Synthesis, crystal structures, DNA binding and photoluminescence properties of [Cu(pzta)2Cl]Cl⋅H2O for DNA detection

We report here the synthesis of a new copper(II) complex of 2,4-diamino-6-(2'-pyrazin)-1,3,5-triazine [Cu(pzta)2Cl]Cl·H2O and its characterization using UV and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the complex was sensitive to oxygen and to the polarity of nonaqueous solvents. Binding of the complex to DNA was investigated using UV spectroscopy, ethidium bromide displacement from DNA, cyclic voltammetry, and viscometry. The results revealed the DNA binding mode was intercalation together with external static-electricity. However, the complex can be also used to DNA detection as DNA fluorescence probe with a LOD of 4.21 ng mL(-1) for the relative wide linear range between 0.2 and 17 μg mL(-1). In conclusion, that synthetic method of the complex was easy with low expense and was relatively rapid and sensitive compared to most toxic fluorescence dyes. This finding would indicate the complex may be a potential DNA-targeted probes and optical probes for oxygen-free environments in nonaqueous form.