Synthesis, characterization, interaction with DNA and cytotoxicity in vitro of the complexes [M(dmphen)(CO3)].H2O [M=Pt(II), Pd(II)].

The complexes [Pt(dmphen)CO3].H2O (1), [Pd(dmphen)CO3].H2O (2) (dmphen is 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized. The binding of the complexes with FS-DNA was investigated by UV spectrum and fluorescence spectrum, showing that the complexes have the ability of interaction with DNA of intercalative mode. The intrinsic binding constant K of the complexes with FS-DNA is 1.8 x 10(5) M(-1) (1) and 1.6 x 10(4) M(-1) (2), respectively. Gel electrophoresis assay demonstrated the ability of the complexes to cleave the pBR 322 plasmid DNA. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity of the complexes against four different cancer cell lines proved that the complexes exhibited cytotoxic specificity and significant cancer cell inhibitory rate.