Exploring an azo-uracil based nickel(ii) complex for anticancer and phosphatase like activities

Area of Science:

• Coordination Chemistry
• Cancer Biology
• Catalysis

Background:

• Development of novel metal complexes for therapeutic applications is crucial.
• Azo-uracil ligands offer unique coordination properties.
• Targeting cancer cells selectively while sparing normal cells is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a new azo-uracil based Ni(II) complex (N1).
• To evaluate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of N1 on cancer cells.
• To investigate the mechanism of action, DNA binding, and catalytic activity of N1.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and structural characterization (FTIR, NMR, ESI-MS, X-ray diffraction).
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays on cancer and normal cell lines.
• Flow cytometry, fluorescence analysis for apoptosis induction.
• ROS generation assays, caspase inhibition studies.
• DNA binding studies (UV-Vis titration).
• Enzyme-like catalytic activity assays (p-NPP hydrolysis).
• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.

Main Results:

• N1, a triclinic mononuclear Ni(II) complex, was synthesized and characterized.
• N1 exhibited concentration-dependent, selective cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cells.
• N1 induced apoptosis in cancer cells via ROS generation and caspase activation.
• N1 efficiently interacted with ct-DNA and displayed phosphatase-like catalytic activity.
• DFT studies supported the proposed catalytic mechanism and electronic properties.

Conclusions:

• The azo-uracil derived Ni(II) complex (N1) is a promising multifunctional agent.
• N1 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic candidate for cancer treatment.
• This study bridges coordination chemistry and cancer biology, highlighting N1's dual action.