DNA groove-binding ability of luminescent platinum(II) complexes based on a family of tridentate N^N^C ligands bearing differently substituted alkyl tethers

Hebenbrock, M.; González-Abradelo, D.; Strassert, C. A.; Müller, J.

Abstract

A family of luminescent PtII complexes is presented capable of binding DNA duplexes via groove binding. The complexes are based on a tridentate ligand with N^N^C donor functionality bearing a triazole, a pyridine and a phenyl entity. The triazole group is used to attach a series of pendant dodecane tethers with differently charged functional head groups (neutral hydroxyl group, anionic sulfate group, cationic tetraalkylammonium group). The DNA-binding behavior of the three resulting PtII complexes was characterized by UV/Vis, CD, and luminescence spectroscopy as well as viscosity measurements and computational docking studies. The data clearly indicate groove binding interactions for all three complexes. In addition, a light-switch effect was observed for the complexes upon the addition of DNA.