Synthesis, characterisation, interaction with DNA, cytotoxicity, and apoptotic studies of ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complexes

Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterisation of two new ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complexes containing monodentate ancillary ligands [Ru(L)4(4HEPIP)], where L≤4-aminopyridine (1) or pyridine (2) and 4HEPIP≤2-(4-hydroxy-3- ethoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10](phenanthroline). These complexes were characterised by elemental analysis and ultraviolet-visible, infrared, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The binding properties of the two complexes towards calf thymus (CT)-DNA were investigated with different spectrophotometric methods, viscosity measurements, and salt dependent studies. Experimental results indicated that the complexes interact with CT-DNA base pairs by intercalation. Upon irradiation at 365nm, these complexes efficiently cleave pBR322 DNA from super coiled form I to nicked form II. Their cytotoxicity on different cancer cell lines such as A549, Du145, and HeLa was investigated. The IC50 values are 39.5, 28.3, and 27.3M for complex 1, and 55, 67.9, and 47.9M for complex 2 respectively. Cellular uptake and apoptosis induced by these complexes was also studied. © 2014 CSIRO.