Spectral studies on the interaction of DNA and Ru(bipy)2(dppx)2+

The interaction of Ru(bipy)2(dppx)2+ (bipy = 2.2'-bipyridine,dppx = 7,8-dimethyldipyrido phenazine) with the calfthymus DNA has been studied with fluorescence and ultraviolet visible absorption spectroscopy. The results of fluorescence quenching and salt effect show that Ru(bipy)2(dppx)2+ intercalate into the double helix of DNA. The ultraviolet visible absorption spectrum of Ru(bipy)2(dppx)2+, calfthymus DNA, and their interaction indicate that Ru(bipy)2(dppx)2+ intercalate into the double helix of DNA via the ligand dppx.