Studies of molecular recognition mechanism in supramolecular system of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes and DNA

The recent studies on supramolecular system assembled by Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes and B-form double-stranded DNA is reviewed. These complexes have been studied as DNA spectroscopic tags and structural probes. The studies focus on the recognition parameters of these complexes binding to DNA, including the influence of the shape and size of intercalative ligand, the ancillary ligands and the effects of hydrogen bonding. Enantioselectivities of these complexes binding to DNA are also briefly discussed.