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Insights into the Silver Camphorimine Complexes Interactions with DNA Based on Cyclic Voltammetry and Docking Studies
Joana P Costa1, Gonçalo C Justino1,2, Fernanda Marques3
1Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 12, 2025
Summary
Cyclic voltammetry effectively screens silver complexes for DNA binding, reducing the need for extensive cytotoxicity tests. This electrochemical method identifies strong DNA binders, optimizing compound selection for further evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Coordination Chemistry
- Biophysical Chemistry
Background:
- Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is a cost-effective technique for assessing compound-DNA interactions.
- Silver complexes are investigated for their potential therapeutic applications, including anticancer properties.
- Understanding compound-DNA binding mechanisms is crucial for drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the DNA-binding capabilities of 27 camphorimine silver complexes using cyclic voltammetry.
- To correlate electrochemical findings with molecular docking and cytotoxicity data.
- To establish a rational basis for selecting promising silver complexes for further biological evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Cyclic voltammetry was employed to study the interaction of silver complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA).
- Complex-DNA interactions were analyzed by observing shifts in cathodic waves.
- Molecular docking simulations were performed to elucidate binding modes and energies.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for morphological analysis of reaction products.
Main Results:
- All tested silver complexes exhibited interactions with CT-DNA, evidenced by shifts in their cyclic voltammograms.
- The magnitude of the potential shift varied among different complex families and ligand substituents.
- Molecular docking results corroborated the electrochemical findings regarding interaction strength and revealed detailed non-covalent binding interactions.
- A direct correlation was observed between electrochemical shifts and the cytotoxic activities of the complexes.
Conclusions:
- Cyclic voltammetry is a valuable tool for rapidly screening and prioritizing silver complexes based on their DNA-binding affinity.
- The study provides a framework for understanding the relationship between electrochemical properties, DNA interaction, and cytotoxicity of silver complexes.
- This approach facilitates the optimization of drug discovery pipelines by minimizing unnecessary cytotoxicity assays.
