Synthesis, DNA Binding, Molecular Docking and Anticancer Studies of Copper (II), Nickel (II), and Zinc (II) Complexes of Primaquine-based Ligand

In a research study, a metal-based complex demonstrated anticancer properties. The process involved the synthesis of a compound called 7-chloro-N-[5-(diethylamino)pentan-2-yl]-N-[sulfanyl(carbonothioyl)]quinolyn-4-amine, which incorporated a primaquine-based dithiocarbamate ligand. This synthesis method utilized sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide at temperatures of 0 to 5℃. Nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) ions were employed as the metal-complexed ligands through various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques that enhanced their purity. Metal compounds, such as cisplatin and its analogs, were widely used to treat different cancer types. Presently, researchers are exploring alternative metal-based complexes as potential agents against cancer, aiming to mitigate toxic effects linked to medications made of platinum. Investigations conducted in-silico revealed that the ligand preferred interacting with DNA’s minor groove, assembling a single hydrogen bond between an adenine hydrogen atom and the oxygen element of the carbonyl compound in the pyrrolidinone unit. Compared to cisplatin, copper complexes can overcome drug resistance by lowering their toxicity. The findings indicate that these primaquine analogs have the potential to lay the foundation for a novel and efficacious category of cancer chemotherapeutics.