Impact of metallonucleases on DNA interactions: Structural validation and in-vitro antibiogram assay

Four novel complexes were synthesized using 2-aminobenzophenone Schiff base precursor and characterized by various analytical techniques. FT-IR results demonstrate that the Schiff base ligand, obtained by the condensation of 2-aminobenzophenone with 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, coordinates to the metal ion via azomethine nitrogen, phenolic oxygen and carbonyl groups. Furthermore, the intercalative mode of these octahedral complexes with calf thymus (CT) DNA has been explored using absorption spectra, cyclic voltammetric and viscosity measurements. Gel electrophoresis assay demonstrates the effective cleaving aptitude of pBR322 DNA by complexes in the presence of an activating agent (H2O2). Moreover, the in-vitro biological activities of metal complexes have been screened against few pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains by well diffusion technique. It is found that all the complexes show potential activities as compared to the free ligand. These findings may lead to develop novel DNA targeting metallonucleases.