DNA binding, DNA cleavage and HSA interaction of several metal complexes containing N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N'-benzoylthiourea and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands

Four novel ternary metal complexes of the type [M(Phen)(L-1)(2))] [phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, L-1 = N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N'-benzoylthiourea, M = Ni(II)(1), Co(II) (2), Cu(II) (3), Pd(II) (4)] were synthesized. The organic ligands and their corresponding organometallic complexes have been characterized using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, element analysis, infrared radiation spectroscopy and fluorescence spectra. DNA binding and cleavage studies of these complexes were conducted in detail. In vitro DNA-binding properties were studied by electronic absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra methods. The results indicate that all of the ternary metal complexes can efficiently bind to DNA via intercalation mode. The DNA-binding constants for all ternary compounds are around 4 x 10(6) M-1. The binding propensity of the complexes to human serum albumin (HSA) was also investigated. Agarose gel electrophoresis study revealed that the metal complexes could cleave super-coiled pBR322 DNA to a nicked form in the absence of external agents. In vitro anti bacterial studies show that copper complex has weak antibacterial activities. Copper complex exhibits a better biological activity among all complexes. This study provides a new perspective and evaluation on the role and importance of the effect factors on the medicinal properties of benzoylthiourea compounds. Synchronous fluorescence spectra of HSA (10 mu M) as a function of concentration of the complexes 1-4.