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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Structure and Coordination Determination of Peptide-metal Complexes Using 1D and 2D 1H NMR
Published on: December 16, 2013
A DNA-binding copper(I) metallosupramolecular cylinder that acts as an artificial nuclease
Laura J Childs1, Jaroslav Malina, Britt Elin Rolfsnes
1Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
Abstract:
The DNA binding of a dicationic pyridylimine-based dicopper(I) metallosupramolecular cylinder is reported together with its ability to act as an artificial nuclease. The cylinder binds strongly to DNA; more strongly than the spherical dication [Ru(phen)(3)](2+) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline), but more weakly than the corresponding tetracationic cylinders. DNA coiling effects are not observed with this dication, in contrast to the situation with the previously reported tetracationic cylinder involving a similar ligand. Linear dichroism (LD) data suggests that the dicopper cylinder binds in a different orientation from that of the tetracationic iron cylinder. Furthermore, the dicopper cylinder shows DNA-cleavage activity in the presence of peroxide. Of particular note is that the cylinder displays a marked and unusual ability to cleave both DNA strands at the same site, probably reflecting its dinuclear nature and possibly its mode of binding to the DNA.
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