Mixed ligand N₄O₂ type metal(II) complexes as metallointercalators: Preliminary investigation of DNA-binding/cleavage and antimicrobial

ABSTRACT

Few N₄O₂-type mixed ligand complexes (metallointercalators) were synthesized using benzene-1,2-diamine-derived Schiff base as primary ligand and 8-hydroxyquinoline as co-ligand. They were characterized by physicochemical and spectral techniques. The binding properties with DNA explored by different techniques indicate that the complexes have the ability to interact with DNA by intercalative mode. Gel electrophoresis technique reveals that the complexes have been found to promote cleavage of pUC19 DNA from the supercoiled form to the open circular form in the presence of ascorbic acid. The biological screening data exhibit that the complexes show growth inhibitory activity against various microorganisms.

KEYWORDS:

• Metallointercalators
• Schiff base complexes
• gel electrophoresis
• antimicrobial activity

Acknowledgments

The authors express their heartfelt thanks to the College Managing Board, Principal and Head of the Department of Chemistry, VHNSN College, for providing necessary research facilities. They also express their gratitude to the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and CDRI, Lucknow, for providing instrumental facilities.