DNA interactions of non-chelating tinidazole-based coordination compounds and their structural, redox and cytotoxic properties

Novel tinidazole (tnz) coordination compounds of different geometries were synthesised, whose respective solid-state packing appears to be driven by inter- and intramolecular lone pair⋯π interactions. The copper(II) compounds exhibit interesting redox properties originating from both the tnz and the metal ions. These complexes interact with DNA through two distinct ways, namely via electrostatic interactions or/and groove binding, and they can mediate the generation of ROS that damage the biomolecule. Cytotoxic studies revealed an interesting activity of the dinuclear compound [Cu(tnz)2(μ-Cl)Cl]27, which is further more efficient towards cancer cells, compared with normal cells.