Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding properties of Ru(II) complexes coordinated by ofloxacin as potential antitumor agents

Abstract

Three Ru complexes coordinated by oxfloxacin, [Ru(L)2(OFX)]Cl·2H2O (L = bpy, 1; dmbpy, 2; phen, 3; and OFX = ofloxacin), were synthesized and characterized. These complexes can inhibit the growth of cervical cancer HeLa cells efficiently. Furthermore, these three complexes exhibited excellent binding affinities with DNA, as confirmed by spectroscopy methods and viscosity experiments. Therefore, the synthesized Ru(II) complexes have excellent DNA-binding abilities with potential applications in cancer chemotherapy.