Synthesis, DNA binding and cleavage activities of the copper (II) complexes of estrogen-macrocyclic polyamine conjugates Original Research Article

A series of the copper (II) complexes 5a–d of estrogen-macrocyclic polyamine conjugates were synthesized and characterized. The interactions of complexes 5a–d with DNA were studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis under physiological conditions. The results indicate that the conjugated estrogens have increased the cleavage efficiency of Cu[cyclen]2+ while the conjugates display poor binding affinities. The functional groups of D-ring of estrogens may play a key role in deciding binding and cleavage extent of the complexes to DNA.