Multispectroscopic DNA-binding studies of a terbium(III) complex containing 2,2′-bipyridine ligand

Studying the interaction between the new neodymium (Nd) complex with the ligand of 1,10-phenanthroline with FS-DNA and BSA

To learn more about the chemotherapeutic and pharmacokinetic properties of a neodymium complex containing 1,10-phenanthroline (dafone), In vitro binding was investigated with bovine serum albumin and fish-salmon DNA, using a variety of molecular modeling research and biophysical approaches. A variety of spectroscopic techniques including fluorescence and absorption were used to investigate the interplay between DNA/BSA and the neodymium complex. The findings revealed that the Nd complex had a high affinity for BSA and DNA interplays through van der Waals powers. In addition, the binding of the Nd complex to FS-DNA mainly in the groove binding mode clearly reflects with iodide quenching studies, ethidium bromide (EtBr) exclusion assay, ionic strength effect, and viscosity studies. It was observed that the Nd complex binds to FS-DNA through a minor groove with 3.81 × 105 (M-1). Also, Kb for BSA at 298 K was 5.19×105 (M-1), indicating a relatively high affinity of the Nd complex for DNA and BSA. In addition, a competitive study of a docking investigation revealed that the neodymium complex interacts at BSA site III. The results obtained from the binding calculations are well consistent with the experimental findings. Also, cytotoxicity studies of Nd complex were performed in MCF-7 and A-549 cell lines and the results show that this new complex has a selective inhibitory effect on the growth of various cancer cells.

Promising Antifungal and Antibacterial Agents Based on 5-Aryl-2,2'-bipyridines and Their Heteroligand Salicylate Metal Complexes: Synthesis, Bioevaluation, Molecular Docking

A series of new 5-aryl-2,2'-bipyridines and their (polyfluoro)salicylate complexes of Cu(II), Co(II) and Mn(II) were synthesized. Their antimicrobial activity was evaluated in vitro against six strains of Trichophytons, E. floccosum, M. canis, C. ablicans and Gram-negative bacteria N. gonorrhoeae. Among azo-ligands, Ph-bipy and Tol-bipy showed promising antifungal activity (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)<0.8-27 μM). Their antifungal action was found can be realized via binding Fe(III) ions. Tol-bipy suppressed growth of Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus, S. aureus MRSA and their monospecies biofilms (MIC 6-16 μM). Using molecular docking, the anti-staphylococcal action mechanism based on the inhibition of S. aureus DNA gyrase GyrB was proposed for the lead compounds. Among metal complexes, Cu(II) and Mn(II) complexes based on tetrafluorosalicylic acid and Tol-bipy or Ph-bipy had the high antifungal activity (MIC<0.24-32 μM). Mn(SalF₄ -2H)₂ (Tol-bipy)₂ ] suppressed the growth of seven Candida strains at MIC 12-24 μM. [Cu(Sal-2H)(Ph-bipy)] and [Cu(SalF₃ -2H)(Ph-bipy)₂ ] showed the promising anti-gonorrhoeae activity (MIC 4.2-5.2 μM). (Cu(SalF_n -2H)(Tol-bipy)₂ ], [Cu(SalF₄ -2H)(Ph-bipy)₂ ] and [Cu(SalF₃ -2H)(Ph-bipy)₂ ]) were found active against the bacteria of S. aureus, S. aureus MRSA and their biofilms (MIC 2.4-41.4 μM). The most active compounds were tested for toxicity in vitro against human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells and in vivo experiments with CD-1 mice.

Biophysical and theoretical studies of the interaction between a bioactive compound 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid with calf thymus DNA

3,5-Dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid commonly known as Sinapic acid is a well-known derivative of hydroxycinnamic acids, is commonly present in human diet. Due to its wide variety of pharmacological activities like antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-anxiety, it has attracted much attention for the researchers. In our previous published work we have already analyzed the interaction between sinapic acid (SA) with a model transport protein. In this work our aim is to demonstrate a detailed investigation of the binding interaction between sinapic acid with another carrier of genetic information in a living cell, the DNA. Here we have used calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) as a model. The binding characteristic of SA with ct-DNA was investigated by different spectroscopic and theoretical tools. The spectroscopic investigation revealed that quenching of intrinsic fluorescence of SA by ct-DNA occurs through dynamic quenching mechanism. The thermodynamic parameters established the involvement of hydrogen bonding and weak van der Waals forces in the interaction. Further, the circular dichroism, competitive binding experiment with ethidium bromide and potassium iodide quenching experiment suggested that SA possibly binds to the groove position of the ct-DNA. Finally, molecular docking analysis established the SA binds to minor groove position of ct-DNA in G-C rich region through hydrogen bonding interaction. Additionally, gel electrophoresis analysis has been performed to determine the protective efficacy of SA against UVB induced DNA damage and 50 μM of SA was found to protect the DNA from UVB induced damage. We hope that our study could provide the validation of SA on behalf of therapeutics and development of next generation therapeutic drug as well as designing new efficient drug molecule and methodology for the interaction study of the drug with DNA.

Photoluminescence performance of green light emitting terbium (III) complexes with β-hydroxy ketone and nitrogen donor ancillary ligands

An efficient and cost-effective technique, solution precipitation approach is adopted to synthesize five bright green luminescent terbium (III) complexes by employing the main β-hydroxy ketone ligand, 2-hydroxy-4-ethoxyacetophenone, and ancillary ligands like bathophenanthroline, 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 1,10-phenanthroline, and 2,2-bipyridyl. The elemental compositions and binding mode of ligand to terbium (III) ion can be validated by using energy dispersive X-ray analysis, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The complexes are thermally stable up to 158°C and possess the cubic shaped particles as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopic study, respectively. The band-gap energy (3.02-2.92 eV) of complexes is reckoned through diffuse reflectance spectra, which tailors them as potential candidates in the field of military radars. The photoluminescence studies unveil that the complexes exhibit the bright green luminescence corresponding to ⁵ D₄ → ⁷ F₅ transition of Tb³⁺ ion (548 nm) under the excitation wavelength of 395 or 397 nm. The Commission International de I'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates (x, y) and color purity substantiates the green emission of complexes. The energy transfer mechanism elucidates that the main ligand and ancillary ligands sensitize Tb³⁺ ion, which in turn enhances the luminescence efficiency of the emissive layer of white organic light emitting diodes. The results reveal that the complexes are considered as good contenders in the field of display devices and laser technology. Lastly, in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity proclaim the potent antimicrobial and antioxidant actions of complexes via tube dilution and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays, respectively.

Experimental and computational interaction studies of terbium (III) and lanthanide (III) complexes containing 2,2'-bipyridine with bovine serum albumin and their in vitro anticancer and antimicrobial activities

To investigate the chemotherapeutic and pharmacokinetic aspects of two lanthanide complexes (Tb(III) and La(III) containing 2,2'-bipyridine ligand), in vitro binding studies were carried out with BSA by employing multiple biophysical methods and molecular modeling study. There are different techniques containing fluorescence, absorption spectroscopy and competitive experiments to determine the interaction mode between BSA and these complexes. These complexes efficiently quenched the BSA emission through a static procedure. The results showed that the terbium and lanthanum complexes exhibited a high propensity for BSA interaction via van der Waals force. Further, competitive examination and docking study showed that the interaction site of these complexes on BSA is site III. The results of docking calculations were in good agreement with experimental examinations. Also, the energy transfer from BSA to these complexes has happened with high possibility. Moreover, antimicrobial studies of different bacterial and fungi indicated its promising antibacterial activity. In vitro cytotoxicity of the Tb complex and La complex was carried out in MCF-7 and A-549 cell lines, which revealed significantly good activity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The synthesis, characterization, DNA/BSA/HSA interactions, molecular modeling, antibacterial properties, and in vitro cytotoxic activities of novel parent and niosome nano-encapsulated Ho(iii) complexes

Based on the importance of metal-centered complexes that can interact with DNA, this research focused on the synthesis of a new Ho(iii) complex. This complex was isolated and characterized via elemental analysis, and FT-IR, fluorescence, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Additional confirmation of the Ho(iii) complex structure was obtained via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. DNA interaction studies were carried out via circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, viscosity measurements and emission spectroscopy; it was proposed that the metal complex acts as an effective DNA binder based on studies in the presence of fish DNA (FS-DNA), showing high binding affinity to DNA in the presence of hydrophobic and electron donating substituents. Also, the interactions of this complex with human (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) proteins were studied via fluorescence spectroscopy techniques and the obtained results reveal an excellent propensity for binding in both cases. Furthermore, the interactions of the Ho(iii) complex with DNA, BSA and HSA were confirmed via molecular docking analysis. The antimicrobial activities of the Ho(iii) complex were tested against Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, a niosome nano-encapsulated Ho(iii) complex was synthesized, and the parent and encapsulated complexes were evaluated as potential antitumor candidates. The main structure of the Ho(iii) complex is maintained after encapsulation using niosome nanoparticles. The MTT method was used to assess the anticancer properties of the Ho(iii) complex and its encapsulated form toward human lung carcinoma and breast cancer cell lines. The anticancer activity in the encapsulated form was more than that of the parent Ho(iii) complex. In conclusion, these compounds could be considered as new antitumor candidates.

Evaluation of parent and nano-encapsulated terbium(III) complex toward its photoluminescence properties, FS-DNA, BSA binding affinity, and biological applications

BACKGROUND

There is a crucial need for finding and developing new compounds as the anticancer and antimicrobial agents with better activity, specific target, and less toxic side effects.

OBJECTIVES

Base on the potential anticancer properties of lanthanide complexes, in the paper, the biological applications of terbium (Tb) complex, containing 2,9-dimethyl- 1,10-phenanthroline (Me2Phen) such as anticancer, antimicrobial, DNA cleavage ability, the interaction with FS-DNA (Fish-Salmon DNA) and BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) was examined.

METHODS

The interaction of Tb-complex with BSA and DNA was studied by emission spectroscopy, absorption titration, viscosity measurement, CD spectroscopy, competitive experiments, and docking calculation. Also, the ability of this complex to cleave DNA was reported by gel electrophoresis. Tb-complex was concurrently screened for its antibacterial activities by different methods. Besides, the nanocarriers of Tb-complex (lipid nanoencapsulation (LNEP) and the starch nanoencapsulation (SNEP)), as active anticancer candidates, were prepared. MTT technique was applied to measure the antitumor properties of these compounds on human cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

The experimental and docking results suggest significant binding between DNA as well as BSA with terbium-complex. Besides, groove binding plays the main role in the binding of this compound with DNA and BSA. The competitive experiment with hemin demonstrated that the terbium complex was bound at site III of BSA, which was confirmed by the docking study. Also, Tb-complex was concurrently screened for its DNA cleavage, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The anticancer properties of LNEP and SNEP are more than the terbium compound.

CONCLUSIONS

Tb-complex can bond to DNA/BSA with high binding affinity. Base on biological applications of Tb-complex, it can be concluded that this complex and its nanocarriers can suggest as novel anticancer, antimicrobial candidates.

Potential Hazard of Lanthanides and Lanthanide-Based Nanoparticles to Aquatic Ecosystems: Data Gaps, Challenges and Future Research Needs Derived from Bibliometric Analysis

Lanthanides (Ln), applied mostly in the form of nanoparticles (NPs), are critical to emerging high-tech and green energy industries due to their distinct physicochemical properties. The resulting anthropogenic input of Ln and Ln-based NPs into aquatic environment might create a problem of emerging contaminants. Thus, information on the biological effects of Ln and Ln-based NPs is urgently needed for relevant environmental risk assessment. In this mini-review, we made a bibliometric survey on existing scientific literature with the main aim of identifying the most important data gaps on Ln and Ln-based nanoparticles' toxicity to aquatic biota. We report that the most studied Ln for ecotoxicity are Ce and Ln, whereas practically no information was found for Nd, Tb, Tm, and Yb. We also discuss the challenges of the research on Ln ecotoxicity, such as relevance of nominal versus bioavailable concentrations of Ln, and point out future research needs (long-term toxicity to aquatic biota and toxic effects of Ln to bottom-dwelling species).

Synthesis of naphthalimide-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole derivatives: In vitro evaluation, binding interaction with DNA and topoisomerase inhibition

The synthesis and characterization of a series of naphthalimide and phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole conjugate is described. These compounds are evaluated in vitro for their cytotoxicity towards 60 human cancer cell lines. Derivative 16 shows excellent cytotoxic activity against these cancer cell lines with the range of growth inhibition from -55.78 to 94.53. The most potent derivative (ethylpiperazine, 16) is further studied to evaluate the interaction with ct-DNA using absorption and emission spectroscopy as well as DNA viscosity measurement. The DNA binding studies indicate that compound 16 is significantly interacted with DNA through groove binding having binding constant value of 7.81 × 10⁴ M^-1 alongwith partial intercalation between the base pairs of DNA strands. Further, topoisomerase inhibition study suggests that compound 16 is induced apoptosis and inhibits human topoisomerase (Topo-IIα) as a possible intracellular target. Molecular docking study of compound 16 with ct-DNA shows good docking score.

Parent and nano-encapsulated ytterbium(iii) complex toward binding with biological macromolecules, in vitro cytotoxicity, cleavage and antimicrobial activity studies

To determine the chemotherapeutic and pharmacokinetic aspects of an ytterbium complex containing 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Me₂Phen), in vitro binding studies were carried out with FS-DNA/BSA by employing multiple biophysical methods and a molecular modeling study. There are different techniques including absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism studies, viscosity experiments (only in the case of DNA), and competitive experiments used to determine the interaction mode between DNA/BSA and the ytterbium-complex. The results showed that the Yb-complex exhibited a high propensity for the interaction of BSA and DNA via hydrophobic interactions and van der Waals forces. Further, a competitive examination and docking study showed that the interaction site of the ytterbium complex on BSA is site III. The results of docking calculations for DNA/BSA were in good agreement with experimental findings. The complex displays efficient DNA cleavage in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, antimicrobial studies of different bacteria and fungi indicated its promising antibacterial activity. In vitro cytotoxicity studies of the Yb-complex, starch nano-encapsulated, and lipid nano-encapsulated were carried out in MCF-7 and A-549 cell lines, which revealed significantly good activity. The results of anticancer activity studies showed that the cytotoxic activity of the Yb-complex was increased when encapsulated with nanocarriers. Based on biological applications of the Yb-complex, it can be concluded that this complex and its nanocarriers can act as novel anticancer and antimicrobial candidates.

The biological applications of Yb-complexes including anticancer, antimicrobial and DNA cleavage ability, and their interaction with FS-DNA and BSA were examined.

Experimental and theoretical investigations of Dy(III) complex with 2,2'-bipyridine ligand: DNA and BSA interactions and antimicrobial activity study

In this study, the interactions of a novel metal complex [Dy(bpy)₂Cl₃.OH₂] (bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine) with fish salmon DNA (FS-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by experimental and theoretical methods. All results suggested significant binding between the Dy(III) complex with FS-DNA and BSA. The binding constants (K_b), Stern-Volmer quenching constants (K_SV) of Dy(III)-complex with FS-DNA and BSA at various temperatures as well as thermodynamic parameters using Van't Hoff equation were obtained. The experimental results from absorption, ionic strength, iodide ion quenching, ethidium bromide (EtBr) quenching studies and positive ΔH˚ and ΔS˚ suggested that hydrophobic groove-binding mode played a predominant role in the binding of Dy(III)-complex with FS-DNA. Indeed, the molecular docking results for DNA-binding were in agreement with experimental data. Besides, the results found from experimental and molecular modeling indicated that the Dy(III)-complex bound to BSA via Van der Waals interactions. Moreover, the results of competitive tests by phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, and hemin (as a site-I, site-II and site-III markers, respectively) considered that the site-III of BSA is the most possible binding site for Dy(III)-complex. In addition, Dy(III) complex was concurrently screened for its antimicrobial activities. The presented data provide a promising platform for the development of novel metal complexes that target nucleic acids and proteins with antimicrobial activity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Ordering selected Zn(II), Cu(II), Pd(II) and Co(III) complex compounds: their separately and combinedly antibacterial therapy and DNA-binding studies

In this study, four Co(III)-, Cu(II)-, Zn(II)- and Pd(II)-based potent antibacterial complexes of formula K₃[Co(ox)₃]·3H₂O (I), [Cu(phen)₂Cl]Cl·6.5H₂O (II), [Zn(phen)₃]Cl₂ (III) and [Pd(phen)₂](NO₃)₂ (IV) (where ox is oxalato and phen is 1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized. They were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity measurements, UV-vis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) techniques. These metal complexes were ordered in three combination series of I+II, I+II+III and I+II+III+IV. Antibacterial screening for each metal complex and their combinations against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria revealed that all compounds were more potent antibacterial agents against the Gram-negative than those of the Gram-positive bacteria. The four metal complexes showed antibacterial activity in the order I > II > III > IV, and the activity of their combinations followed the order of I+II+III+IV > I+II+III > I+II. The DNA-binding properties of complex (I) and its three combinations were studied using electronic absorption and fluorescence (ethidium bromide displacement assay) spectroscopy. The results obtained indicated that all series interact effectively with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA). The binding constant (K_b), the number of binding sites (n) and the Stern-Volmer constant (K_sv) were obtained based on the results of fluorescence measurements. The calculated thermodynamic parameters supported that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces play a major role in the association of each series of metal complexes with CT-DNA and follow the above-binding affinity order for the series. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Studies of the binding properties of the food preservative thiabendazole to DNA by computer simulations and NMR relaxation

Thiabendazole (TBZ) is a commonly used food preservative and has a wide range of anthelmintic properties. In this study, computer simulations and experiments were conducted to investigate the interaction mechanism of TBZ and herring sperm DNA (hsDNA) at the molecular level. Molecular docking showed that TBZ interacted with DNA in groove mode and bound in A-T and C-G base pair regions. Molecular dynamics (MD) was used to evaluate the stability of the TBZ–DNA complex and found that the three phases in MD and the hydrogen bonds helped maintain the combination. NMR relaxation indicated that TBZ had a certain affinity to hsDNA with a binding constant of 462.43 L mol⁻¹, and the thiazole ring was the main group bound with DNA. Results obtained from fluorescence experiments showed that the binding of TBZ and hsDNA was predominantly driven by enthalpy through a static quenching mechanism. Circular dichroism and viscosity measurements proved the groove binding mode. The FTIR results clarified the conformational changes of DNA, that the DNA helix became shorter and compact, and the DNA structure transformed from B-form to A-form.

The groove binding of thiabendazole and hsDNA was studied by computer simulation and experimental methods.

Probing the Characterization of the Interaction of Aflatoxins B1 and G1 with Calf Thymus DNA In Vitro

The binding characterization of aflatoxins with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) under physiological conditions was investigated. Multispectroscopic techniques, ctDNA melting, viscosity measurements, and molecular docking techniques were employed to elucidate the binding mechanism of the aflatoxins with DNA. The fluorescence results indicated that both aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) bound to the ctDNA, forming complexes through hydrogen bonding. The binding constants of AFB1 and AFG1 with ctDNA reached up to 10³ L·mol-1 and 10⁴ L·mol-1, respectively, and AFG1 exhibited a higher binding propensity than that of AFB1. Furthermore, both AFB1 and AFG1 bound to the ctDNA through groove binding, as evidenced by the results of the spectroscopic, iodide quenching effect, viscosity, and ctDNA melting measurements. Changes in the circular dichroism signal manifested that both AFB1 and AFG1 induced an increase in the right-handed helicity, but only minimally influenced the base stacking of the DNA. A molecular docking study of the aflatoxin's binding with the DNA revealed a groove binding mode, which was driven mainly by hydrogen bonding. This study of aflatoxin-ctDNA interaction may provide novel insights into the toxicological effect of the mycotoxins.

Homology model, molecular dynamics simulation and novel pyrazole analogs design of Candida albicans CYP450 lanosterol 14 α-demethylase, a target enzyme for antifungal therapy

Candida albicans infections and their resistance to clinically approved azole drugs are major concerns for human. The azole antifungal drugs inhibit the ergosterol synthesis by targeting lanosterol 14α-demethylase of cytochrome P450 family. The lack of high-resolution structural information of fungal pathogens has been a barrier for the design of modified azole drugs. Thus, a preliminary theoretical molecular dynamic study is carried out to develop and validate a simple homologous model using crystallographic structure of the lanosterol 14α-demethylase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (PDB ID-1EA1) in which the active site residues are substituted with that of C. albicans (taxid 5476). Further, novel designed pyrazole analogs (SGS1-16) docked on chimeric 1EA1 and revealed that SGS-16 show good binding affinity through non-bonding interaction with the heme, which is different from the leading azole antifungals. The ADME-T results showed these analogs can be further explored in design of more safe and effective antifungal agents.

Design, synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity, molecular docking and analysis of binding interactions of novel acetylacetonatopalladium(ii) alanine and valine complexes with CT-DNA and BSA

The neutral, water soluble palladium(ii) amino acid complexes, interact with CT-DNA (groove binding) and BSA (H-binding in main pocket). Molecular docking supports the interactions.