Sonochemical synthesis, DNA binding, antimicrobial evaluation and in vitro anticancer activity of three new nano-sized Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) chelates based on tri-dentate NOO imine ligands as precursors for metal oxides

Three new nano sized Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes of imine ligand derived from the condensation of 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine and 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde have been prepared and investigated using various chemical techniques such as NMR, elemental analysis, molar conductance, IR, electronic spectra, TGA and magnetic moment measurements. The obtained chemical analysis data showed that the synthesis of 1:1 (metal:ligand) ratio and octahedral geometry was proposed on the basis of magnetic moment and spectral data studies except the Cu(II) complex which is tetrahedral geometry. Nano-sized particles of the investigated complexes were prepared by sonochemistry method. Furthermore, metal oxides nanoparticles were gained by calcination of the prepared corresponding complexes at 500°C and their structures were characterized by powder x-ray and transmittance electron microscopy. Moreover, the free ligand, its complexes and their metal oxides have been checked in vitro against a number of bacteria and fungi in order to assess their antimicrobial activities. In addition to that, DNA binding of the prepared complexes was tested by many routes such as electronic spectra, viscosity and gel electrophoresis. The results showed that the investigated complexes could bind to DNA via an intercalative mode. The cytotoxicity of the Schiff base complexes on human colon carcinoma cells, (HCT-116 cell line) and Breast carcinoma cells, (MCF-7 cell line) showed potent cytotoxicity effect against growth of carcinoma cells compared to the clinically used Vinblastine standard. •Synthesis and characterization of Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes.•Synthesis and of characterization of nano-sized complexes and its nano-sized metal oxides.•Antimicrobial activities of nano-sized Schiff base complexes and its nano-sized metal oxides.•Interaction of Schiff base complexes with CT-DNA.•Anticancer activities of Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes.