The copper(II) complex of 4-amino-pteridino(6,7-f)phenanthroline (abbreviated L-amino), prepared from the condensation of phenanthroline dione and 4,5,6-triaminopyrimidine, was investigated for its DNA binding and cleavage properties using fluorescence titrations, thermal denaturation, and gel electrophoresis. The complex exhibits a strong affinity for duplex DNA and is a potent cleavage agent even in the absence of a reducing agent. The ligand structure is potentially favorable for intercalation and is likely responsible for its binding affinity as indicated by an increase in the DNA melting temperature of about 10 °C. Gel mobility assays showed DNA cleavage occurring in a concentration dependent fashion with a very significant amount of cleavage at concentrations as low as 3 μM while requiring no incubation. Mechanistic studies indicate the involvement of singlet oxygen in inducing the cleavage of the DNA duplex.

Interaction of DNA with [Cu(phen)(4-amino-pteridino(6,7-f)phenanthroline)](PF<sub>6</sub>)<sub>2</sub>, a potent DNA cleavage agent

249th National Meeting (2015)

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Interaction of DNA with [Cu(phen)(4-amino-pteridino(6,7-f)phenanthroline)](PF6)2, a potent DNA cleavage agent

Interaction of DNA with [Cu(phen)(4-amino-pteridino(6,7-f)phenanthroline)](PF₆)₂, a potent DNA cleavage agent