Isothiocyanate l-argininato copper(II) complexes - Solution structure, DNA interaction, anticancer and antimicrobial...

Area of Science:

• Coordination Chemistry
• Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Copper(II) complexes with l-arginine are investigated for therapeutic applications.
• Understanding their structural and chemical properties is crucial for developing new treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct comprehensive structural and speciation studies of two ternary copper(II) complexes with l-arginine (l-Arg) and thiocyanate (NCS).
• To evaluate their DNA binding capabilities and biological activity, including cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effects.

Main Methods:

• Solution studies using pH-potentiometry, EPR, VIS, NIR-VIS-UV spectroscopy.
• Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for structural analysis.
• DNA binding assays and cell-based assays (cytotoxicity, antiproliferative) on human carcinoma and normal cells.

Main Results:

• Characterization of mononuclear [Cu(l-Arg)2(NCS)]+ in complex 1 and equilibrium between [Cu(l-Arg)(SCN)]+ and [Cu(l-Arg)2]2+ in complex 2 at pH 7.0.
• Identified complexes as strong minor groove DNA binders, inducing ROS-mediated plasmid damage.
• Demonstrated selective cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects against A549 carcinoma cells compared to normal cells.
• Observed antimicrobial activity against Enterobacteriaceae bacteria.

Conclusions:

• The studied copper(II)-l-arginine complexes exhibit distinct speciation in solution.
• These complexes show potential as DNA-interacting agents with therapeutic implications.
• Compounds 1 and 2 display selective anticancer activity and antimicrobial properties, warranting further investigation.