Synthesis and structure elucidation of a copper(II) Schiff-base complex: In vitro DNA binding, pBR322 plasmid cleavage and HSA binding studies

•New metal-based complex was synthesized and characterized.•DNA binding studies revealed the electrostatic interaction mode of binding.•Complex 1 shows efficient hydrolytic cleavage of pBR322 DNA.•Complex 1 recognizes minor groove.

New copper(II) complex with Schiff base ligand 4-[(2-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-amino]-benzoic acid (H2L) was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies which revealed that the complex 1 exist in a distorted octahedral environment. In vitro CT-DNA binding studies were performed by employing different biophysical technique which indicated that the 1 strongly binds to DNA in comparison to ligand via electrostatic binding mode. Complex 1 cleaves pBR322 DNA via hydrolytic pathway and recognizes minor groove of DNA double helix. The HSA binding results showed that ligand and complex 1 has ability to quench the fluorescence emission intensity of Trp 214 residue available in the subdomain IIA of HSA.

Graphical abstractNew mononuclear copper(II) Schiff base complex were designed and synthesized, targetingDNA using carrier protein HSA.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide