Preparation, characterization and cytotoxicity studies of some transition metal complexes with ofloxacin and 1,10-phenanthroline mixed ligand

•Mixed ligand metal complexes of ofloxacin and 1,10-phenanthroline were prepared.•The complexes were characterized by using elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis., 1H NMR, mass spectra, and thermal analysis.•The activation kinetic parameters were calculated.•The antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activity of ofloxacin, 1,10-phenanthroline and their metal complexes were evaluated.

[Zn(Ofl)(Phen)(H2O)2](CH3COO)·2H2O (1), [ZrO(Ofl)(Phen)(H2O)]NO3·2H2O (2) and [UO2(Ofl)(Phen)(H2O)](CH3COO)·H2O (3) complexes of fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent ofloxacin (HOfl), containing a nitrogen donor heterocyclic ligand, 1,10-phenathroline monohydrate (Phen), were prepared and their structures were established with the help of elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic properties, thermal studies and different spectroscopic studies like IR, UV-Vis., 1H NMR and Mass. The IR data of HOfl and Phen ligands suggested the existing of a bidentate binding involving carboxylate O and pyridone O for HOfl ligand and two pyridine N atoms for Phen ligand. The coordination geometries and electronic structures are determined from electronic absorption spectra and magnetic moment measurements. From molar conductance studies reveals that metal complexes are electrolytes and of 1:1 type. The calculated bond length and force constant, F(UO), in the uranyl complex are 1.751 Å and 641.04 Nm−1. The thermal properties of the complexes were investigated by thermogravimetry (TGA) technique. The activation thermodynamic parameters are calculated using Coats–Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger methods. Antimicrobial activity of the compounds was evaluated against some bacteria and fungi species. The activity data show that most metal complexes have antibacterial activity than that of the parent HOfl drug. The in vitro cytotoxicities of ligands and their complexes were also evaluated against human breast and colon carcinoma cells.

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