Anti-cancer property and DNA binding interaction of first row transition metal complexes: A decade update

Metal ions carry out a wide variety of functions, including acid-base/redox catalysis, structural functions, signaling, and electron transport. Understanding the interactions of transition metal complexes with biomacromolecules is essential for biology, medicinal chemistry, and the production of synthetic metalloenzymes. After the coincidental discovery of cisplatin, importance of the metal complexes in biochemistry became a top priority for inquiry. In this review, a decade update on various synthetic strategies to first row transition metal complex and their interaction with DNA through non-covalent binding are explored. Moreover, this effort provides an excellent analysis on the efficacy of theoretical and practical approaches to the systematic generation of new non-platinum based metallodrugs for anti-cancer therapeutics.

Design, synthesis and characterization of tetra substituted 2,3-dihydrothiazole derivatives as DNA and BSA targeting agents: advantages of the visible-light-induced multicomponent approach

This report describes the visible-light-induced one-pot multicomponent regioselective synthesis of a series of 5-aroyl-3-((arylidene)amino)-2-((arylidene)hydrazono)-4-methyl-2,3-dihydrothiazoles as DNA and BSA targeting agents. The multicomponent condensation of thiocarbohydrazide and aldehydes with α-bromo-1,3-diketones, generated in situ by the bromination of unsymmetrical 1,3-diketones with NBS using white LED light as an environmental friendly source in the presence of EtOAc solvent furnished the titled 2,3-dihydrothiazole derivatives in excellent yields. The exact regioisomeric structure was identified unambiguously by employing multinuclear 2D-NMR spectroscopy [1H-13C] HMBC; [1H-13C] HMQC and [1H-15N] HMBC. Furthermore, the binding characteristics of the synthesized 2,3-dihydrothiazole derivatives were assessed with double-stranded calf-thymus DNA duplex (ct-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Initial screening of all the synthesized 2,3-dihydrothiazole derivatives using various in silico techniques including molecular reactivity analysis, Lipinski rule and molecular docking, concluded 5-(4'-chlorobenzoyl)-3-((4''-methoxybenzylidene)amino)-2-(4'''-methoxybenzylidene)hydrazono)-4-methyl-2,3-dihydrothiazole derivative 6a as the most suitable compound for studying binding interaction with DNA and BSA. Additionally, to illustrate the ex vivo binding mode of 6a with DNA and BSA, several spectroscopic techniques viz. UV-visible, circular dichroism (CD), steady-state fluorescence and competitive displacement assays were carried out.

Interaction studies of water-soluble Zn(II) complex with calf thymus DNA using biophysical and molecular docking methods"

The binding between a fluorescent water-soluble Zn(II) complex of {2-[N-(2-hydroxyethylammonioethyl) imino methyl] phenol} and calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was investigated using spectroscopic techniques. The complex was prepared and identified by FT-IR, and 1H NMR spectroscopies. The significant changes in the absorption and the circular dichroism spectra of ct-DNA in the presence of the Zn(II) complex implied the interaction between the Zn(II) complex and ct-DNA. Upon addition of ct-DNA, the fluorescence emission intensity of the Zn(II) complex was increased and indicated the interaction between the Zn(II) complex and ct-DNA was occurred. The binding constant values (Kb) resulted from fluorescence spectra clearly showed the Zn(II) complex affinity to ct-DNA. The fluorescence studies also approved the static enhancement mechanism in the Zn(II) complex-DNA complexation process. The thermodynamic profile exhibited the exothermic and spontaneous formation of ct-DNA-Zn(II) complex system via hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. The competitive fluorescence investigation by methylene blue (MB), and Hoechst 33258 demonstrated that the Zn(II) complex could replace the DNA-bound Hoechst and bind to the minor groove binding site in ct-DNA. The viscosity changes were negligible, representing the Zn(II) complex binding to DNA via the groove binding mode. Molecular docking simulation affirmed that the Zn(II) complex is located in the minor groove of ct-DNA near the DG12, DA17, DA18, and DG16 nucleobases.

Anticancer Behavior of Pyrrolidine-Based Palladium(II) Complexes and Biophysical Approach on Their DNA, BSA Binding Activity, Molecular Docking, and DFT Study

A series of pyrrolidine-based Pd(II) complexes, [Pd(AEP)Cl2] (C-1), [Pd(AEP)(OH2)2]2+(C-2), [Pd(AEP)(L-cys)]+ (C-3), [Pd(AEP)(N-ac-L-cys)] (C-4), [Pd(AEP)(GSH)] (C-5), and [Pd(AEP)(DL-meth)]2+ (C-6) (where, AEP = 1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine, L-cys = l-cysteine, N-ac-L-cys = N-acetyl-l-cysteine, GSH = glutathione, and DL-meth = dl-methionine), as anticancer drug candidates have been synthesized and characterized. The DNA binding property of the complexes was executed by gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometric and viscometric methods, and their interaction with BSA was also investigated by various spectroscopic methodologies. The binding activity of the Pd(II) complexes with DNA and BSA were assessed to evaluate their binding mode and binding constants. Molecular docking was performed to correlate with the experimental results on the interaction of the complexes with DNA and BSA. The changes in the microenvironmental and structural properties of BSA are monitored by a synchronous and 3D fluorescence study. The structural properties were evaluated by DFT and TD-DFT studies. The anticarcinogenic activity of the Pd(II) complexes was assessed by PASS prediction software to corroborate with the experimental results of the anticancer activity of the complexes. The ROS generation in cancer cell lines has been investigated, and the cell death mechanism through apoptosis was confirmed by measuring the protein expression. All these complexes have excellent anticancer activity compared to ancillary ligands. The cancer cell line (HCT116) shows almost similar or better cell inhibition activity when treated with the Pd(II) complexes compared to cisplatin, whereas the adverse effect is minimum on a normal cell (NKE). Both the Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes carrying the same ligands reveal almost similar antiproliferative activity.

Luminescence and Palladium: The Odd Couple

The synthesis, photophysical properties, and applications of highly fluorescent and phosphorescent palladium complexes are reviewed, covering the period 2018–2022. Despite the fact that the Pd atom appears closely related with an efficient quenching of the fluorescence of different molecules, different synthetic strategies have been recently optimized to achieve the preservation and even the amplification of the luminescent properties of several fluorophores after Pd incorporation. Beyond classical methodologies such as orthopalladation or the use of highly emissive ligands as porphyrins and related systems (for instance, biladiene), new concepts such as AIE (Aggregation Induced Emission) in metallacages or in coordination-driven supramolecular compounds (CDS) by restriction of intramolecular motions (RIM), or complexes showing TADF (Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence), are here described and analysed. Without pretending to be comprehensive, selected examples of applications in areas such as the fabrication of lighting devices, biological markers, photodynamic therapy, or oxygen sensing are also here reported.

Brief Research on the Biophysical Study and Anticancer Behavior of Pt(II) Complexes: Their DNA/BSA Binding, Molecular Docking, and Cytotoxic Property

The potent bidentate carrier ligand 2-picolylamine (pic) has been used to synthesize Pt(II) complexes to know their bioactivity and anticancer property as reflected by PASS prediction software. The dichloro Pt(II) complex [Pt(pic)Cl₂], Pt-1, and its hydrolyzed diaqua complex [Pt(pic)(OH₂)₂]²⁺, Pt-2, were synthesized. The thiol-containing Pt(II) complexes [Pt(pic)(l-cys)]⁺, Pt-3, and [Pt(pic)(L-ac-l-cy)]⁺, Pt-4, were synthesized from Pt-2, which was obtained from hydrolysis of Pt-1. Their biomolecular interactions with BSA and DNA were executed by spectroscopic methods, and their cytototoxic property was tested by the MTT assay. In vitro biomolecular interactions of Pt(II) complexes with BSA and DNA were investigated by different spectroscopic and viscosity measurement methods for their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic importance. The conformational change of BSA in the presence of a drug candidate was studied by Förster resonance energy transfer calculation and synchronous and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopic studies. A theoretical approach on optimization structures, highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy, global reactivity parameters, time-dependent density functional theory, and molecular docking with BSA and DNA was executed to strengthen and support the experimental observations. In vitro cytotoxic profiles of the complexes like the anticancer activity and their level of reactive oxygen species production were brought under consideration on A549 cancer cells and the normal human embryonic kidney cell line HEK-293. The cytotoxic property was compared with that of the recognized anticancer drug cisplatin.

Cytotoxic effects of Pd(II) complexes on cancer and normal cells: Their DNA & BSA adduct formation and theoretical approaches

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterisation of a series of Pd(II) complexes: Pd(TEEDA)Cl₂, C-1; [Pd(TEEDA)(OH₂)₂](NO₃)₂, C-2; [Pd(TEEDA)(l-cys)](NO₃)₂, C-3; [Pd(TEEDA)(NALC)], C-4; [Pd(TEEDA)(Meth)](NO₃)₂, C-5; and [Pd(TEEDA)(GSH)], C-6 (where TEEDA = N,N,N'-Triethylenediamine, l-cys = l-cysteine, NALC = N-acetyl-l-cysteine, Meth = dl-methionine and GSH = glutathione). UV-Vis spectroscopic characterisation was supported by TD-DFT theoretical simulation using Gaussian09 software. Different reactivity parameters were calculated from the energy difference between HOMO and LUMO of the complexes by DFT. The bonding mode of the labile ligands was confirmed by NBO analysis. Interaction of the complexes with DNA has been observed by gel electrophoresis experiment. DNA binding nature as well as binding constants of the complexes were measured with UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic method. The binding nature of the complexes with DNA was confirmed by viscometric titration. Interaction of the complexes with BSA was investigated by UV-Vis and fluorescence titration method. Cytotoxic activity of the Pd(II) complexes was evaluated on A549 (lung carcinoma epithelial cells), HCT116(Colorectal Carcinoma) and HEK293 (Human embryonic kidney cells) cell lines. The ROS generation in the presence of the complexes was tested both on cancer cell lines A549 and HCT116 as well as human normal cell HEK293.

Synthetic approach toward spiro quinoxaline-β-lactam based heterocyclic compounds: Spectral characterization, SAR, pharmacokinetic and biomolecular interaction studies

Series of spiro quinoxaline-β-lactam based heterocyclic compounds (QL 1 - QL 21) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques like ¹H-NMR, LC-MS, FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The binding mode and binding strength between compounds and calf thymus-DNA were estimated by UV-visible spectroscopy, viscosity measurement and molecular docking studies. The compounds bind with the DNA through partial intercalation mode. In the absorption titration experiment, the K_b values for all the synthesized compounds were found in the range of 0.24-0.64 × 10⁵ M^-1. The protein binding studies of all the synthesized compounds were evaluated by absorption titration experiment, and the K_b value for all the compounds was obtained in the range of 0.030-1.571 × 10⁴ M^-1. The compounds were screened against two Gram (+ve) and three Gram (-ve) bacteria for antimicrobial activity. The MIC values for all the synthesized compounds were found in 95-255 µM. The LC₅₀ values (cytotoxicity) of the synthesized compounds (QL 1-QL 21) were found in the range of 4.00-12.89 µg/mL. The ADME study was carried out using the online platform SwissADME and admetSAR to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of all the synthesized compounds. All the compounds were screened for anticancer activity against the human osteosarcoma (MG-63) cell line. The result shows that all the compounds exhibit effective anticancer activity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Experimental and Molecular Docking Studies on the Interaction of a Water-Soluble Pd(II) Complex Containing β-Amino Alcohol with Calf Thymus DNA

The interaction of water-soluble and fluorescent [Pd (HEAC) Cl₂] complex, in which HEAC is 2-((2-((2-hydroxyethyl)amino)ethyl)amino) cyclohexanol, with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) has been studied. This study was performed using electronic absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry and circular dichroism analyses, dynamic viscosity measurements, and molecular docking theory. From hypochromic effect observed in ct-DNA absorption spectra, it was found that the Pd(II) complex could form a conjugate with ct-DNA strands through the groove binding mode. The K_b values obtained from fluorescence measurements clearly assert the Pd(II) complex affinity to ct-DNA. The fluorescence quenching of the DNA-Hoechst compound following the successive additions of the Pd(II) complex to the solution revealed that the Pd(II) complex is located in the ct-DNA grooves, and Hoechst molecules have been released into solution; moreover, the resulting measurements from relative viscosity authenticate the Pd(II) complex binding to the grooves. Negative quantities of thermodynamic parameters imply that the Pd(II) complex binds to ct-DNA mainly by the hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces; also, the Gibbs-free energy changes show the exothermic and spontaneous formation of the Pd(II) complex-DNA system. The electrochemical behavior of the Pd(II) complex in the attendance of ct-DNA was investigated using the cyclic voltammetry method (CV). Several quasi-reversible redox waves were observed along with increasing the anodic/cathodic peak currents, as well as a shift in anodic/cathodic peak potentials. Circular dichroism (CD) observations suggested that the Pd(II)-DNA interaction could alter ct-DNA conformation. The results of molecular modeling confirmed that groove mechanism is followed by the Pd(II) complex to interact with ct-DNA.

Anticancer activity and cell death mechanism of Pt(II) complexes: Their in vitro bio-transformation to Pt(II)-DNA adduct formation and BSA binding study by spectroscopic method

Pt(II) complex cis-[Pt(PEA)(OH₂)₂] X₂, C-2 (where, PEA = 2-Pyridylethylamine and X  = ClO₄^- or NO₃^-) was synthesized by hydrolysis of cis-[Pt(PEA)Cl₂] C-1. Glutathione (GSH) and DL-penicilamine (DL-pen) substituted complexes cis-[Pt(PEA)(GSH)],C-3 and cis-[Pt(PEA)DL-pen)]X C-4 were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods. Kinetic studies were traced on complex C-2 with the thiols, GSH and DL-pen. Pt(II)-Sulfur adduct formation mechanisms of the substituted products C-3 and C-4 were established from the kinetic investigation. At pH 4.0, C-2 - thiols interactions follow two consecutive steps: the first step is dependent, and the second is independent of [thiol]. The association equilibrium constant (K_E), substitution rate constants for both steps (k₁ & k₂), and activation parameters (ΔH^‡ and ΔS^‡) have been assessed to propose the mechanism. Agarose gel electrophoresis mobilization pattern of DNA with complexes was performed to visualize the interaction nature. CT-DNA and BSA binding activities of the complexes have been executed by electronic, fluorescence spectroscopy, and viscometric titration methods. Evaluation of thermodynamic parameters (ΔH⁰, ΔS⁰, and ΔG⁰) from BSA binding constants was executed to propose the driving forces of interaction between these species. A molecular docking study was performed to evaluate the binding mode of complexes with BDNA strands. Anticancer activity of the complexes C-1 to C-4 was explored on both A549 and HEp-2 cell lines, compared with approved anticancer drugs cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin. All these complexes were tested by NBT assay on normal cell line skeletal muscle cells (L6 myotubes) to observe the adverse effects compared to recognized anticancer medications. The ultimate aim is to explore the role of anticancer agents on cell death mechanism, which has been performed by flow-cytometer on HEp-2 cell lines.

Antimicrobial and Anticancer Application of Silver(I) Dipeptide Complexes

Three silver(I) dipeptide complexes [Ag(GlyGly)]_n(NO₃)_n (AgGlyGly), [Ag₂(GlyAla)(NO₃)₂]_n (AgGlyAla) and [Ag₂(HGlyAsp)(NO₃)]_n (AgGlyAsp) were prepared, investigated and characterized by vibrational spectroscopy (mid-IR), elemental and thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectrometry. For AgGlyGly, X-ray crystallography was also performed. Their stability in biological testing media was verified by time-dependent NMR measurements. Their in vitro antimicrobial activity was evaluated against selected pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, the influence of silver(I) dipeptide complexes on microbial film formation was described. Further, the cytotoxicity of the complexes against selected cancer cells (BLM, MDA-MB-231, HeLa, HCT116, MCF-7 and Jurkat) and fibroblasts (BJ-5ta) using a colorimetric MTS assay was tested, and the selectivity index (SI) was identified. The mechanism of action of Ag(I) dipeptide complexes was elucidated and discussed by the study in terms of their binding affinity toward the CT DNA, the ability to cleave the DNA and the ability to influence numbers of cells within each cell cycle phase. The new silver(I) dipeptide complexes are able to bind into DNA by noncovalent interaction, and the topoisomerase I inhibition study showed that the studied complexes inhibit its activity at a concentration of 15 μM.

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Investigations of Schiff Base Ligand and Its Bimetallic Ag(I) Complex as DNA and BSA Binders

Generation of well-defined potential metallotherapeutics for cancer treatment, one of the most population-threatening diseases, is challenging and an active area of modern research in view of their unique properties and thus multiple possible pathways of action in cells. Specifically, Schiff base ligands were recognized as very promising building blocks for the construction of stable and active complexes of numerous geometries and topologies. Incorporation of Ag(I) ions allows for the formation of flat complexes with potential unoccupied coordination sites, thus giving rise to specific interactions between the metallotherapeutic and biomolecule of interest. Herein, we present the design, synthesis and characterization of new Schiff base ligand L and its Ag(I) bimetallic complex [Ag2L2]2+ with two planar moieties formed around the metal ions and connected through cyclohexane rings, confirmed by X-ray measurements. The compounds were described in context of their potential use as anticancer drugs through DNA and BSA binding pathways by several spectroscopic methods (CD, UV-Vis, fluorescence). We revealed that both, L and [Ag2L2]2+, interact with similar affinity with CT-DNA (Kb~106 M-1), while they differ in the type and strength of interactions with the model albumin-BSA. [Ag2L2]2+ binds BSA in both a dynamic and static manner with the Ksv = 8.8 × 104 M-1 in the Trp-134 and Trp-213 sites, whereas L interacts with BSA only dynamically (KSV = 2.4 × 104 M-1). This found further confirmation in the CD studies which revealed a reduction in α-helix content in the albumin of 16% in presence of [Ag2L2]2+.

Revealing the binding properties between resorcinol and DNA

Resorcinol (1,3-dihydroxybenzene) is a common coupling agent in permanent hair dyes, and has arrested people's attention for its potential hazard to human health. However, the action mechanism of resorcinol and human DNA has not been elucidated. In this research, the binding properties between resorcinol and calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) were studied for the first time through various spectral and molecular docking techniques. Spectral studies showed that the initial fluorescence quenching of resorcinol against DNA was a static one. The result of ΔH < 0 and ΔS > 0 was produced from thermodynamic experimental data, therefore it could be concluded that electrostatic force was the major driving force, while binding constant K_b was 1.56 × 10⁴  M^-1 at 298 K. The electrostatic binding network between resorcinol and ct-DNA was established explicitly through competitive substitution analysis and other spectral approaches. The results of FT-IR absorption spectra indicated that resorcinol had bound to the DNA phosphate skeleton. Molecular docking clearly revealed that binding occurred between hydroxyl groups of resorcinol and phosphorus oxygen bonds (P-O) of the DNA skeleton. These findings may deepen our understanding of the action mechanism between resorcinol and ct-DNA and provide some useful data on the effect of resorcinol on human diseases.

Synthesis and characterization of new Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) complexes with 3-substituted 1-(2-pyridyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine ligands

Several palladium(ii) and platinum(ii) complexes (1-20) of general formula [M(Lⁿ)(X)(Y)] [M = Pd, X = Y = Cl (1-Cl-4-Cl), X = Y = OAc (1-OAc-4-OAc); M = Pt: X = Y = Cl (5-8); M = Pd, X = Cl, Y = CH₃ (9-12); M = Pt, X = Cl, Y = CH₃ (13-16) or X = Y = CH₃ (17-20); n = 1-4] have been synthesized by reaction of different Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) derivatives with various 3-substituted 1-(2-pyridyl)-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines; i.e.Lⁿ = 1-(2-pyridyl)-3-arylimidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (aryl = Phenyl, L¹; 2-o-Tolyl, L²; Mesityl, L³) and 1-(2-pyridyl)-3-benzylimidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (L⁴). Detailed spectroscopic investigation (including IR, mono- and bi-dimensional ¹H NMR) and elemental analysis has been performed for all these species, allowing their complete characterization. Lⁿ act as N,N-bidentate ligands and coordinate the metal centers in a chelate fashion through the pyridyl (N_py) and the pyridine-like nitrogen atom of the imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine group (N_im). The X-ray structural analysis performed on two of Pd(ii) and three Pt(ii) complexes, namely [Pd(L²)(CH₃)Cl] (10), [Pd(L³)(CH₃)Cl] (11) and [Pt(L¹)Cl₂] (5), [Pt(L⁴)Cl₂] (8), [Pt(L²)(CH₃)Cl] (14) confirmed the spectroscopic and analytical data. Finally DFT studies unveiled the structural reasons behind the inertia of the synthesised compounds toward metalation, identified as the higher angle steric strain in comparison with the analogous bipyridine complexes.

Studies of eosin Y - DNA interaction using a competitive binding assay

The interaction between xanthene dye eosin Y and double stranded DNA has been studied by spectrophotometry. The conventional titration study does not show the interaction in the eosin Y - DNA system. Therefore, the competitive binding assay was carried out. The DNA-targeted ligands proflavine and methylene blue were used as competitors. Multivariate curve resolution - alternative least squares method (MCR-ALS) was applied to analyze the spectrophotometric titration data. The experimental binding isotherms were fitted by Scatchard and McGee equations. The binding constant of eosin Y with DNA was found to be 1.7·10⁴ M^-1. It is shown that the competitive binding assay requires consideration of heteroassociation for the correct determination of ligand-DNA binding parameters.

Fluorescence, DNA Interaction and Cytotoxicity Studies of 4,5-Dihydro-1H-Pyrazol-1-Yl Moiety Based Os(IV) Compounds: Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation

Osmium(IV) pyrazole compounds and ligands were synthesized and well characterised. Ligands were characterized by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H & ¹³C), elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and liquid crystal mass spectroscopy. Os(IV) complexes were characterized by ESI-MS, ICP-OES, IR spectroscopy, conductance measurements, magnetic measurements and electronic spectroscopy. Binding of compounds with HS-DNA were evaluated using viscosity measurements, absorption titration, fluorescence quenching, and molecular docking, which show effective intercalation mode exhibited by compounds. Binding constant of Os(IV) complexes are found to be 8.1 to 9.2 × 10⁴ M^-1. Bacteriostatic and cytotoxic activities were carried out to evaluate MIC, LC₅₀, and IC₅₀. The compounds have been undergone bacteriostatic screening using three sets of Gram^+ve and two sets of Gram^-ve bacteria. MIC of complexes are found to be 72.5-100 μM, whereas that of ligands fall at about 122.5-150 μM.. LC₅₀ count of ligands fall in the range of 16.22-17.28 μg/mL whereas that of complexes of Os(IV) fall in the range of 4.87-5.87 μg/mL. IC₅₀ of osmium compounds were evaluated using HCT-116 cell line. All the Os(IV) compounds show moderate IC₅₀.

Probing the Strength and Mechanism of Binding Between Amifampridine and Calf Thymus DNA

In this work, we have investigated the strength and mechanism of amifampridine (3,4-Diaminopyridine/3,4-DAP) interaction with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA). The existence and the strength of interaction are evaluated using circular dichroism (CD), UV-vis absorption, and differential pulse voltammogram studies. Results from UV-vis absorption technique indicate that amifampridine can significantly interact with DNA through a binding constant of Kb = 1.66 × 105 M-1 at 298 K. The mechanism of the interaction between amifampridine and DNA is also studied using ionic effect investigations, competitive fluorescence experiments, viscosity measurements, and molecular docking studies. The viscosity results indicate that amifampridine can bind to DNA via intercalation binding mode. Competitive fluorescence experiments using Acridine Orange (AO) and Hoechst 33258 (HO) probes also reveal that amifampridine binds to DNA via an intercalation mode of binding. Finally, the molecular docking studies also suggest that amifampridine tends to bind with the G-C rich region of DNA.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activities of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine based gold(III) metal complexes

Five imidazo [1,2-a]pyridine derivatives and their Au(III) complexes were synthesized. The compounds were characterized by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, IR, mass, UV-visible, elemental analysis, conductivity and magnetic measurement studies. All the compounds were screened for diverse biological activities to check the effect of coordination of Au(III) with imidazo [1,2-a]pyridine heterocycles. The DNA interaction ability of compounds were studied as the change in absorption maxima and position of HS-DNA in presence of compounds and viscosity measurement due to change in DNA length under the influence of compounds. The computational insight of compound-DNA interaction was taken in docking study. All the results suggest intercalation mode of binding. The cellular level cytotoxic nature of compounds was evaluated using trypan blue dye staining of dead cell in cell viability assay. The smearing of DNA was observed, while DNA extracted from S. pombe cells in presence of complexes was subjected to gel electrophoresis, which shows their toxic effect on DNA. The complexes were evaluated for cytotoxicity on human A549 (Lung adenocarcinoma) cell line by MTT assay (IC₅₀ values). The in vitro cytotoxicity in terms of LC₅₀ value was checked on a simple zoological organism, brine shrimp.