Abstract
New mononuclear cobalt(II) Schiff base complex was designed and synthesized, targeting DNA using carrier protein HSA. [Display omitted]
•New Co(II)-based complex was synthesized and characterized.•In vitro DNA binding studies revealed the electrostatic mode of binding.•Complex 1 shows efficient pBR322 DNA cleavage induced by ROS.•Complex 1 recognizes minor groove.
New metal-based cancer chemotherapeutic agent Co(II) complex of the type{[Co(Me2Phen)(o-cbiaH)(H2O)2]·H2O} (1) was synthesized from ligand 5-(2-carboxybenzyloxy)isophthalic acid (o-cbiaH3) and thoroughly characterized by spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray diffraction method. Complex 1 crystallizes in a slightly distorted octahedral CoN2O4 coordination environment. In vitro DNA binding studies of ligand and complex 1 with CT DNA were carried out by using biophysical techniques viz electronic absorption and fluorescence spectral studies which indicated that 1 binds to DNA more avidly as compared to ligand via electrostatic binding mode. Complex 1 shows significant DNA photo cleavage activity through the formation of hydroxyl radicals via photo-redox pathway. The affinity of 1 towards HSA was also investigated by the fluorescence spectroscopic technique and 3D scan measurements revealing that 1 quench the fluorescence intensity of HSA more strongly than o-cbiaH3. Furthermore, magnetic drug targeting shows the accumulation of complex 1 in the target site under the influence of an externally applied magnetic force.