Photoinduced DNA Cleavage Promoted by Two Copper(II) Complexes of Tetracyclines and 1,10-Phenanthroline

In this report, we demonstrate how UV-light exposure can enhance DNA cleavage promoted by two copper(11) complexes of tetracyclines and 1,10-phenanthroline about 40 times in comparison to nonirradiated conditions. In addition, new aspects regarding their DNA binding properties, as well as the mechanism of the cleavage reaction, were also investigated.