The binding of the ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(bpy)2(ITAP)](ClO4)2 (bpy = 2,2’-bipyridine) and [Ru(phen)2(ITAP)](ClO4)2 (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, ITAP = isatino[1,2-b]-1,4,8,9-tetraazatriphenylene) to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) have been investigated with UV–visible and emission spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, thermal denaturation, and photoactivated cleavage. The experimental results indicate that the two complexes bind to CT-DNA through an intercalative mode. The two Ru(II) complexes in the presence of plasmid pBR322 DNA have been found to give rise to nicking of DNA upon irradiation.