Synthesis and Spectral Characterisation of new Benzothiazole-based Schiff Base Ligand and its Co(III) and Ni(II) Complexes as DNA Binding and DNA Cleavage Agents

Herein we report the synthesis of Schiff base, 2-((E)-(2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenylimino)methyl)-5-fluorophenol (BTF) and its complexes A1 [Co(BTF)2Cl], A2 [Co(BTF)PhCl]Cl, A3 [Ni(BTF)2] and A4 [Ni(BTF)Ph]Cl. The synthesized compounds were structurally characterized by elemental analysis, NMR (1H and 13C), UV-Visible, FT-IR, ESI-MS, TGA-DTA, magnetic data measurement, and molar conductivity studies. The prepared complexes were subjected to CT-DNA interaction and monitored using UV absorption, fluorescence emission probe, and viscosity measurements. The DNA binding properties were quantified by Kb and Ksv data, indicating that A2 and A4 showed promising DNA binding propensity index, mainly suggesting the groove mode of intercalation. The DNA incision property of the complex A2 and A4 was carried out by gel electrophoresis method, effectively confirming circular form conversion into nicked form. Further, the biological profile assay was also extended to antimicrobial studies against E.coli, B.subtilis, S.aureus, P.aeruginosa, C.albicans, and A. niger. The microbial inhibition property showed profound activity for A2 complex with an increase in hydrophobic nature. In addition, all the complexes were also screened for their antioxidant activity.