Synthesis, crystal structure, spectral characterization and biological exploration of water soluble Cu(II) complexes...

The synthesis and characterization of Copper(II) complexes of a Schiff base derived from vitamin B6 component (pyridoxal) and ethanol amine [CuL2] (1), and its mixed ligand complexes [Cu(L)(N,N')]NO3, where N,N' is bipyridine (2) and 1,10-phenanthroline (3) are reported, including the X-ray crystal structures of [CuL2] (1). The crystal structure of 1 has square planar geometry with ligand to the metal ratio 2:1. The molecules are assembled in 3D supramolecular structure through hydrogen bonding interactions. DNA is considered as the major pharmacological target of metal based drugs, the objective of the present work includes the understanding of DNA binding mode of the synthesized compounds. The complexes bind with DNA through non intercalative interaction has been evidenced from the results of UV-Visible and fluorescence spectral titrations. It is further validated by molecular docking studies. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding studies revealed that the complexes can strongly quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA through a static quenching mechanism. The complexes promote the DNA cleavage even in the absence of additives which follows the order 2 > 1 > 3. Further, the complexes show potential cytotoxicity towards human breast cancer cell MCF-7 and induce the cell death.