Synthesis, DNA binding, cellular DNA lesion and cytotoxicity of a series of new benzimidazole-based Schiff base copper(II) complexes

Theoretical and experimental investigation of mixed-ligand metal(II) Schiff base complexes using maleic acid as the auxiliary ligand

This work is focused on the synthesis of several transition metal complexes [ML(MA)], where M = Copper (II), Zinc (II), Cobalt (II) and Nickel (II), MA = maleic acid and L = Schiff base generated from benzene-1,2-diamine [o-phenylenediamine] and 4-chlorobenzaldehyde. The characterization using Fourier-Transform Infrared, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible spectra, Mass, Electro Paramagnetic Resonance and elemental analysis confirm the square planar geometry of the complexes. The in vitro antimicrobial potential of the complexes has been tested by the broth dilution method and the antioxidant method has been done by free radical scavenging analysis. The in vitro methods reveal the outstanding biological characteristics of the copper complexes. The molecular structure of the ligand and its metal (II) complexes has been optimized using Density Functional Theory studies performed by the Gaussian-09 software and their parameters have been discussed. Natural Bond Orbital and Frontier Molecular Orbital analyses have assessed the presence of a metal-ligand bond in complexes. In addition, molecular docking studies have also been performed on antiviral activity of all the complexes using a viral protein and their interacting amino acids.

Investigation of photoluminescence and DNA binding properties of benzimidazole compounds containing benzophenone group

The synthesis of benzimidazole compounds containing benzophenone group in accordance with the literature and the investigation of DNA binding properties of these compounds by using UV-vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy methods constitute the basis of this research. The structures of the compounds were determined by methods such as FT-IR, 1H, 13C NMR, UV-vis, Photoluminescence spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. By using methods such as UV-vis, Photoluminescence spectroscopy, and viscosity tests, information were collected about the binding types, binding mode, and binding energies of the compounds with DNA. In addition, the binding interactions of the compounds with DNA were investigated using the molecular docking technique. Using this information, calibration equations, correlation coefficients (r2), and DNA binding constants (Kb) were calculated for their compounds. The binding constants (Kb) calculated for substances A, B, and C were found to be 3.0 × 104, 7.0 × 104, and 3.0 × 104 M-1, respectively. UV-vis, EB competitive binding, and viscosity tests showed that the compounds tended to bind to the DNA structure via the groove binding mode. At the end of molecular docking studies, it was determined that compound B showed the best DNA binding activity in in vitro studies. Compared with the studies in the literature, it is thought that the synthesized compounds can take place in cancer drug research as DNA binding agents.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

DNA-binding, cleavage, antibacterial and in vitro anticancer activity of copper(II) mixed ligand complexes of 2-(((6-chloro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)amino)aceticacid and polypyridyl ligands

A tridentate ligand(A), 2-(((6-chloro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)amino) aceticacid (Cl-BIGH) was synthesised by the Phillips condensation of 4-chlorobenzene-1,2-diamine and iminodiaceticacid in 1:2 molar ratio. Its Cu(II) mixed ligand complexes[Cu(II)-A-L] were obtained by involving other co-ligands(L): 2,2΄-bipyridine(L₁), 4,4΄-dimethyl-2,2΄-bipyridyl(L₂), 5,5΄-dimethyl-2,2΄-bipyridyl(L₃) and 1,10 phenanthroline(L₄). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, thermal analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moment measurements, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, UV-Visible, ESR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and cyclic voltammetry. From the spectral and analytical data, the ternary complexes [Cu(Cl-BIGH)(L_1-4)]ClO₄ were found to form in 1:1:1(Cu(II): Cl-BIGH: L) molar ratio. The geometry of the mixed-ligand complexes were found to be 5-coordinated square pyramidal or trigonal bipyramidal with polycrystalline natures. The DNA binding and cleaving abilities, antibacterial and the in vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes were explored. The molecular docking was used to predict the efficiency of binding of the metal complexes with COX- 2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Copper (II) Species with Improved Anti-Melanoma and Antibacterial Activity by Inclusion in β-Cyclodextrin

To improve their biological activity, complexes [Cu(bipy)(dmtp)₂(OH₂)](ClO₄)₂·dmtp (1) and [Cu(phen)(dmtp)₂(OH₂)](ClO₄)₂·dmtp (2) (bipy 2,2'-bipyridine, phen: 1,10-phenantroline, and dmtp: 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo [1,5-a]pyrimidine) were included in β-cyclodextrins (β-CD). During the inclusion, the co-crystalized dmtp molecule was lost, and UV-Vis spectra together with the docking studies indicated the synthesis of new materials with 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios between complexes and β-CD. The association between Cu(II) compounds and β-CD has been proven by the identification of the components' patterns in the IR spectra and powder XRD diffractograms, while solid-state UV-Vis and EPR spectra analysis highlighted a slight modification of the square-pyramidal stereochemistry around Cu(II) in comparison with precursors. The inclusion species are stable in solution and exhibit the ability to scavenge or trap ROS species (O₂·^- and HO·) as indicated by the EPR experiments. Moreover, the two inclusion species exhibit anti-proliferative activity against murine melanoma B16 cells, which has been more significant for (2)@β-CD in comparison with (2). This behavior is associated with a cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Compared with precursors, (1a)@β-CD and (2a)@β-CD exhibit 17 and 26 times more intense activity against planktonic Escherichia coli, respectively, while (2a)@β-CD is 3 times more active against the Staphylococcus aureus strain.

Synthesis, Structural Investigations, and In Vitro/In Silico Bioactivities of Flavonoid Substituted Biguanide: A Novel Schiff Base and Its Diorganotin (IV) Complexes

Quercetin is one of the most powerful bioactive dietary flavonoids. The in vivo biological study of quercetin is extremely difficult due to its very low solubility. However, diorganotin complexes of quercetin are more useful when contrasted with quercetin due to increased solubility. In the present study, quercetin, substituted biguanide synthesized in the form of Schiff base and its di-alkyl/aryl tin (IV) complexes were obtained by condensing Schiff base with respective di-alkyl/aryl tin (IV) dichloride. Advanced analytical techniques were used for structural elucidation. The results of biological screening against Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacteria and fungi showed that these diorganotin (IV) derivatives act as potent antimicrobial agents. The in silico investigation with dihydropteroate (DHPS) disclosed a large ligand-receptor interaction and revealed a strong relationship between the natural exercises and computational molecular docking results.

Synthesis, characterization, in vitro, in silico and in vivo investigations and biological assessment of Knoevenagel condensate β-diketone Schiff base transition metal complexes

A novel Schiff base ligand was synthesized by the Knoevenagel condensation of β-diketone (obtained from substituted Curcumin and Cuminaldehyde) and 4-amino antipyrine. Metal complexes were made from this Schiff base by reacting with metal salts such as Cu(II), Ni(II), Ru(III), VO(IV), and Ce(IV). Physicochemical approaches such as UV-Vis, FT-IR, NMR, EPR, and Mass spectroscopy were used to determine the geometry of the complexes. The thermodynamic stability and biological accessibility of the complexes were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. A molecular docking analysis was also performed on 1BNA receptor. Both the Schiff base ligand and metal complexes interacted well to this protein receptor. All metal complexes have a significant potential to bind to CT DNA via the intercalation mechanism. All the in vivo and in vitro screening studies showed that the complexes exhibit higher activities than the free Schiff base.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Two novel chiral tetranucleate copper-based complexes: syntheses, crystal structures, inhibition of angiogenesis and the growth of human breast cancer in vitro and in vivo

The single crystals of two novel chiral tetranucleate copper(II)-based complexes (TNCu-A and TNCu-B) containing L-methioninol-derived Schiff-bases were obtained. Their single structures were characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction, infrared (IR) rays, elemental analysis, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. TNCu-A can effectively inhibit human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to form a tubular structure and it induces apoptosis of human triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and HUVECs in vitro in a mitochondria dependent manner. Moreover, in vivo TNCu-A can remarkably inhibit the growth of triple-negative breast cancer from which MDA-MB-231 cells were xenografted into severely immunodeficient nude mice by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells by dramatically inhibiting the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and up-regulating the expressions of proapoptotic proteins caspase-9 and Bax, and simultaneously inhibiting tumor angiogenesis by decreasing the density of vascular endothelial cells and suppressing migration and even partially inducing apoptosis.

A novel biocompatible formate bridged 1D-Cu(ii) coordination polymer induces apoptosis selectively in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells

Copper compounds are promising candidates for next-generation metal anticancer drugs. Therefore, we synthesized and characterized a formate bridged 1D coordination polymer [Cu(L)(HCOO)2]n, (L = 2-methoxy-6-methyl-3-((quinolin-8-ylimino)methyl)chroman-4-ol), PCU1, wherein the Cu(ii) center adopts a square pyramidal coordination environment with adjacent CuCu distances of 5.28 Å. Primarily, in vitro DNA interaction studies revealed a metallopolymer which possesses high DNA binding propensity and cleaves DNA via the oxidative pathway. We further analysed its potential on cancerous cells MCF-7, HeLa, A549, and two non-tumorigenic cells HEK293 and HBE. The selective cytotoxicity potential of PCU1 against A549 cells driven us to examine the mechanistic pathways comprehensively by carrying out various assays viz, cell cycle arrest, Annexin V-FTIC/PI assay, autophagy, intercellular localization, mitochondrial membrane potential 'MMP', antiproliferative assay, and gene expression of TGF-β and MMP-2.

Influence of anchoring moieties on new benzimidazole-based Schiff base copper(II) complexes towards estrogen dependent breast cancer cells

Two new benzimidazole Schiff base copper(ii) compounds [Cu(5-CH2PPh3-2-salmethylben)(NO3)(H2O)][BF4]·2/3(H2O)·1/3(MeOH) (1) and [Cu(5-CH2NEt3-2-salmethylben)(Cl)][BF4] (2) were synthesised by mixing 2-(1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)aniline, (3-formyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride or N,N-diethyl-N-(3-formyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)ethanaminium chloride and Cu(NO3)2·3H2O or CuCl2·2H2O in the presence of tetrafluoroborate in a binary mixture of MeOH : H2O under refluxing conditions. The structures of the compounds were established by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ESI-MS analytical techniques and, for 1, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic methods were performed to evaluate the calf thymus DNA interactions with the compounds. The calculated binding constants (Kb) of 3.14 × 105 M-1 for 1 and 3.20 × 105 M-1 for 2 were established. The intercalative DNA binding mode was also verified by molecular docking studies. Both compounds demonstrated a notable in vitro cytotoxic effect against human A-549 (lung carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast cancer) and HeLa (cervical cancer) cancer cell lines. A substantial repressive effect on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells (breast cancer cells) was observed for compound 1. The mechanism of action for the effective antiproliferative activity of 1 has additionally been confirmed by means of various biological studies such as morphological assessment through AO/EB, detection of apoptotic induction via Hoechst/PI dual staining, flow cytometry for detection of cell cycle arrest, quantitative analysis of apoptotic cells, DNA degradation, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by apoptotic induction through mitochondrial staining.

Ruthenium(II)/(III) DMSO-Based Complexes of 2-Aminophenyl Benzimidazole with In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Activity

New anticancer ruthenium(II/III) complexes [RuCl₂(DMSO)₂(Hapbim)] (1) and [RuCl₃(DMSO) (Hapbim)] (2) (Hapbim = 2-aminophenyl benzimidazole) have been synthesized and characterized, and their chemotherapeutic potential evaluated. The interaction of the compounds with DNA was studied by both UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopies, revealing intercalation of both the Hapbim ligand and the Ru complexes. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds was tested on human breast cancer (MCF7), human colorectal cancer (Caco2), and normal human liver cell lines (THLE-2), with compound (2) the most potent against cancer cells. The cytotoxic effect of (2) is shown to correlate with the ability of the Ru(III) complex to induce apoptosis and to cause cell-cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Notably, both compounds were inactive in the noncancerous cell line. The anticancer effect of (2) has also been studied in an EAC (Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma) mouse model. Significantly, the activity of the complex was more pronounced in vivo, with removal of the cancer burden at doses that resulted in only low levels of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. An apoptosis mechanism was determined by the observation of increased Bax and caspase 3 and decreased Bcl2 expression. Furthermore, (2) decreased oxidative stress and increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes, especially SOD, suggesting the enhancement of normal cell repair. Overall, compound (2) shows great potential as a chemotherapeutic candidate, with promising activity and low levels of side effects.

Tracking the dissolution-recrystallization structural transformation (DRST) of copper(II) complexes: a combined crystallographic, mass spectrometric and DFT study

Methanol- and temperature-induced dissolution-recrystallization structural transformation (DRST) was observed among two novel Cu^II complexes. This is first time that the combination of X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry and density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations has been used to describe the fragmentation and recombination of a mononuclear Cu^II complex at 60 °C in methanol to obtain a binuclear copper(II) complex. Combining time-dependent high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry, we propose a possible mechanism for the conversion of bis(8-methoxyquinoline-κ²N,O)bis(thiocyanato-κN)copper(II), [Cu(NCS)₂(C₁₀H₉NO)₂], Cu1, to di-μ-methanolato-κ⁴O:O-bis[(8-methoxyquinoline-κ²N,O)(thiocyanato-κN)copper(II)], [Cu₂(CH₃O)₂(NCS)₂(C₁₀H₉NO)₂], Cu2, viz. [Cu(SCN)₂(L)₂] (Cu1) → [Cu(L)₂] → [Cu(L)]/L → [Cu₂(CH₃O)₂(NCS)₂(L)₂] (Cu2). We screened the antitumour activities of L (8-methoxyquinoline), Cu1 and Cu2 and found that the antiproliferative effect of Cu2 on some tumour cells was much greater than that of L and Cu1.

Two novel chiral tetranucleate copper-based complexes: crystal structures, nanoparticles, and inhibiting angiogenesis and the growth of human breast cancer by regulating the VEGF/VEGFR2 signal pathway in vitro

The single crystals of two novel copper(ii)-based complexes containing l-methioninol-derived Schiff bases were obtained and characterized. The nanoparticles of these complexes were prepared and their cellular uptake was measured in MDA-MB-231 cells and HUVECs. It was found that these complexes could remarkably induce apoptosis, inhibit proliferation, suppress migration and metastasis, and inhibit angiogenesis and the growth of triple-negative breast cancer derived from MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. Meanwhile, these complexes exhibit anticancer and antiangiogenic functions by activating the important protein molecules VEGFR2, FAK, AKT and Erk1/2 or their phosphorylated molecules p-VEGFR2, p-FAK, p-AKT, and p-Erk1/2 in the VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway, collapsing the mitochondrial membrane potential, and damaging the level of reactive oxygen species.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of naphthalimide-benzimidazole conjugates as potential antitumor agents

A series of novel naphthalimide-benzimidazoles was designed and synthesized for the first time and studied for their effect on antiproliferative activity. Some of these compounds possessed good antitumor activity towards the tested cancer cell lines. Noticeably, (diethylamino)ethyl 15 and (dimethylamino)ethyl 23 derivatives displayed superior antiproliferative activity towards human cancer cell lines with MG_MID GI50 values of 1.43 and 1.83 μM, respectively. Preliminary investigation revealed that compounds 15 and 23 might bind with ct-DNA through the intercalation mode which is responsible for potent bioactivity. Moreover, transportation behaviour indicated that these molecules could efficiently bind to and be carried by bovine albumin, and the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions played important roles in interaction with serum albumin.

Ruthenium(II) Conjugates of Boron-Dipyrromethene and Biotin for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy in Red Light

The ruthenium(II) complexes [RuCl(L¹)(L³)]Cl (1), [RuCl(L¹)(L⁴)]Cl (2), [RuCl(L²)(L⁴)]Cl (3), [RuCl(L¹)(L⁵)]Cl (4), and [RuCl(L²)(L⁵)]Cl (5) of NNN-donor dipicolylamine (dpa) bases (L⁴, L⁵) having BODIPY (boron-dipyrromethene) moieties, NN-donor phenanthroline derivatives (L¹, L²), and benzyldipicolylamine (bzdpa, L³) were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic techniques and their cellular localization/uptake and photocytotoxicity studied. Complex 1, as its PF₆ salt (1a), has been structurally characterized with help of a single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. It has a RuN₅Cl core with the Cl bonded trans to the amine nitrogen atom of bzdpa. The complexes showed intense absorption spectral bands near 500 nm (ε ≈ 58000 M^-1 cm^-1) in 2 and 3 and 654 nm (ε ≈ 80000 M^-1 cm^-1) in 4 and 5 in 1/1 DMSO/DPBS (v/v). Complex 5 having biotin and PEGylated-disteryl BODIPY gave a singlet oxygen quantum yield (Φ_Δ) of ∼0.65 in DMSO. Complex 5 exhibited remarkable PDT (photodynamic therapy) activity (IC₅₀ ≈ 0.02 μM) with a photocytotoxicity index (PI) value of >5000 in red light of 600-720 nm in A549 cancer cells. The biotin-conjugated complexes showed better photocytotoxicity in comparison to nonbiotinylated analogues in A549 cells. The complexes displayed less toxicity in HPL1D normal cells in comparison to A549 cancer cells. The emissive BODIPY complexes 3 and 5 (Φ_F ≈ 0.07 in DMSO) showed significant mitochondrial localization.

Benzimidazole Schiff base derivatives: synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity

A series of Schiff bases (3.a–f) bearing benzimidazole moiety was successfully synthesized in ethanol by refluxing Oct-2-ynoic acid (1,3-dihydrobenzimidazole-2-ylidene)amide with substituted amines. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultra violet light (UV–VIS), elemental analysis, proton (¹H) and carbon (¹³C) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to characterize the newly synthesized Schiff bases. Micro dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the Schiff bases, against 14 human pathogenic bacteria (8 Gram negative and 6 Gram positive) and against 7 fungal strains (5 Aspergillus and 2 Fusarium) representatives. Antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum and antitrypanosomal property against Trypanosoma brucei was studied in vitro at a single dose concentration of the Schiff bases. Cytotoxicity of the Schiff bases was assessed against human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells. Results obtained show that the newly synthesized Schiff bases are very potent antimicrobial agents. Gram negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli were more affected on exposure to Compounds 3.c–f (MIC 7.8 µg/mL) which in turn exhibited more antibacterial potency than nalidixic acid reference drug that displayed MICs between 64 and 512 µg/mL against K. pneumonia and E. coli respectively. The test compounds also demonstrated high cytotoxic effect against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus carbonarius as they displayed MFC 7.8 and 15.6 µg/mL. Compound 3.c exhibited the highest fungicidal property from this series with MFC alternating between 7.8 and 15.6 µg/mL against the investigated strains. The malarial activity revealed Compounds 3.c and 3.d as the more potent antiplasmodial compounds in this group exhibiting 95% and 85% growth inhibition respectively. The IC₅₀ of Compounds 3.c and 3.d were determined and found to be IC₅₀ 26.96 and 28.31 µg/mL respectively. Compound 3.a was the most cytotoxic agent against HeLa cells in this group with 48% cell growth inhibition. Compounds 3.c, 3.d and 3.f were biocompatible with HeLa cells and displayed low toxicity. With a very low cytotoxic effect against HeLa, compound 3.c stands out to be a very good antiparasitic agent and consideration to further evaluate the candidate drug against others cell lines is necessary.

Experimental and molecular topology-based biological implications of Schiff base complexes: a concise review

This review is a gentle introduction toward Schiff bases with special attention to bioinorganic aspects. Depending on the nature of condensation moieties (ketonic or aldehydic) with primary amine, a large number of novel compounds are reported every year with applicability in various material science aspects. Herein, a burgeoning literature overview is presented to provide a salient discussion of the current status of these molecular systems. Schiff bases are designed depending on the particular desirable properties. For instance, to enlighten a biologically relevant molecule, it is always appreciated when a prepared compound shows biological membrane crossing and nucleic acid linking potential. Under such purview, the Schiff base functional group can serve as an enhancer of biomembrane traversing capability. In addition to various other catalytic aspects, the type of disease to be encountered also matters. Nowadays, theoretical chemistry is applied before synthesizing a compound of this sort and fruitful results are first depicted and, if found feasible, a suitable synthetic route is followed to synthesize Schiff base compounds. Molecular charge topology analysis under theoretical expression is analyzed generally to predict the biological relevance of a molecule.

Biomolecular Interaction, Anti-Cancer and Anti-Angiogenic Properties of Cobalt(III) Schiff Base Complexes

Two cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes, trans-[Co(salen)(DA)₂](ClO₄) (1) and trans-[Co(salophen)(DA)₂](ClO₄) (2) (where salen: N,N'-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine, salopen: N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine, DA: dodecylamine) were synthesised and characterised using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The binding affinity of both the complexes with CT-DNA was explored adopting UV-visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques. The results revealed that both the complexes interacted with DNA via intercalation as well as notable groove binding. Protein (BSA) binding ability of these complexes was investigated by absorption and emission spectroscopy which indicate that these complexes engage in strong hydrophobic interaction with BSA. The mode of interaction between these complexes and CT-DNA/BSA was studied by molecular docking analysis. The in vitro cytotoxic property of the complexes was evaluated in A549 (human small cell lung carcinoma) and VERO (African green monkey kidney cells). The results revealed that the complexes affect viability of the cells. AO and EB staining and cell cycle analysis revealed that the mode of cell death is apoptosis. Both the complexes showed profound inhibition of angiogenesis as revealed in in-vivo chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Of the two complexes, the complex 2 proved to be much more efficient in affecting the viability of lung cancer cells than complex 1. These results indicate that the cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes in this study can be potentially used for cancer chemotherapy and as inhibitor of angiogenesis, in general, and lung cancer in particular, for which there is need for substantiation at the level of signalling mechanisms and gene expressions.

Schiff Base Metal Complexes as Anticancer Agents

Cutting-edge practices in bioinorganic chemistry are pivotal for enhancing the layout of compounds to lessen poisonous facet effect and recognize their mechanism of action. A powerful anticancer agent should own inherent, inhibitory property and also delivery, dosage and residence time in vivo. Organic function and conformation of mutated gene may be altered by way of binding of metal ions. Upswing of activities counting on the structural data, intending in enhancing and growing different forms of metal based compounds, continuous seek of extra metal based compounds have been synthesized via revamping the prevailing chemical shape via ligand substitution. The prevailing paper addresses the trendy development in the design of novel antitumor agents primarily based on transition metal complex via highlighting the near dating among their structural alternatives and cytotoxic ability.

Exploring the effect of substituent in the hydrazone ligand of a family of μ-oxidodivanadium(v) hydrazone complexes on structure, DNA binding and anticancer activity

The reaction of 2-hydroxybenzoylhydrazine (H₂bh) separately with equimolar amounts of [V^IVO(aa)₂] and [V^IVO(ba)₂] in CHCl₃ afforded the complexes [VO₃(HL¹)₂] (1) and [VO₃(HL²)₂] (2) respectively in good to excellent yield ((HL¹)^2- and (HL²)^2- represent respectively the dianionic form of 2-hydroxybenzoylhydrazones of acetylacetone (H₃L¹) and benzoylacetone (H₃L²) (general abbreviation H₃L)). From X-ray structure analysis, the V^V-O-V^V angle was found to be ∼115° and 180° in 1 and 2 respectively. Upon one-electron reduction selectively at one V centre at an appropriate potential, each of 1 and 2 generated mixed-valence [(HL)V^VO-(μ-O)-OV^IV(HL)]^- species 1A and 2A respectively, which showed valence delocalization at room temperature and localization at 77 K, and the V^IV-O-V^V bond angles were calculated to be 177.5° and 180° respectively. The intercalative mode of binding of the two complexes 1 and 2 with CT DNA has been suggested by UV-visible spectroscopy (K_b = 7.31 × 10⁵ M^-1 and 8.71 × 10⁵ M^-1 respectively for 1 and 2), fluorescence spectroscopy (K_sv = 6.85 × 10⁵ M^-1 and 8.53 × 10⁵ M^-1 respectively for 1 and 2) and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Such intercalative mode of binding of these two complexes with CT DNA and HPV DNA has also been confirmed by molecular docking study. Both complexes 1 and 2 exhibited promising anti-cancer activity against SiHa cervical cancer cells with IC₅₀ values of 28 ± 0.5 μM and 25 ± 0.5 μM respectively for 24 h which is significantly better than that of widely used cisplatin (with IC₅₀ value of 63.5 μM). Nuclear staining experiments reveal that these complexes kill the SiHa cells through apoptotic mode. It is interesting to note that these two complexes are non-toxic to normal T293 cell line. Complex 2 showed higher DNA binding ability with CT DNA and HPV DNA as well as better anti-cancer properties towards SiHa cervical cancer cells in comparison to complex 1, a fact which can be explained by considering the lower energy of LUMO (which favours electron transition from DNA to the metal complex) and also the higher surface area of complex 2 in comparison to complex 1 due to the presence of one extra electron-withdrawing phenyl group in the former.

Heterocyclic Schiff base transition metal complexes in antimicrobial and anticancer chemotherapy

In recent years, the number of people suffering from cancer and multidrug-resistant infections has sharply increased, leaving humanity without any choice but to search for new treatment options and strategies. Although cancer is considered the leading cause of death worldwide, it also paves the way many microbial infections and thus increases this burden manifold. Development of small molecules as anticancer and anti-microbial agents has great potential and a plethora of drugs are already available to combat these diseases. However, the wide occurrence of multidrug resistance in both cancer and microbial infections necessitates the development of new and potential molecules with desired properties that could circumvent the multidrug resistance problem. A successful strategy in anticancer chemotherapy has been the use of metallo-drugs and this strategy has the potential to be used for treating multidrug-resistant infections more efficiently. As a class of molecules, Schiff bases have been the topic of considerable interest, owing to their versatile metal chelating properties, inherent biological activities and flexibility to modify the structure to fine-tune it for a particular biological application. Schiff base-based metallo-drugs are being researched to develop new anticancer and anti-microbial chemotherapies and because both anticancer and anti-microbial targets are different, heterocyclic Schiff bases can be structurally modified to achieve the desired molecule, targeting a particular disease. In this review, we collect the most recent and relevant literature concerning the synthesis of heterocyclic Schiff base metal complexes as anticancer and anti-microbial agents and discuss the potential and future of this class of metallo-drugs as either anticancer or anti-microbial agents.

Modulating the DNA cleavage ability of copper(ii) Schiff bases through ternary complex formation

Copper(ii) Schiff-bases were electrochemically synthesized and characterized. The presence of co-ligands such as 2,2′-bpy or phen in the metal coordination environment increases the DNA cleavage efficiency.

Unfolding biological properties of a versatile dicopper(II) precursor and its two mononuclear copper(II) derivatives

Synthesis, inter-conversions and biological study of the dichloro bridged dicopper(II) compound [CuLCl]₂ (1) and its two mononuclear derivatives [CuLCl(H₂O)]·H₂O (2) and [CuLCl(py)] (3) (HL=2-(2-pyridylmethyleneamino)benzenesulfonic acid) are described. The dimeric compound 1 collapses into monomers 2 and 3 in the presence of coordinating solvents, water and pyridine, respectively, and 1 is regenerated upon simple stirring of 2 or 3 in methanol. The reactions of 1 with neutral (present study) and charged (earlier studies) ligands result in monomeric and multimeric compounds, respectively, attesting that it is a versatile dicopper(II) precursor. The anticancer activity of these copper complexes (1-3) was screened against lung (A-549) and breast (MDA-MB-231) human cancer cell lines. The IC₅₀ (half maximal inhibitory concentration) value for one (3) of the compounds suggests preferential cytotoxicity against breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line. Furthermore, the IC₅₀ value obtained for complex 3 is found to be almost two-fold times cytotoxic than the standard drug cisplatin. In addition, the underlying possible mechanism of its apoptosis-inducing efficacy in MDA-MB-231 cells has been rationalized by using flow cytometry (FACS) and Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence staining. The stimulation of apoptotic induction for complex 3 has further been affirmed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial aggregations studies.

Coumarin centered copper(ii) complex with appended-imidazole as cancer chemotherapeutic agents against lung cancer: molecular insight via DFT-based vibrational analysis

Synthesis and structural characterization of the novel copper complex, DFT based vibrational analysis, DNA binding studies.In vitrocytotoxicity against A549 cancer cell lines and estimation of GSH, ROS, LPO levels, have been reported.

Sulfonated Schiff base Sn(IV) complexes as potential anticancer agents

Syntheses, crystal structures and biological activities of the diphenoxo-bridged diorgano dinuclear Sn(IV) compounds [Sn(Et)₂(HL)(H₂O)]₂ (1) and [Sn(n-Bu)₂(HL)(H₂O)]₂ (2) derived from the Schiff base 2-[(2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)methylideneamino]benzenesulfonic acid trihydrate (H₃L·3H₂O) are described. The monoprotonated form (HL^2-) of the Schiff base behaves as O,O'-bidentate ligand, chelating the metal by the two phenoxo oxygen atoms. The hexacoordinated metal centres in 1 and 2 are bridged by a phenoxo oxygen and the remaining coordination positions are fulfilled by the other phenoxo oxygen, two organic groups (ethyl for 1 and n-butyl for 2) and a water molecule. A two dimensional zigzag sheet in 1 and three dimensional polymeric networks in H₃L·3H₂O and 2 are stabilized by a number of non-covalent, H-bonding and π⋯π stacking interactions. The DNA binding activities of these complexes have been studied by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. Their antiproliferative efficacies have been evaluated on A-549, HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. IC₅₀ values (1.35±0.23, 2.43±0.54 and 1.74±0.04μM for 2) are indicative of a substantial cytotoxicity of 2, mainly towards the A-549 lung cancer cell line. The greater antiproliferative efficacy of 2has further been studied by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and nuclear morphology by Hoechst/propidium iodide (PI) double staining method. The possible mode of the apoptotic pathway for 2has been substantiated by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation studies.

A highly selective, sensitive and reversible fluorescence chemosensor for Zn2+ and its cell viability

A new ligand (H2L) was synthesized and designed for sensing properties. H2L shows fluorescence ‘switch ON’ with Zn²⁺ ions with a detection limit of 1.47 μM. The H2L and 1 showed marginal toxicity against MCF-7 and A375 cell lines.