DNA interaction, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer studies on Cu(II) complexes of Luotonin A

Deciphering the Effect of a Cu(II)-hydrazone Complex on Intracellular Cell Signalling Pathways in a Human Osteosarcoma 2D and 3D Models

New therapeutic strategies for osteosarcoma (OS) have demonstrated the potential efficacy of copper compounds as anticancer drugs and as a substitute for the often used platinum compounds. OS is a type of bone cancer, primarily affecting young adults and children.The main objective of this work is to discover the molecular targets and cellular pathways related to the antitumor properties of a Cu(II)-hydrazone toward human OS 2D and 3D systems. Cell viability study using MG-63 cells was evaluated in OS monolayer and spheroids. CuHL significantly reduced cell viability in OS models (IC50 2D: 2.6±0.3 μM; IC50 3D: 9.9±1.4 μM) (p<0.001). Also, CuHL inhibits cell proliferation and it induces cells to apoptosis. The main mechanism of action found for CuHL are the interaction with DNA, genotoxicity, the ROS generation and the proteasome activity inhibition. Besides, 67 differentially expressed proteins were found using proteomic approaches. Of those 67 proteins, 40 were found overexpressed and 27 underexpressed. The response to stress and to unfolded protein, as well as ATP synthesis were the most affected biological process among upregulated proteins, whilst proteins related to DNA replication and redox homeostasis were downregulated.

Promising Dual Anticancer and Antimetastatic Action by a Cu(II) Complex Derived from Acylhydrazone on Human Osteosarcoma Models

Osteosarcoma cancers are becoming more common in children and young adults, and existing treatments have low efficacy and a very high mortality rate, making it pressing to search for new chemotherapies with high efficacy and high selectivity index. Copper complexes have shown promise in the treatment of osteosarcoma. Here, we report the synthesis, characterization, and anticancer activity of [Cu(N-N-Fur)(NO3)(H2O)] complex where N-N-Fur is (E)-N'-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)furan-2-carbohydrazide. The [Cu(N-N-Fur)(NO3)(H2O)] complex was characterized via X-ray diffraction and electron spin resonance (ESR), displaying a copper center in a nearly squared pyramid environment with the nitrate ligand acting as a fifth ligand in the coordination sphere. We observed that [Cu(N-N-Fur)(NO3)(H2O)] binds to DNA in an intercalative manner. Anticancer activity on the MG-63 cell line was evaluated in osteosarcoma monolayer (IC50 2D: 1.1 ± 0.1 μM) and spheroids (IC50 3D: 16.3 ± 3.1 μM). Selectivity assays using nontumoral fibroblast (L929 cell line) showed that [Cu(N-N-Fur)(NO3)(H2O)] has selectivity index value of 2.3 compared to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP) (SI = 0.3). Additionally, flow cytometry studies demonstrated that [Cu(N-N-Fur)(NO3)(H2O)] inhibits cell proliferation and conveys cells to apoptosis. Cell viability studies of MG-63 spheroids (IC50 = 16.3 ± 3.1 μM) showed that its IC50 value is 4 times lower than for CDDP (IC50 = 65 ± 6 μM). Besides, we found that cell death events mainly occurred in the center region of the spheroids, indicating efficient transport to the microtumor. Lastly, the complex showed dose-dependent reductions in spheroid cell migration from 7.5 to 20 μM, indicating both anticancer and antimetastatic effects.

Study of novel bidentate heterocyclic amine-based metal complexes and their biological activities: cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity evaluation

Metallic antitumor drugs with heterocyclic ligands, such as novel AMI (amino methyl imidazole) complexes [Pd(AMI)Cl₂](1), [Cu(AMI)L¹](2), and [Cu(AMI)L²·2H₂O](3) where L¹ = oxalate and L² = malonate, were synthesized and characterized. Assessments included elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. The cytotoxicity of AMI complexes compared to cisplatin was assessed using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl] 2,5diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay with breast (MCF-7) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines. After treating these cells with the AMI complexes' IC₅₀ values for 48 h, malondialdehyde levels and catalase activity were used to assess oxidative stress, antioxidant activity was evaluated with DPPH radical scavenging method, comet assays assessed DNA damage, and DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the gel electrophoresis. In vitro, antimicrobial activity was assessed using a disc diffusion method. The anticancer activity results showed that IC₅₀ (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) values of complex one, two, and three against MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cells are 0.156 ± 0.0006, 0.125 ± 0.001, 0.277 ± 0.002 μM respectively for MCF-7 cells and 0.222 ± 0.0005, 0.126 ± 0.0009, 0.152 ± 0.001 μM respectively for HeLa cells. Complex two demonstrated strong anticancer activity against MCF-7 and Hela cells. The study of oxidative stress parameters revealed that Malondialdehyde levels increased in cancer cell lines treated with complexes compared to untreated cells. Catalase activity decreased in cells treated with palladium chelate. The DPPH radical scavenging assay results identified that complex one was a more potent antioxidant in MCF-7 and Hela cells than other complexes with SC₅₀ values of 227.5 ± 0.28 and 361 ± 1.2 μL/mL, respectively. The comet assay results showed that complex two caused significant DNA damage in MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cells treated. Antimicrobial assays identified complex three as the most effective. Copper complexes give better antifungal activity against A. flavus than the palladium complex. We conclude that complex two is the most active in both cell types and might be assessed as a clinically useful drug for breast cancer treatment. The significance of the current study is the synthesis of antitumor drugs containing heterocyclic ligands, such as novel AMI complexes, and the study of their biological activities.

Advances in anticancer alkaloid-derived metallo-chemotherapeutic agents in the last decade: Mechanism of action and future prospects

Metal-based complexes have occupied a pioneering niche in the treatment of many chronic diseases, including various types of cancers. Despite the phenomenal success of cisplatin for the treatment of many solid malignancies, a limited number of metallo-drugs are in clinical use against cancer chemotherapy till date. While many other prominent platinum and non‑platinum- based metallo-drugs (e.g. NAMI-A, KP1019, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, titanocene dichloride, casiopeinas® etc) have entered clinical trials, many have failed at later stages of R&D due to deleterious toxic effects, intrinsic resistance and poor pharmacokinetic response and low therapeutic efficacy. Nonetheless, research in the area of medicinal inorganic chemistry has been increasing exponentially over the years, employing novel target based drug design strategies aimed at improving pharmacological outcomes and at the same time mitigating the side-effects of these drug entities. Over the last few decades, natural products became one of the key structural motifs in the anticancer drug development. Many eminent researchers in the area of medicinal chemistry are devoted to develop new 3d-transition metal-based anticancer drugs/repurpose the existing bioactive compounds derived from myriad pharmacophores such as coumarins, flavonoids, chromones, alkaloids etc. Metal complexes of natural alkaloids and their analogs such as luotonin A, jatrorrhizine, berberine, oxoaporphine, 8-oxychinoline etc. have gained prominence in the anticancer drug development process as the naturally occurring alkaloids can be anti-proliferative, induce apoptosis and exhibit inhibition of angiogenesis with better healing effect. While some of them are inhibitors of ERK signal-regulated kinases, others show activity based on cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) and telomerase inhibition. However, the targets of these alkaloid complexes are still unclear, though it is well-established that they demonstrate anticancer potency by interfering with multiple pathways of tumorigenesis and tumor progression both in vitro and in vivo. Over the last decade, many significant advances have been made towards the development of natural alkaloid-based metallo-drug therapeutics for intervention in cancer chemotherapy that have been summarized below and reviewed in this article.

Decrypting the interaction pattern of Piperlongumine with calf thymus DNA and dodecamer d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 B-DNA: Biophysical and molecular docking analysis

The mechanisms of interaction of DNA with pharmacological molecules are critical to understanding their therapeutic actions on physiological systems. Piperlongumine is widely studied for its anticancer potential. Multi-spectrometry, calorimetry and in silico studies were employed to study the interaction of piperlongumine and calf thymus DNA. UV-Vis spectroscopy illustrated a hyperchromic pattern in spectra of the calf thymus DNA-piperlongumine complex, while fluorescent quenching was observed in emission spectral studies. Competitive displacement assay demonstrated higher displacement and binding constant for DNA-rhodamine B complex by piperlongumine than DNA-methylene blue complex. Differential scanning calorimetry presented non-significant changes in melting temperature and molecular docking presented the precise interaction site of piperlongumine with calf thymus DNA at minor groove. Further, piperlongumine treatment did not result in pBluescript KS plasmid DNA cleavage as revealed from the DNA topology assay. All these experiments confirmed the binding of piperlongumine with DNA through minor groove binding mode.

Anticancer Activity and Mechanism of Action Evaluation of an Acylhydrazone Cu(II) Complex toward Breast Cancer Cells, Spheroids, and Mammospheres

The purpose of this work was to screen the anticancer activity and mechanisms of action of Cu(II)-acylhydrazone complex [Cu(HL)(H₂ O)](NO₃ )⋅H₂ O, (CuHL), to find a potential novel agent for breast chemotherapies. Cytotoxicity studies on MCF7 cells demonstrated that CuHL has stronger anticancer properties than cisplatin over breast cancer cell models. Computational simulations showed that CuHL could interact in the minor groove of the DNA dodecamer, inducing a significant genotoxic effect on both cancer cells from 0.5 to 1 μM. In this sense, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that the compound could interact with 20S proteasome subunits. Also, cell proteasome experiments using breast cancer cells revealed that the complex can inhibit proteasomal activity. Moreover, CuHL induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells at very low micromolar concentrations (0.5-2.5 μM) and displayed relevant anticancer activity over spheroids derived from MCF7 cells. Ultimately, CuHL diminished the number of mammospheres formed, disturbing their morphology and size.

miR-122-5p regulates hepatocytes damage caused by BaP and DBP co-exposure through SOCS1/STAT3 signaling in vitro

BaP and DBP are ubiquitously and contemporaneously present in the environment. However, Current studies largely concentrate on the effects of a single pollutant (BaP or DBP). The liver is vital for biogenic activities. The effects of BaP and DBP co-exposure on liver remain unclear. Thus, we treated human normal liver cell (L02 cell) with BaP or/and DBP. We found that compared to individual exposure, co-exposure to BaP and DBP induced further increased levels of AST and ALT. BaP and DBP co-exposure caused further increased levels of IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α, decreased IL-10 level, and a higher percentage of apoptotic cells and S-phase arrest cells. BaP and DBP co-exposure worsen the decrease of miR-122-5p level and chaos of SOCS1/STAT3 signaling. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays showed that SOCS1 was a validated target of miR-122-5p. miR-122-5p overexpression alleviated the increased SOCS1 expression, decreased phospho-STAT3 expression, decreased IL-10 level, increased TNF-α levels, increased percentage of apoptosis and S-phase arrest, and cytotoxicity induced by BaP and DBP co-exposure in hepatocytes. These results suggested that miR-122-5p negatively regulated the synergistic effects on apoptosis and disorder of inflammatory factor secretion involved in hepatocyte injury caused by BaP and DBP co-exposure through targeting SOCS1/STAT3 signaling.

Discovery of metal-based complexes as promising antimicrobial agents

The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an intractable problem for the world. Metal ions are essential for the cell process and biological function in microorganisms. Many metal-based complexes with the potential for releasing ions are more likely to be absorbed for their higher lipid solubility. Hence, this review highlights the clinical potential of organometallic compounds for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria or fungi in recent five years. The common scaffolds, including antimicrobial peptides, N-heterocyclic carbenes, Schiff bases, photosensitive-grand-cycle skeleton structures, aliphatic amines-based ligands, and special metal-based complexes are summarized here. We also discuss their therapeutic targets and the risks that should be paid attention to in the future studies, aiming to provide information for researchers on metal-based complexes as antimicrobial agents and inspire the design and synthesis of new antimicrobial drugs.

Design and synthesis of C-aryl angular luotonins via a one-pot aza-Nazarov-Friedlander sequence and their Topo-I inhibition studies along with C-aryl vasicinones and luotonins

A facile one-pot synthesis of C-ring substituted angular luotonins has been realized via a methanesulfonic acid mediated aza-Nazarov-Friedlander condensation sequence on quinazolinonyl enones. Topoisomerase I (topo-I) inhibition studies revealed that the angular luotonin library (7a-7l) and their regioisomeric analogs (linear luotonins, 8a-8l) are weak negative modulators, compared to camptothecin. These results would fare well for the design of topo-I-inert luotonins for non-oncological applications such as anti-fungal and insecticide lead developments. Surprisingly, the tricyclic vasicinones (9h, 9i, and 9j) showed better topo-I inhibition compared to pentacyclic C-aryl luotonins providing a novel pharmacophore for further explorations.

Change of benzo(a)pyrene during frying and its groove binding to calf thymus DNA

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a prototype of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with potential mutagenicity, toxicity and carcinogenicity, is ubiquitous in deep-fried foods. Herein, the changes in eight specific PAHs (PAH8) concentration in sunflower oil during frying were investigated by gas chromatography-triple quadrupole-mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS). PAH8 concentrations in sunflower oil were 23.92-27.82 μg kg^-1 and increased with increasing frying time. The detected BaP levels were 3.64-4.00 μg kg^-1, exceeding the upper limit (2 μg kg^-1) set by European Union (EU), though below the limiting value (10 μg kg^-1) in China. The interaction between BaP and calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) was explored through various spectroscopic methods and molecular docking. Melting studies, denaturation experiments, ionic strength effects and viscosity measurements indicated that BaP interacted with ctDNA primarily via groove binding as evidenced by circular dichroism analysis and molecular docking. Further gel electrophoresis assays suggested that DNA was damaged at high levels of BaP.

Spectroscopic, SOD, anticancer, antimicrobial, molecular docking and DNA binding properties of bioactive VO(IV), Cu(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Mn(II) and Ni(II) complexes obtained from 3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)pentane-2,4-dione

Novel macrocyclic Schiff base complexes [[ML]X; where M = Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Mn(II) and VO(IV)^; L = macrocyclic ligand; X = Cl₂ and SO₄^2-] have been synthesized and characterized by microanalytical, ¹H, ¹³C NMR, IR, Mass, UV-Vis, EPR spectral studies, as well as conductivity data. All the complexes exhibit square-planar geometry except vanadium complex. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and high conductance data reveal the monomeric and electrolytic nature of the complexes. Electronic absorption, cyclic voltammetry, viscosity measurements have been carried out on the interaction of the complexes with DNA. The results suggest that the complexes bind to DNA by intercalation via the aromatic ring of the macrocycle into the base pairs of DNA. Using gel electrophoresis experiment in the presence and absence of oxidant (H₂O₂) the nuclease cleavage activity of the complexes has been performed on plasmid DNA. The results demonstrate that most of the complexes have promising superoxide dismutase (SOD)-mimetic activity. The in vitro cytotoxicity of ligand and its complexes has also been evaluated against human breast and colon carcinoma cells. Binding interactions and energies of ligand and its metal complexes [ML]²⁺ (M = VO(IV), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II)) against the receptors EGFR and HER2 are performed using the Auto dock module. Consequently, it is found that the ligand is strong inhibitor for EGFR and HER2 while [VOL]SO₄ is good inhibitor for EGFR and [ZnL]Cl₂ is moderate inhibitor for HER2. The antimicrobial activity of the ligand and its complexes against bacteria Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis and fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida Albicans and Rhizoctonia bataicola. The complexes have higher activities than the macrocyclic free Schiff base. Interaction of [VOL]SO₄ to the binding sites of target protein EGFR (PDB ID: 4HJ0). Research HighlightsMacrocyclic Schiff base and its metal complexes were synthesized.Complexes bind to DNA by intercalation via the aromatic ring of the macrocycle into the base pairs of DNA.Vanadyl complex is a good inhibitor for EGFR.The complexes of copper, zinc and vanadium show efficient antitumor activity.Copper and vanadium complexes have superior antimicrobial activity than the standards.

Facile Approach to Prepare rGO@Fe3O4 Microspheres for the Magnetically Targeted and NIR-responsive Chemo-photothermal Combination Therapy

Near-infrared (NIR)-light responsive graphene have been shown exciting effect on cancer photothermal ablation therapy. Herein, we report on the preparation of Fe₃O₄-decorated hollow graphene microspheres (rGO@Fe₃O₄) by a facile spray drying and coprecipitation method for the magnetically targeted and NIR-responsive chemo-photothermal combination therapy. The microspheres displayed very high specific surface area (~ 120.7 m² g^-1) and large pore volume (~ 1.012 cm³ g^-1), demonstrating distinct advantages for a high loading capacity of DOX (~ 18.43%). NIR triggered photothermal effect of the rGO@Fe₃O₄ microspheres responded in an on-off manner and induced a high photothermal conversion efficiency. Moreover, The Fe₃O₄ on the microspheres exhibited an excellent tumor cells targeting ability. The chemo-photothermal treatment based on rGO@Fe₃O₄/DOX showed superior cytotoxicity towards Hela cells in vitro. Our studies indicated that rGO@Fe₃O₄/DOX microcapsules have great potential in combined chemo-photothermal cancer treatment.

Investigation of redox mechanism and DNA binding of novel 2-(x-nitrophenyl)-5-nitrobenzimidazole (x = 2, 3 and 4)

The present study describes the investigation of the binding modes of potential anti-cancerous nitrophenyl derivatives of 2-(x-nitrophenyl)-5-nitrobenzimidazole with calf thymus DNA. The -2-(x-nitrophenyl)-5-nitrobenzimidazoles under investigation differ only in position x of nitro group in nitrophenyl substituent relative to benzimidazole moiety leading to 1-NPNB (x = 2), 2-NPNB (x = 3) and 3-NPNB (x = 4). The DFT calculations predicted that derivatives were electrochemically reducible which was then confirmed by cyclic voltammetry. In cyclic voltammetry, the second reversible peak was dependent on first irreversible reduction. This revealed that electrochemical irreversible process was governed by some other process which was then followed by reversible second electron transfer. Thus, ECE (electron transfer leading to coupled chemical reaction followed by another electron transfer process) mechanism was attributed for electrochemical reduction. Experimental results based on UV-Vis spectroscopy vaguely showed intercalation of 1-NPNB, 2-NPNB and 3-NPNB into DNA which was assisted by cyclic voltammetry. However, thermal melting and florescence spectroscopy unambiguously established intercalation for all three compounds. Molecular docking analysis ascertained in pocket stacking of 5-nitrobenzimidazole moiety in 1-NPNB and 2-NPNB while nitro phenyl substitution in 3-NPNB stacks between DNA base pair during intercalation which was in agreement with DFT computed molecular geometry. Therefore, the relative positions of nitro group and 5-nitrobenzimidazole moieties in 2-(x-nitrophenyl)- 5-nitrobenzimidazole influenced the DNA binding pattern of compounds during intercalation. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was comparable to standard drug doxorubicin against both cancerous (MCF-7) and normal (MCF-10A) breast cells which depicts their anti-cancerous potential.

Enzymatic degradation of extracellular DNA exposed to chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl in an aqueous system

The persistence of extracellular DNA (eDNA) is crucial for ensuring species diversity and ecological function in aquatic systems. However, scarce information exists about the impact of pesticides on eDNA, although they often co-exist in the aquatic environment. Using a variety of spectroscopic analyses, eDNA degradation and the associated alterations in DNA secondary structure was investigated by exposing DNase I to tested DNA in the presence of chlorpyrifos, a commonly used organophosphate pesticide. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to explore the weak interactions between the tested DNA and chlorpyrifos. The results indicated that chlorpyrifos significantly enhanced DNA degradation without affecting the enzyme activity of DNase I in an aqueous system. Spectroscopic experiments confirmed that chlorpyrifos and the analog chlorpyrifos-methyl could bind with DNA to cause the bases noncovalent stacking interaction. Molecular simulations further demonstrated that pesticide binding with DNA molecules caused widening of the DNA grooves and destruction of the hydrated layer, which enhanced DNA degradation. The findings presented herein provide novel insight into the genotoxicity and ecotoxicity of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl, as well as their impacts on DNA persistence in aquatic environments.

Biological Impacts of Metal(II) Complex-Based DNA Probes Derived from Bidentate N,O Donor Schiff Base Ligand

In this article, we have reported the preparation and structural characterization of a new Schiff base ligand (E)-2-(((2,6-difluorophenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (HSBL) and its derived metal(II) complexes [Cu(SBL)₂] (1), [Ni(SBL)₂] (2) and [Pd(SBL)₂] (3). Using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques, their structural properties have been appraised. The proposed chemical structure of HSBL has been confirmed by Single crystal XRD studies. Bidentate characteristic of HSBL and its coordination with metal(II) ions through the oxygen atom of the phenolic group and nitrogen atom of the azomethine group have been evaluated from the FT-IR spectral analysis. Pd(II) complex of HSBL (complex 3) has found to be efficient in bringing about the interaction with DNA as well as BSA molecules. The in vitro antimicrobial studies have been demonstrated that complex 3 has a superior antimicrobial activity than HSBL, complexes 1 and 2. According to the values of zone of inhibition, the antimicrobial ability has been increased in the order of 3 > 1 > 2 > HSBL. A significant decrease in percent cell viability has been suggested that complex 3 has remarkable cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 15.7 ± 0.6 μg/mL) on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. Besides, their induced apoptosis pathway of cytotoxicity has been demonstrated by fluorescence staining techniques using AO/EB staining method. We hope this article will be very helpful for future research on the development of new anticancer agents.

DNA-binding affinity, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle inhibition and molecular docking studies of a new stilbene derivative

Stilbene derivatives have been found to possess promising anticancer activities against human cancer cell lines in vitro. In the present study, we have investigated cytotoxic, apoptosis induction and DNA binding activity of new stilbene derivative, (E)-1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-2-[4-(4-methoxystryl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol (STIM) on K562 chronic myeloid leukemia cell line. Via MTT assay STIM demonstrated cytotoxic activity against K562 cell line with IC₅₀ value of 150 µM. Apoptosis, as the mechanism of cell death, was evaluated by morphological study and flow cytometric analysis. In vitro DNA binding property of STIM has been studied by vital spectroscopic techniques, which indicated that STIM interact with ctDNA through groove binding mode and binding constant (K_b) was estimated to be 6.9 × 10⁴ M^-1. Docking studies revealed that hydrophobic is the most important interaction in STIM-DNA complex, and that the ligand (STIM) interacts with DNA via groove binding mode and the bindiyspng energy was calculated as -13.37 kcal/mol. Taken together, the present study suggests that STIM exhibits anticancer effect on K562 cell line through the induction of apoptosis as well as cell cycle arrest at Sub-G1 phase and also can bind to double helix DNA in vitro.

A comprehensive review of topoisomerase inhibitors as anticancer agents in the past decade

The topoisomerase enzymes play an important role in DNA metabolism, and searching for enzyme inhibitors is an important target in the search for new anticancer drugs. Discovery of new anticancer chemotherapeutical capable of inhibiting topoisomerase enzymes is highlighted in anticancer research. Therefore, biologists, organic chemists and medicinal chemists all around the world have been identifying, designing, synthesizing and evaluating a variety of novel bioactive molecules targeting topoisomerase. This review summarizes types of topoisomerase inhibitors in the past decade, and divides them into nine classes by structural characteristics, including N-heterocycles compounds, quinone derivatives, flavonoids derivatives, coumarin derivatives, lignan derivatives, polyphenol derivatives, diterpenes derivatives, fatty acids derivatives, and metal complexes. Then we discussed the application prospect and development of these anticancer compounds, as well as concluded parts of their structural-activity relationships. We believe this review would be invaluable in helping to further search potential topoisomerase inhibition as antitumor agent in clinical usage.

Density functional theory molecular modelling, DNA interactions, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and biothermodynamic studies of bioactive water soluble mixed ligand complexes

A novel series of bioactive water soluble mixed ligand complexes (1-5) [M^II(L)(phen)AcO]. nH₂O {where M = Cu (1) n = 2; Co (2), Mn (3), Ni (4), n = 4 and Zn (5) n = 2} were synthesized from 2-(2-Morpholinoethylimino) methyl)phenol Schiff base ligand (LH), 1, 10-phenanthroline and metal(II) acetate salt in a 1:1:1 stoichiometric ratio and characterized by several spectral techniques. The obtained analytical and spectral data suggest the octahedral geometry around the central metal ion. Density functional theory calculations have been further supportive to explore the optimized structure and chemical reactivity of these complexes from their frontier molecular orbitals. Gel electrophoresis result indicates that complex (1) manifested an excellent DNA cleavage property than others. The observed binding constants with free energy changes by electronic absorption technique and DNA binding affinity values by viscosity measurements for all compounds were found in the following order (1) > (2) > (4) > (5) > (3) > (LH). The binding results and thermodynamic parameters are described the intercalation mode. In vitro antioxidant properties disclose that complex (1) divulges high scavenging activity against DPPH^•, ^•OH, O₂^-• NO^•, and Fe³⁺. The antimicrobial reports illustrate that the complexes (1-5) were exhibited well defined inhibitory effect than ligand (LH) against the selected different pathogenic species. The observed percentage growth inhibition against A549, HepG2, MCF-7, and NHDF cell lines suggest that complex (1) has exhibited superior anticancer potency than others. Thus, the complex (1) may contribute as potential anticancer agent due to its unique interaction mode with DNA.GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of two novel [CuBr(diamine)2·H2O]Br complexes: Solvatochromism, crystal structure, physicochemical, Hirshfeld surface thermal, DNA/binding, antitumor and antibacterial activities

Two new hydrated monocationic Cu(II) complexes with 1,3-propylenediamine and 1,2-ethylenediamine of general formula [CuBr(N-N)₂·H₂O]Br were prepared. The complexes were identified by means of several spectroscopic tools (Uv-visible, IR and MS), thermally (TG/DTA) and CHN-elemental analysis. The three dimensional structure for complex A and B was provide by X-ray diffraction studies and showed the Cu(II) ion as 4 + 1 + 1 coordinated, four nitrogen atoms of the diamine ligands, one bromide ion and one H₂O semi-coordinated to the Cu(II) center, a typical trans effect is clearly observed in the two complexes. The molecular crystal structures are linked via several H-bonds like N_H…Br and N_H…O. Additionally, intra-molecular H-bonds of kind C_H…Br is observed; these interactions lead to crystal structure three dimensional architecture packing. Hirshfeld surfaces (HSA) analysis was served to figure out the inter-contacts and fingerprints atoms percentage. DNA-binding, antitumor and antibacterial effectiveness of the desired complexes were evaluated.

Spectroscopic, Computational, Antimicrobial, DNA Interaction, In Vitro Anticancer and Molecular Docking Properties of Biochemically Active Cu(II) and Zn(II) Complexes of Pyrimidine-Ligand

Biochemically active Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes [CuL(ClO₄)₂(1) and ZnL(ClO₄)₂(2)] have been synthesized from N,N donor Schiff base ligand L derived from4,6-dichloropyrimdine-5-carboxaldehyde with 4-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine. The L, complexes 1 and 2 have been structurally characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H-NMR, FTIR, MS, UV-Visible and ESR techniques. The results obtained from the spectral studies supports the complexes 1 and 2 are coordinated with L through square planar geometry. DFT calculations results supports, the ligand to metal charge transfer mechanism can occur between L and metal(II) ions. The antimicrobial efficacy results have been recommended that, complexes 1 and 2 are good anti-pathogenic agents than ligand L. The interaction of complexes 1 and 2 with calf thymus (CT) DNA has been studied by electronic absorption, viscometric, fluorometric and cyclic voltammetric measurements. The calculated K_b values for L, complexes 1 and 2 found from absorption titrations was 4.45 × 10⁴, L; 1.92 × 10⁵, 1 and 1.65 × 10⁵, 2. The Ksv values were found to be 3.0 × 10³, 3.68 × 10³and 3.52 × 10³ for L, complexes 1 and 2 by using competitive binding with ethidium bromide (EB). These results suggest that, the compounds are interacted with DNA may be electrostatic binding. The molecular docking studies have been carried out to confirm the interaction of compounds with DNA. Consequently, in vitro anticancer activities of L, complexes 1 and 2 against selected cancer (lung cancer A549, liver cancer HepG2 and cervical carcinoma HeLa) and normal (NHDF) cell lines were assessed by MTT assay.

A theranostic nanocomposite system based on iron oxide-drug nanocages for targeted magnetic field responsive chemotherapy

In this work, a theranostic nanocage system was developed for the targeted delivery of the anti-cancer agents camptothecin (CPT) and luotonin A (LuA). The core of the nanocage system (Fe₃O₄@OA-AD-SP NCs) was formed by biogenically synthesized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with a model anti-cancer drug (AD) and biosurfactant saponin (SP). The Fe₃O₄@OA-AD-SP NCs showed a high lipophilic AD loading efficiency (>80%) and a controlled pH-responsive drug release in stimulated cancerous cells in pH 6.4 media buffer. In addition, Fe₃O₄@OA-AD-SP NCs exhibited better serum protein binding efficacy at physiological pH values (7.4), furthering the important role of SP surface decoration. Particularly, these NCs showed better chemotherapeutic efficacy when examined in MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cell lines with a specific targeting capacity. Therefore, this study provides a new nano platform based on magnetic targeting and pH responsive lipophilic anticancer drug delivery to the cancer site.

One pot synthesis of new poly(vinyl alcohol) blended natural polymer based magnetic hydrogel beads: Controlled natural anticancer alkaloid delivery system

Facile one-pot synthesis has been demonstrated for new biocompatible and dual responsive magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blended natural polymer chitosan (CS) based hydrogel beads (mCS-PVA) as a controlled natural anticancer alkaloid Luotonin A (LuA) delivery system. The prepared magnetic hydrogel beads were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction measurement, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The magnetic hydrogel beads are exhibited significant water retention and follow the second order kinetic model in swelling study. The swelling ratio of the magnetic gel beads increased by the addition of PVA and showed a maximum swelling ratio of 40.83 ± 1.01 g/g and follows non-Fickian water transport mechanism. Stimuli responsive mCS and mCS-PVA hydrogel beads functionalized with LuA is demonstrated for controlled release at physiological pH and under magnetic field. The magnetic hydrogel beads show highest LuA releasing efficacy at acidic medium (pH = 5.0) with maximum efficiency of 73.33 ± 1.44%. This efficacy may also be tuned by altering the external magnetic field as well as the weight percentage (wt %) of polyethylene glycol. It is clearly that the newly produced magnetic hydrogel beads can be served as an effective intestinal LuA delivery system. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 543-551, 2018.

Evaluation of antioxidant, DNA targeting, antimicrobial and cytotoxic studies of imine capped copper and nickel nanoparticles

In this work, we have synthesized pyrimidine derivatives of Schiff base ligand 2-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-ylimino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol (DPMM) stabilized copper nanoparticles (DPMM-CuNPs) and nickel nanoparticles (DPMM-NiNPs) by modified Brust-Schiffrin technique as two step phase transfer assisted method and confirmed by UV-Visible, SEM and TEM analysis. The free radical scavenging activity of DPMM, DPMM-CuNPs &DPMM-NiNPs with 2, 2'-diphenylpicryl hydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) super oxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) shows that the antioxidant activity of DPMM-CuNPs is higher than DPMM &DPMM-NiNPs. Interaction study of DPMM-CuNPs &DPMM-NiNPs with CT-DNA has been investigated by absorption spectral titration, fluorescence studies, cyclic voltammetry and viscometric measurements. Dose dependent antibacterial and antifungal studies of DPMM-CuNPs & DPMM-NiNPs against five different bacteria Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klepsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas fluoroscens and five different fungi Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Mucor indicus and Rhizopus show that the compounds have significant antibacterial and antifungal activity. Cytotoxicity studies of DPMM-CuNPs &DPMM-NiNPs on human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) were studied by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. 50% cell viability was found at 25μg/mL for DPMM-CuNPs and 300μg/mL for DPMM-NiNPs. Collective biological results reveal that the synthesized DPMM-CuNPs is more biologically active than DPMM-NiNPs.

New pyrimidine based ligand capped gold and platinum nano particles: Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial, antioxidant, DNA interaction and in vitro anticancer activities

In this research work, we have synthesized new pyrimidine based Schiff base ligand, 2-((4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine-2-yl)methyleneenamino)-6-methoxyphenol (DPMM) capped gold (Au) and platinum (Pt) nanoparticles (NPs) by modified Brust-Schiffrin method. The characteristics of DPMM-Au NPs and DPMM-Pt NPs have been examined by UV-Visible, FTIR, SEM, TEM and powder XRD analysis. SEM analysis result shows that surface morphology of the DPMM-Au NPs and DPMM-Pt NPs are in granular and spherical shape, correspondingly. The size of the DPMM-Au NPs and DPMM-Pt NPs are approximately 38.14±4.5 and 58.64±3.0nm respectively, which confirmed by TEM analysis. The DPMM-Au NPs and DPMM-Pt NPs have potent antimicrobial against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Mucor indicus, Rhizopus strains. The DPMM-Au NPs and DPMM-Pt NPs have good antioxidant activities than the free ligand (DPMM). The spectroscopic and viscometric measurement confirms the hydrophobic DNA binding abilities of the newly prepared DPMM capped metal NPs. Moreover, the in vitro anticancer activity of DPMM, DPMM-Au NPs and DPMM-Pt NPs against cancer (MCF-7, HeLa & HEp2) and normal (NHDF) cell lines have performed using MTT assay. These results reveals that, DPMM-Au NPs and DPMM-Pt NPs having significant cytotoxic activity against the cancer cell lines and least toxic effect on normal cell line as compared to standard drug cisplatin.