Competitive DNA-Binding Studies between Metal Complexes and GelRed as a New and Safe Fluorescent DNA Dye

The focus of this work is introduction of GelRed (GR) as a stable, sensitive and environmentally safe fluorescent DNA dye instead of the highly toxic ethidium bromide (EB). Competitive DNA-binding studies between metal complexes, [Cu(phen-dion)(phen)Cl]Cl (1), [Cu(phen-dione)(bpy)Cl]Cl (2), [Cu(dppt)2(H2O)]PF6 (3), [Ni(dppt)2Cl2] (4), [Zn(dppt)2Cl2] (5), and K3[Fe(CN)6] (6) (where phen-dione is 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, phen is 1,10- phenanthroline, bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, and dppt is 5,6-diphenyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazine), and GelRed have been investigated under physiological conditions by fluorescence spectroscopy. This simple method can reveal the binding affinity and mode of metal complexes with DNA. The method is based on the decrease of fluorescence derived from the displacement of GelRed from DNA by metal complexes. The % fluorescence decrease is directly related to the extent of DNA binding. Results indicate the DNA binding affinities of complexes follow the order 3 > 4 > 1 > 2 > 5 > 6. The significant quenching of the emission band of the GR-DNA with the addition of complexes 1, 3, and 4 suggests that complexes compete for DNA-binding sites with GR and displace GR from the GR-DNA, which is usually characteristic of the intercalative interaction of compounds with DNA. A small quenching of the emission band of the GR-DNA with the addition of the complex 2 was observed that show the complex weaker competes for DNA-binding sites with GR than complexes 1, 3, and 4. Results show complexes 5 and 6 cannot compete for DNA-binding sites with GR and their interaction with DNA is external binding (groove or electrostatic bindig).