Elucidation of DNA Binding Properties of Transition Metal Ion Complexes of Curcumin: An In vitro Study

Introduction: The present work aims to synthesize, characterize, and DNA binding properties of copper, nickel, zinc, and iron complexes of a well-known polyphenol drug curcumin. The metal ion complexes of curcumin's synthesized transition metal ion complexes were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and FTIR. Method: The complexation of curcumin with transition metal ion complexes changes the color of the curcumin based on the metal incorporated. Moreover, the shift in the absorption maxima of curcumin metal ion complexes may confirm the formation of coordination complexes. Then, FTIR results indicated that the coordination of curcumin with metal ions in the ketone group of curcumin confirms the formation of 1:2 (M: L) complexes. Results: Then, we evaluated the DNA binding properties of synthesized metal ion complexes of curcumin using electronic absorption spectra and agarose gel electrophoresis. The results indicated that the curcumin zinc complex exhibited less DNA binding constant among the four metal ion complexes than all the other compounds tested, confirming its weak interaction. Conclusion: Moreover, all the compounds degrade plasmid DNA, confirming their DNA cleavage activity. From our findings, these compounds will pave the way for developing new anticancer drugs with less toxicity.