DNA Binding and Oxidative Cleavage Activity of Ternary (α-Lipoic Acid) Copper(II) Complex of Heterocyclic Base

Abstract

Ternary copper(II) complex [Cu(α-lipo)(phen)(Cl)](NO₃) where α-lipo = α-lipoic acid, phen is N, N-donor heterocyclic base, 1,10-phenanthroline was synthesized, characterized, and its DNA binding and cleavage activity were studied. Binding interactions of the complex with calf thymus (CT) DNA has been investigated by emission, viscosity, and DNA melting studies. The complex shows efficient oxidative cleavage of SC-DNA in the presence of 3-mercaptopropionic acid involving hydroxyl radical species, and results of control experiments exhibit the inhibition of DNA cleavage in the presence of hydroxyl radical scavengers, viz. DMSO and KI.

Keywords:

• α-lipoic acid
• copper
• DNA binding
• DNA cleavage
• phenanthroline base

Acknowledgments

Financial support received from the University Grants Commission (UGC, S. No. 39-754/2010(SR)-/13/01/2011) Government of India, is gratefully acknowledged. The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of Prof. Akhil R. Chakravarty, Department of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, in providing facilities and useful discussions.