Ferrocene-conjugated copper(II) dipyridophenazine complex as a multifunctional model nuclease showing DNA cleavage in red light

The copper(II) complex [Cu(L)(dppz)](ClO4)2 (1) having a tripodal ligand ferrocenylmethylbis(2-pyridylmethylamine) (L) with a pendant ferrocenyl unit and a planar NN-donor dipyrido-[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]-phenazine (dppz) base is prepared and its DNA binding and cleavage properties studied. The complex is redox active showing cyclic voltammetric responses at 0.52 and –0.01 V vs. SCE due to Fe(III)/Fe(II) and Cu(II)/Cu(I) couples, respectively. The complex that binds to the major groove of DNA shows dual chemical nuclease activity involving both the metal centres. The complex displays efficient photo-induced DNA cleavage activity in visible laser light of 458 and 568 nm wavelengths forming cleavage active hydroxyl radicals. Significant DNA cleavage is also observed in red light of 647 nm within the photodynamic therapy (PDT) window.