DNA binding and cleavage activity of a structurally characterized Ni(II) Schiff base complex

Synthesis and characterization of a mononuclear Ni(II) compound [Ni(L)(H2O)2](NO3)2 [L = N,N’-bis((pyridine-2-yl)phenylidene)-1,3-diaminopropan-2-ol] (1) is reported. 1 crystallizes in triclinic P-1 space group with a = 8.1911(2) Å, b = 11.6624(3) Å, c = 16.5356(4) Å and α = 108.8120(10)°, β = 91.2010(10)°, γ = 91.1500(10)°. The binding property of the complex with DNA has been investigated using absorption and emission studies, and viscosity experiment. The binding constant (Kb) and the linear Stern-Volmer quenching constant (Ksv) of the complex have been determined as 9.23 × 104 M−1 and 2.0 × 104 M−1, respectively. Spectroscopic and hydrodynamic investigations revealed groove or electrostatic nature of binding of 1 with DNA. 1 is also found to induce oxidative cleavage of the supercoiled pUC 18 DNA to its nicked circular form in a concentration dependent manner.