DFT analysis and DNA binding, cleavage of copper(II) complexes

Ternary Copper Complex of L-Glutamine and Phenanthroline as Counterions of Cyclo-Tetravanadate Anion: Experimental–Theoretical Characterization and Potential Antineoplastic Activity

Over the last decade, therapeutic metallodrugs have become substantially effective in the treatment of cancer. Thus, developing new effective anticancer drugs is a significant research area against the continuing increase in cancers worldwide. In the search for heterobimetallic prodrugs containing V/Cu, a new cyclo-tetravanadate was synthesized and characterized by UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. L-Glutamine and 1,10-phenanthroline allow the crystallization of [Cu(L-Gln)(phen)(H2O)]4[V4O12]∙8(H2O) (1), in which the cyclo-tetravanadate acts as a free anion. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to characterize the frontier molecular orbitals and molecular electrostatic potential. Global reactivity indexes were calculated and analyzed to give insight into the cyclo-tetravanadate anion and complex counterions interactions. Also, using Bader’s theory of atoms in molecules (AIM), non-covalent interactions were analyzed. Docking analysis with the Casiopeina-like complex resulting from the hydrolysis of compound 1 provided insights into these complex potential anticancer activities by interacting with DNA/tRNA via H-bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The release of both components could act together or separately, acting as prodrugs with potential dual antineoplastic activities.

Synthesis and Experimental-Computational Characterization of a Copper/Vanadium Compound with Potential Anticancer Activity

Cancer represents a major worldwide public health problem. While significant advances in different fronts are being made to combat the disease, the development of new metal-based drugs with cytotoxic capabilities is of high relevance. This work presents a heterobimetallic molecule comprising two moieties with a structure similar to Casiopeina II-gly. One of them has a cyclotetravanadate anion that functions as an inorganic bridge coordinating two Cu (II) atoms resulting in a hexanuclear [Cu(phen)(Gly)-µ2-V4O12-Cu(phen)(Gly)]2− complex, which is counterbalanced by two isolated [Cu(phen)(Gly)(H2O)]1+ cations. Ten water molecules arranged in two sets of five-member chains also play an essential role in the 3D supramolecular structure of the compound. The molecule was designed to provide Cu and V, two metals with proven anticancer capabilities in the same molecular structure. The compound was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis; visible, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopies; 51V Nuclear Magnetic Resonance; cyclic voltammetry; and monocrystalline X-ray diffraction. The structural, spectroscopic, and electronic properties of the compound were calculated through the density functional theory (DFT) using the Minnesota functional M06-2X and the Def2TZVP/LANL2TZ(f) basis sets with an effective core potential (ECP) for metals. Noncovalent interactions were analyzed using a natural population analysis (NPA) and Hirshfeld surfaces. The compound upon dissociation provides two metals that can interact with important biological targets in a variety of cancer cell models.

Cyclo-tetravanadate bridged copper complexes as potential double bullet pro-metallodrugs for cancer treatment

Over the last decade, copper and vanadium complexes have shown promising properties for the treatment of several types of cancer. In particular, Casiopeinas®, a group of copper-based complexes, has received specific attention, and their mechanism of action has been extensively studied since their structure is simple and their synthesis may be affordable. Similarly, vanadium-containing compounds in the form of complexes and simple polyoxovanadates have also been studied as antitumor agents. Here, potential prodrugs that would release the two metals, V and Cu, in usable form to act in conjunction against cancer cells are reported. The new series of Casiopeinas-like compounds are bridged by a cyclotetravanadate ion with the generic formula [Cu(N,N')(AA)]₂•(V₄O₁₂), where (N,N') represent 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2'-bipyridine, and (AA) are aminoacidate ions (Lysine and Ornithine). The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Visible, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopies, as well as ⁵¹V NMR, EPR, and Thermogravimetric Analysis. Additionally, theoretical calculations based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT) were carried out to model the compounds. Optimized structures, theoretical IR, and Raman spectra were also obtained, as well as docking analysis to test DNA interactions with the casiopeina-like complexes. The compounds may act as prodrugs by providing acting molecules that have showed potential pharmacological properties for the treatment of several types of cancer.

Ultrasonic synthesis of Oct. trans-Br2Cu(N ∩ N)2 Jahn-Teller distortion complex: XRD-properties, solvatochromism, thermal, kinetic and DNA-binding evaluations

Under mode of ultrasonic vibration, the neutral octahedral mononuclear [trans-CuBr₂(N ∩ N)₂]·3H₂O complex with N ∩ N = 2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine was obtained. The structure of the desired complex was characterized by UV-Vis. spectroscopy, FT-IR, EDX, MS, SEM, TG/DTA and CHN-analysis. The octahedral-structure of the desired Cu(II) complex was proven via XRD single-crystal diffraction and its molecular interactions were computed by Hirschfeld surface analysis. Alcohol (as solvent) and short ultrasonic vibration dose period played a critical role in sonochemistry synthesis of octahedral neutral trans-CuBr₂(N ∩ N)₂ complex instead of trigonal bi-pyramidal monocation [CuBr(N ∩ N)₂]Br one. Due to the Jahn-Teller effect, the complex exhibited a trans bonds elongation along Br-Cu-Br axis originating a distorted-octahedral Cu(II), as revealed by the XRD measurements (Br-Cu = 3.04 Å). Therefore, the Solvatochromic behavior of the complex was successfully performed since the trans di-bromide ions are loosely coordinated to Cu(II) center, the change in complex solutions colors by using different solvents which can be detected even by naked-eye supported atypical Jahn-Teller elongation effect formation. TG/DTA and Flynn Wall Ozawa (FWO) isoconversional kinetic methods were applied for the complex to figure out the thermal behavior, kinetic of the ligands de-structured and estimate its Ea/α relation. The complex binding mode to the CT-DNA was examined by UV-vis. spectroscopic, melting curve, CV and viscosity tests. The complex exhibited very strong DNA binding via an intercalation mode of coordination with K_b = 6.5 × 10⁵ value.

DNA binding, prominent photonuclease activity and antibacterial PDT of cobalt(II) complexes of phenanthroline based photosensitizers

The chemistry of Co(II) complexes showing efficient light induced DNA cleavage activity, binding propensity to calf thymus DNA and antibacterial PDT is summarized in this article. Complexes of formulation [Co(mqt)(B)₂]ClO₄ 1-3 where mqt is 4-methylquinoline-2-thiol and B is N,N-donor heterocyclic base, viz. 1,10-phenanthroline (phen 1), dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq 2) and dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz 3) have been prepared and characterized. The DNA-binding behaviors of these three complexes were explored by absorption spectra, viscosity measurements and thermal denaturation studies. The DNA binding constants for complexes 1, 2 and 3 were determined to be 1.6 × 10³ M^-1, 1.1 × 10⁴ M^-1 and 6.4 × 10⁴ M^-1 respectively. The experimental results suggest that these complexes interact with DNA through groove binding mode. The complexes show significant photocleavage of supercoiled (SC) DNA proceeds via a type-II process forming singlet oxygen as the reactive species. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy was studied using photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) assay against E. coli and all complexes exhibited significant reduction in bacterial growth on photoirradiation.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt(III) and Copper(II) Complexes of 2-((E)-(6-Fluorobenzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino) methyl)-4-chlorophenol: DNA Binding and Nuclease Studies—SOD and Antimicrobial Activities

A bidentate (N- and O-) imine-based ligand (L1) and its metal complexes of types [CuII(L1)2] (C1), [CuII(L1)(Phen)] (C2), [CoIII(L1)2] (C3), and [CoIII(L1)(Phen)] (C4) (L1 = 2-((E)-(6-fluorobenzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl)-4-chlorophenol and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized as potential chemotherapeutic drug candidates. The prepared complexes were structurally characterized by spectral techniques (NMR, FT-IR, LC-MS, EPR, and electronic absorption), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA), magnetic moment, and CHNO elemental analysis. Spectroscopic studies suggested the distorted octahedral structure for all complexes. In vitro bioassay studies include binding and nuclease activities of the ligand and its complexes with target calf thymus- (CT-) DNA were carried out by employing UV-Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity, and gel electrophoresis techniques. The extent of binding propensity was determined quantitatively by Kb and Ksv values which revealed a higher binding affinity for C2 and C4 as compared to C1 and C3. In addition, the scavenging superoxide anion free radical (O∙-2) activity of metal complexes was determined by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) light reduction assay. Molecular docking studies with DNA and SOD enzyme were also carried out on these compounds. The antimicrobial study has shown that all the compounds are potential antibacterial agents against Gram-negative bacterial strains and better antifungal agents with respect to standard drugs used.