Synthesis, DNA-binding, photocleavage, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes

Two new ligands maip (1a), paip (1b) with their ruthenium (II) complexes [Ru(bpy)(2)(maip)](ClO(4))(2) (2a) and [Ru(bpy)(2)(paip)](ClO(4))(2) (2b) have been synthesized and characterized. The results show that complexes 2a and 2b interact with DNA through intercalative mode. The cytotoxicity of these compounds has been evaluated by MTT assay. The experiments on antioxidant activity show that these compounds exhibit good antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radical (OH(center dot)). Crown Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.