Synthesis, Characterization, DNA-Binding, and DNA-Photocleavage Properties of [Co(bpy)2(7-NO2-dppz)]3+, [Co(dmb)2(7-NO2-dppz)]3+, and [Co(phen)2(7-NO2-dppz)]3+Complexes: (7-Nitro-dppz=7-Nitro dipyrido[3,2-a:2'-3'-c]phenazine; bpy=2,2'-bipyridine; dmb=4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine; phen=1,10-phenanthroline) and their Toxicity on Different Microorganisms

The polypyridyl ligand 7-Nitro dipyrido[3,2-a:2'-3'-c]phenazine (7-Nitro-dppz) and its complexes [Co(bpy)2(7-NO2-dppz)]3+(1) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), [Co(dmb)2(7-NO2-dppz)]3+(2), (dmb = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), and [Co(phen)2(7-NO2-dppz)]3+(3) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by UV/VIS, IR, elemental analysis, 1H and 13C-NMR, and mass spectra. The binding properties of the three complexes to CT-DNA were investigated by different spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements and DNA cleavage assay. The experimental results suggest that these complexes bind to CT-DNA through an intercalative mode. Also, the three complexes promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR-322 DNA under irradiation. Toxicological effects of the selected complexes were estimated with different microorganisms.