DNA interaction and efficient antimicrobial activities of 4N chelating metal complexes

•Synthesis of new and efficient DNA targeting chelates.•Synthesis of good metallointercalators.•Excellent DNA binding behavior of Co(II) complex.•Efficient antimicrobial effect of complexes against various pathogens.

A new series of metal(II) complexes using a symmetric Schiff base ligand, obtained by the condensation reaction of 4-formyl-N,N-dimethylaniline with benzene-1,2-diamine were synthesized and characterized. The various physico-chemical data indicate that the complexes have octahedral geometry. The intrinsic binding constant of the complexes with DNA is explored. The UV–Vis., circular dichorism, fluorescence emission spectral data and the viscosity measurements indicate that the complexes bind to calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) by intercalative mode. The intrinsic binding constants of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes are found to be 7.1 × 104, 5.2 × 104, 1.8 × 105 and 6.3 × 104 M−1, respectively. The cleavage studies of these complexes are investigated by gel electrophoresis method in the presence of peroxide. The complexes exhibit enhanced biological activities compared to the free ligand.

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