DNA Binding and Photocleavage Studies of Cobalt(III) Ethylenediamine Pyridine Complexes: [Co(en)2(py)2]3+ and [Co(en)2(mepy)2]3+

Two novel cobalt(III) pyridine complexes (1)[Co(en)2(py)2]3+ and (2)[Co(en)2(mepy)2]3+ (en=ethylenediamine, py=pyridine, and mepy=methylpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus DNA was investigated by absorption, emission spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, DNA melting, and DNA photocleavage. Results suggest that the two complexes bind to DNA via groove mode and complex 2 binds more strongly to CT DNA than complex 1. Moreover, these Co(III) complexes have been found to promote the photocleavage of plasmid DNA pBR322 under irradiation at 365 nm, cytotoxicity results of complexes are also showing anticancer activity.