Synthesis of novel DNA-interacting phthalocyanines

The new copper hexamethyleneimino-ethoxy substituted phthalocyanine (pc) (2) and its quaternized derivative (2Q) were synthesized. The interaction of quaternized copper (2Q), quaternized cobalt (3Q) and zinc (4Q) phthalocyanines (pcs) with calf thymus (CT) DNA was investigated by UV/Vis spectrophotometric methods and gel electrophoresis. With the addition of pcs, the change in the thermal denaturation profile of DNA was observed. The results indicated that these molecules exhibit efficient DNA binding activity. Generation of singlet oxygen by 2 and 2Q and photocleavage of CT-DNA were determined. All the experimental data proved that these water soluble pcs can act as active components in the photocleavage of DNA. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.