DNA interactions and anticancer screening of copper(II) complexes of N-(methylpyridin-2-yl)-amidino-O-methylurea

Cu(II) complexes of the tridentate ligand N-(methylpyridin-2-yl)-amidino-O-methylurea (L), namely [Cu(L)Cl2] and [Cu(L)ClO4]ClO4, have been investigated for interactions with DNA by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. Both complexes bind to DNA through non-intercalative interactions. [Cu(L)Cl2] (Kb = 2.81 × 105 M−1) shows similar DNA-binding potential to [Cu(L)ClO4]ClO4 (Kb = 1.57 × 105 M−1). Investigation of the chemical nuclease properties toward plasmid pBR322 DNA by gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy (AFM) suggests that both complexes are able to cleave the supercoiled form (Form I) to the nicked (Form II) and linear forms (Form III) through an oxidative pathway. The possible reactive oxygen species have been investigated by the use of scavengers, indicating that hydroxyl radicals may be involved in the DNA cleavage mechanism. Both of these complexes show similar activities against selected human cancer cell lines.