Synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity in vitro of the complex [Mn (Hptc) (phen) (OH)] n

AimsA bridging ligand 2,4,6-pyridine tricarboxylic acid (H3ptc) and its manganese(II) complex [Mn(Hptc)(phen)(OH)]n(Hptc = 2,4,6-pyridine tricarboxylic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized.Main methodsThe interaction with DNA (HeLa and KB) was carried out by fluorescence spectrum and gel electrophoresis assay. In vitro apoptosis assay and cytotoxicity assay detect the manganese (II) complex interaction with cancer cells.Key findingsFluorescence spectrum demonstrated the ability of the complexes to interact with DNA in an intercalative mode. Gel electrophoresis assay exhibited more effective DNA-cleavage activity. In vitro apoptosis assay of the complexes were examined on HeLa and KB cells, exhibited cytotoxic specificity and a significant cancer cell inhibitory rate.SignificanceThe complex may be a latent antitumor agent as a result of its unique interaction mode with DNA and cancer cells inhibition effect.