Syntheses and the Characterization of Schiff Base Copper Complexes and their Interaction with ct-DNA and Plasmid DNA

Abstract

Transition metal complexes are among metal-based complexes generating interest as anticancer agents. Previous research has shown that copper complexes have the potential for chemotherapeutic activity. Hydrolysis of phosphodiester bonds found in the backbone of DNA as well as intercalation between the DNA base pairs are two ways of how the complexes have shown to decrease the proliferation of cancer cells. A number of Schiff base ligands, MICQ, APMIC, and AQC, have been synthesized. The ligands have reacted with different copper salts to produce five corresponding Schiff base copper complexes. The complexes have been characterized via infrared spectroscopy, uv/vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and elemental analysis. An x-ray crystal structure of one of the complexes has also been determined. A square base pyramidal geometry was observed from the structure with the complex being the square base and the chlorine being the apex of the pyramid. Reactivity studies of the complexes with a model compound of DNA as well as with DNA have been performed. Some of the reactivity studies include ethidium bromide competitive binding studies, absorption titration studies and DNA cleavage experiments