Synthesis, characterization, cytotoxic activity and DNA binding Ni(II) complex with the 6-hydroxy chromone-3-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone

A new ligand L, 6-hydroxy chromone-3-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, and its Ni(II) complex have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of Ni(II) complex was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Ni(II) complex and ligand L were subjected to biological tests in vitro using THP-1, Raji and Hela cancer cell lines. Compared with the ligand, Ni(II) complex showed significant cytotoxic activity against these three cancer cell lines. The interactions of Ni(II) complex and ligand L with calf thymus DNA were then investigated by spectrometric titration, ethidium bromide displacement experiments and viscosity measurements methods. The experimental results indicated that Ni(II) complex bound to DNA by intercalative mode via the ligand L. The intrinsic binding constants of Ni(II) complex and ligand L with DNA were (1.10 ± 0.65) × 106 M−1 and (1.48 ± 0.57) × 105 M−1, respectively.