Synthesis, spectroscopic studies and biological evaluations of copper(I)/(II) metallates containing nitrogen heterocycles

A new water soluble N-heterocyclic copper(I)/(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized. Further, new complexes were subjected to binding interactions, antioxidant and anti-proliferation. Among this, copper(I) complex 1 showed better activity compare to copper(II) complex and their ligands. [Display omitted] •Water soluble Cu(I)/(II) complexes containing N-heterocyclic Schiff bases.•Ligands coordinated to Cu(II) complexes coordinated through ONS− and ONS chelation.•Biomolecular interactions and cell-proliferation were carried out for all the compounds.•MCF-7 staining pictured the most of the cell death via apoptotic and seems to be orange fluorescence. Nitrogen heterocyclic copper(I) complex (1) and copper(II) complex (2) were synthesized and characterized by various physicochemical methods. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the true coordination nature of ligands to the metal centre. The intercalative mode of binding between the compounds and nucleic acid was further confirmed by viscosity measurements. The interaction of complexes with serum albumin was studied by absorption and emission titration methods. The scavenging ability of the compounds against hydroxyl and DPPH radicals conveyed that the complexes have a better ability than their parent ligands. An in vitro anti cell-proliferation studies of the compounds revealed the significant activity against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and found non-toxic to human normal keratinocyte cells (HaCaT). AO/EB dual staining assay of the cancer cells were pictured as the apoptotic pathway of cell death which is induced by the complexes. From the results, it has been found that the complex 1 exhibited better activity than ligands (H2L1 and H2L2) and complex 2.