In this study, the Cu(II) complex with
Zonisamide (ZNS) and 1, 10-Phenanthroline (Phen)
ligands as an anticancer metallodrug was synthesized and characterized successfully by FT-IR, mass spectrometry, TGA, XPS, AAS, CHNSO, magnetic susceptibility and electrical conductivity. The interaction of Cu(II) complex with
DNA was explored through a multi-spectroscopic approach such as fluorescence, UV-vis spectrophotometry, CD spectroscopy, and viscosity measurements. Molecular docking simulation was carried out to gain a deeper insight into the target site of
DNA which interacted with the mentioned complex. The competitive binding tests with
Hoechst 33258 showed that [
CuCl2(ZNS)(Phen)EtOH].H2O can bind to the groove site of
DNA. The calculated thermodynamic parameters, ΔS° = +201.15 J mol-1K-1 and ΔH° = +41.32 kJ mol-1 confirm that the hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonding play an essential role in the binding process. The experimental and molecular modeling results demonstrate that the Cu(II) complex binds to
DNA through major groove binding. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxic effects of [
CuCl2(ZNS)(Phen)EtOH].H2O against B92
cancer cell lines showed better activity in Cu(II) complex in comparison to free ZNS. Therefore, [
CuCl2(ZNS)(Phen)EtOH].H2O can open a new horizon in the treatment of
glioma cancer by ZNS metallodrugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.