DNA binding properties and antibacterial activity of heterolyptic transition metal complexes with 2,2-bipyridyl and 2-acetylthiophene thiosemicarbazone

Abstract

Metal complexes having the composition M(Bipy)Cl2 (where, M = Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II); Bipy = 2,2-bipyridyl) are reacted with 2-acetylthiophene thiosemicarbazone (ATT) to produce heteroleptic transition metal complexes with molecular formula [M(Bipy)ATT]. The complexes are characterized by mass spectra, molar conductivity, infrared and electronic spectra. Electrochemical behaviour of these metal complexes was investigated by cyclic voltammetric studies. The metal complexes show quasi reversible cyclic voltammetric responses for the Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple. The binding properties of these complexes with calf-thymus DNA have been investigated by using absorption spectrophotometry. Metal complexes are screened for their antibacterial activity by using agar well diffusion method against pathogenic bacterial strains viz. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial activity of the present complexes are comparable with the activity of ciprofloxacin. The Cu(Bipy)Cl2 complex inhibits bacteria more strongly than any other complex. The Ni(Bipy)ATT complex shows more activity than the parent complex, Ni(Bipy)Cl2.