Synthesis, DNA binding, and cleaving properties of an ellipticine-salen.copper conjugate.

The synthesis of a DNA-cutting agent that conjugates an ellipticine chromophore and a copper complex of bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine, referred to as a salen, is reported. The presence of the salen.Cu complex allows cleavage of DNA via oxygen-based radicals, and the ellipticine moiety serves as a DNA anchor. Spectroscopic measurements indicate that the intercalation geometry of the ellipticine chromophore is preserved with the hybrid. The cleavage is much more efficient with the conjugate than with the Schiff base copper complex alone.