Ni(II) Complexes with Schiff Base Ligands: Preparation, Characterization, DNA/Protein Interaction and Cytotoxicity...

Area of Science:

• Coordination Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Nickel(II) complexes are explored for their diverse applications, including medicinal chemistry.
• Understanding metal-ligand interactions is crucial for developing novel therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize two novel nickel(II) complexes.
• To investigate the interaction of these complexes with biological macromolecules like bovine serum albumin (BSA) and DNA.
• To evaluate the in vitro antitumor activity of the synthesized complexes against a panel of cancer cell lines.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of nickel(II) complexes using X-ray crystallography, ESI-MS, elemental analysis, and IR spectroscopy.
• Spectroscopic studies (UV-Vis, CD, fluorescence quenching) to investigate interactions with BSA and DNA.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays (MTT, Annexin V/PI flow cytometry) to assess antitumor capacity.

Main Results:

• Two nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(HL1)₂(OAc)₂] and [Ni(L2)₂], were successfully synthesized and characterized.
• Complexes and ligands demonstrated static quenching of BSA intrinsic fluorescence, indicating binding.
• Spectroscopic evidence suggested DNA binding through groove, non-covalent, and electrostatic interactions.
• Both complexes exhibited reasonable cytotoxicity against eight tested cancer cell lines.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized nickel(II) complexes interact with BSA and DNA via specific mechanisms.
• These complexes show promising in vitro antitumor activity, warranting further investigation for cancer therapy development.