Human serum albumin binding and cytotoxicity studies of surfactant-cobalt(III) complex containing 1,10-phenanthroline ligand

► HSA molecules have a relatively high affinity with surfactant-cobalt(III) complex, through hydrophobic interaction. ► The surfactant-cobalt(III) complex produced evidence of affecting viability and inducing cell death, predominantly apoptosis, in ME-180 cervical cancer cells. ► The necrotic death of cells, occurring on certain circumstances, is also a desired end point in cancer therapy.