Synthesis, characterization and in vitro DNA binding studies of a new copper(II) complex containing an antiviral drug, valganciclovir

AbstractA new complex, [Cu(valcyte)2(NO3)2], in which valcyte served as a valganciclovir drug, was synthesized and characterized by different physicochemical methods. Optimization of ligand structures and their complexes with Cu2+ were performed by semi-empirical and DFT methods. Binding interaction of this complex with calf-thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was explored by emission, absorption, circular dichroism and viscosity techniques. Additionally, cell line targeting was studied and cytotoxic effects of [Cu(valcyte)2(NO3)2] (0.0–160 μg) on AGS and MCF-7 cell lines were reported. Percentage of Cell Viability and Apoptotic Index were assessed. The complex displayed significant binding properties to ct-DNA. Undertaking fluorometric studies, the binding mode of the complex with ct-DNA was explored utilizing Hoechst as a fluorescence probe, indicating the binding to be of groove mode. The DNA viscosity altered slightly in presence of the complex. Enthalpy and entropy changes during the interaction showed that the proc...