New Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes with a fluorquinolone ligand and their interactions with biomolecules

In the search for more selective metallodrugs against cancer, complexes based on essential metals for the human body stand out, as is the example of Zinc and Copper, for being involved in cellular homeostasis. In this context, new Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes were synthesized, characterized by molar conductivity, elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, where for the Zn(II) complex additional characterization was performed using 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Ressonance (NMR) spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and subsequently, both complexes were subjected to evaluation of their interaction with biomolecules. The interaction between the complexes and human serum albumin (HSA) was studied using fluoresce emission spectroscopy. The binding constant (K_b) revealed a moderate interaction between the protein and the complexes. Additionally, the interaction of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated using thiazole orange displacement assays and viscosity measurements, indicated weak DNA binding mode.