CT-DNA-binding and biological activity of mononuclear copper(II) complexes with imidazo-phenanthroline ligands

Abstract

Four imidazo-phenanthroline (IP) based ligands and its corresponding copper polypyridyl complexes have been prepared [Cu(<strong>L1-L4</strong>)₂]²⁺ and characterized by various physicochemical techniques. Herein we are reporting the CT-DNA (calf-thymus DNA) binding & anti-cancer affinity of ligands (<strong>L1</strong>-<strong>L4</strong>) as well as complexes (C<strong>1</strong><strong>-C4</strong>). The DNA binding affinity of synthesized <strong>C1-C4</strong> has been carried out by using spectroscopic techniques like UV/visible, emission, molecular modeling and viscosity techniques. The obtained results are clearly indicating that all <strong>C1-C4</strong> complexes bind to DNA <em>via</em> intercalative mode and they possess a significant cytotoxic effect toward selected cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, B16-F10, DU-145 and CHO-K1).