6), heterodinuclear Cu(II)-Ni(II) (K2, K5 and K8) and homotrinuclear Cu(II) (K7) complexes derived from oxime-type ligands (L1 and L2) were investigated. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide