A new Schiff base copper (II) complex derived from estrone and d-glucosamine: Synthesis,characterization and its interaction with DNA

A novel copper (II) complex of Schiff base prepared through condensation between 2-formyl-17-deoxyestrone and d-glucosamine was synthesized and characterized. Fluorescence spectroscopy was conducted to assess their binding ability with CT-DNA. The results showed that the copper (II) complex could bind to DNA with a weak intercalative mode. The interaction between the copper (II) complex and DNA was also investigated by gel electrophoresis. Interestingly, we found that the complex could cleave plasmid DNA (pUC19) to nicked and linear forms through an oxidative mechanism without the use of exogenous agents.     

Binding of bis-ANS to Bacillus subtilis lipase: A combined computational and experimental investigation

8-Anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) and its covalent dimer bis-ANS are widely used for titrating hydrophobic surfaces of proteins. Interest to understand the nature of interaction of these dyes with proteins was seriously pursued. However as the techniques used in these studies varied, they often provided varied information regarding stoichiometry, binding affinity, actual binding sites etc. In the present study, we used combination of computation methods (docking and MD simulation) and experimental methods (mutations, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence) to investigate bis-ANS interaction with Bacillus subtilis lipase. We identified seven binding sites for bis-ANS on lipase using computational docking and MD simulation and verified these data using a set of single amino acid substituted mutants. Docking and MD simulation studies indicated that the binding sites were various indentations and grooves on protein surface with hydrophobic characteristics. Both hydrophobic and ionic interactions were involved in each of these binding events. We further examine the fluorescence properties of bis-ANS bound to mutant lipases that either gained or lost a binding site. Our results indicated that neither gain nor loss of single binding site caused any change in fluorescence lifetimes (and their relative amplitudes) of mutant lipase-bound bis-ANS in comparison to that bound to wild type; hence, it suggested that nature of bis-ANS binding to each of the sites in lipase was very similar.     

Spectroscopic,electrochemical, docking and molecular dynamics studies on the interaction of three oxovanadium (IV) Schiff base complexes with bovine serum albumin and their cytotoxicity against cancer

This study was designed to investigate the interaction of three oxovanadium (IV) Schiff base complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) by means of various spectroscopic and electrochemical methods along with molecular docking study and molecular dynamics simulations. Binding constants were estimated by fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results indicated a good affinity of the complexes for BSA in which furyl derivative had more activity. Molecular docking study showed that these complexes have the similar binding modes and located within subdomain IB in site III of BSA. The supporting of molecular docking and molecular dynamics results by experimental data, confirms the validity of the interactions data obtained by these methods. Biological activity against cancer cell showed that furyl derivative has higher activity than other complexes. Pharmaceutical analysis also showed that, these complexes potentially can be used as anticancer agents.     

Unraveling the binding mechanism of asiatic acid with human serum albumin and its biological implications

Asiatic acid (AsA), a naturally occurring pentacyclictriterpenoid found in Centella asiatica, plays a major role in neuroprotection, anticancer, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities. Human serum albumin (HSA), a blood plasma protein, participates in the regulation of plasma osmotic pressure and transports endogenous and exogenous substances. The study undertaken to analyze the drug-binding mechanisms of HSA is crucial in understanding the bioavailability of drugs. In this study, we analyzed the cytotoxic activity of AsA on HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cell lines and its binding, conformational, docking, molecular simulation studies with HSA under physiological pH 7.2. These studies revealed a clear decrease in the viability of HepG2 cells upon exposure to AsA in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 45?μM. Further studies showed the quenching of intrinsic fluorescence of HSA by AsA with a binding constant of K_AsA?=?3.86?±?0.01?×?10⁴?M^?1, which corresponds to the free energy of (ΔG) ?6.3?kcal?M^?1 at 25?°C. Circular dichroism (CD) studies revealed that there is a clear decrease in the α-helical content from 57.50?±?2.4 to 50%?±?2.3 and an increase in the β-turns from 25?±?0.65 to 29%?±?0.91 and random coils from 17.5%?±?0.95 to 21%?±?1.2, suggesting partial unfolding of HSA. Autodock studies revealed that the AsA is bound to the subdomain IIA with hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. From molecular dynamics, simulation data (RMSD, Rg and RMSF) emphasized the local conformational changes and rigidity of the residues of both HSA and HSA–AsA complexes.     

Study on the binding characteristics of hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers and thyroid transporters using the multispectral technique and computational simulation

Hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs) are a class of toxic environmental pollutants that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and difficult to degrade. Their structure is very similar to the thyroid hormone (T4) and uses the body’s thyroid transporter (TTR) binding to interfere with the endocrine balance, disrupting the body’s normal physiological activity. According to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamics simulation of do_dssp module analysis, there are three kinds of OH-PBDEs that can induce TTR secondary structural changes. Fluorescence spectra and UV–Vis spectra show that for the three kinds of OH-PBDEs for TTR, the main methods of quenching are static quenching and non-radiative energy transfer. According to thermodynamic analysis, ΔG < 0, ΔH > 0, and ΔS > 0 combine to show that the hydrophobic interaction is the main driving force of the combination. From the molecular docking analysis, it was found that 4′-hydroxy-2,2′,4,5′- tetrabromodiphenyl ether (4′-OH-BDE49) and 4 hydroxy-2,2′,3,4′,5,6,6′- heptabromodiphenyl ether (4-OH-BDE188) had a cationic–π interaction with TTR, whereas 4 hydroxy-2,2′,3,4,5,5′,6- heptabromodiphenyl ether (4-OH-BDE187) was bonded to TTR by hydrogen bonds to form stable complexes. In this paper, we highlight the consistency of spectroscopic experiments and computer simulations so as to provide a reliable analytical method for the toxicological properties of small molecule contaminants.     

Different binding modes of tropeines mediating inhibition and potentiation of α1 glycine receptors

Tropeines are bidirectional modulators of native and recombinant glycine receptors (GlyRs) and promising leads for the development of novel modulatory agents. Tropisetron potentiates and inhibits agonist-triggered GlyR currents at femto- to nanomolar and micromolar concentrations respectively. Here, the potentiating and inhibitory effects of another tropeine, 3α-(3'-methoxy-benzoyloxy)nortropane (MBN) were examined by voltage-clamp electrophysiology at wild type and mutant α1 GlyRs expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Several substitutions around the agonist-binding cavity of the α1 subunit interface (N46C, F63A, N102A, R119K, R131A, E157C, K200A, Y202L and F207A) were found to reduce or eliminate MBN inhibition of glycine activation. In contrast, the binding site mutations Q67A, R119A and S129A which did not affect MBN inhibition abolished the potentiation of chloride currents elicited by low concentrations of the partial agonist taurine following pre-incubation with MBN. Thus, potentiation and inhibition involve distinct binding modes of MBN in the inter-subunit agonist-binding pocket of α1 GlyRs. Homology modelling and molecular dynamics simulations disclosed two distinct docking modes for MBN, which are consistent with the differential effects of individual binding site substitutions on MBN inhibition and potentiation respectively. Together these results suggest that distinct binding modes at adjacent binding sites located within the agonist-binding pocket of the GlyR mediate the bidirectional modulatory effects of tropeines.     

Electrophoretic study of cationic cobalt(III) complexes with [N2O] and [N2O2] Schiff base ligands

The electrophoretic migration behavior of acid-sensitive cationic alkylcobalt(III) complexes with tridentate Schiff bases and amines as well as that of related ‘inorganic’ cobalt(III) chelates with tridentate and tetradentate Schiff bases was studied. A correlation of the electrophoretic mobility of the organocobalt complexes in question with their structure was established. An attempt to optimize the analytical procedures for capillary electrophoretic separation of these rather labile complex cations is outlined. Their decomposition in solutions under ambient conditions was surveyed using this technique.     

Antimicrobial,spectral, magnetic and thermal studies of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), UO2(VI) and Fe(III) complexes of the Schiff base derived from oxalylhydrazide

The Schiff base ligand, oxalic bis[(2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazide], H₂L, and its Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), UO₂(VI) and Fe(III) complexes were prepared and tested as antibacterial agents. The Schiff base acts as a dibasic tetra- or hexadentate ligand with metal cations in molar ratio 1:1 or 2:1 (M:L) to yield either mono- or binuclear complexes, respectively. The ligand and its metal complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H NMR, Mass, and UV-Visible spectra and the magnetic moments and electrical conductance of the complexes were also determined. For binuclear complexes, the magnetic moments are quite low compared to the calculated value for two metal ions complexes and this shows antiferromagnetic interactions between the two adjacent metal ions. The ligand and its metal complexes were tested against a Gram + ve bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), a Gram -ve bacteria (Escherichia coli), and a fungi (Candida albicans). The tested compounds exhibited high antibacterial activities.     

Synthesis, and characterization of cobalt(III) complexes with Schiff bases derived from 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde, (naph)2dien and (naph)2dpt, and monodentate amine ligands: Crystal structure, spectral and redox properties

Two series of complexes of the type [Co^III{(naph)₂dien}(amine)]BPh₄ {(naph)₂dien = bis-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldimine)-N-diethylenetriamine dianion, and amine = piperidine (pprdn) (1), pyrrolidine (prldn) (2), pyridine (py) (3), N-methylimidazole (N-MeIm) (4)}, and [Co^III{(naph)₂dpt}(amine)]BPh₄ {(naph)₂dpt = bis-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldimine)-N-dipropylenetriamine dianion, and amine = piperidine (pprdn) (5), 3-methylpyridine (3-Mepy) (6)} have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-Vis, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of (2) and (6) have been determined by X-ray diffraction. The redox potentials of the central cobalt ion show a relatively good correlation with the σ-donor ability of the axial ligands. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of these complexes are also influenced by the mutual steric hindrance between the pentadentate Schiff base and the ancillary ligands.     

Synthesis and characterization of Mg(II), Mn(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with a new heptaaza Schiff base pendant-armed macrocycle: X-ray crystal structure, NMR and computational study

New 2-aminoethyl pendant-armed Schiff base macrocyclic complexes, [ML⁷]²⁺ (M = Mn(II), Mg(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II)), have been prepared via M(II) templated [1 + 1] cyclocondensation of 2,6-diacetylpyridine with a new branched hexamine, N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-aminoethyl)-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine. The ligand is a 16-membered pentaaza macrocycle having two 2-aminoethyl pendant arms [L⁷ is 2,14-dimethyl-6,10-bis(2-aminoethyl)-3,6,10,13,19-pentaazabicyclo[13.3.1]8,8-dimethylnonadeca-1(19),2,13,15,17-pentaene]. The crystal structures of [MnL⁷]²⁺ and [MgL⁷]²⁺ were determined from X-ray diffraction data. The geometry of the coordination sphere of complexes is a slightly distorted pentagonal bipyramid with the metal ion located within a pentaaza macrocycle and two pendant amines coordinating on opposite sides. All complexes were characterized by IR, microanalysis and except of [MnL⁷]²⁺ by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, DEPT135, COSY(H, H) and HMQC spectroscopy. The data indicate that the structure is pentagonal bipyramidal in each case. The structure of all complexes has also been theoretically studied by ab initio Hartree-Fock and density functional theory methods.     

Study on potential antitumor mechanism of a novel Schiff base copper(II) complex: synthesis, crystal structure, DNA binding, cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction activity

A new cytotoxic copper(II) complex with Schiff base ligand [Cu^II(5-Cl-pap)(OAc)(H₂O)]·2H₂O (1) (5-Cl-pap = N-2-pyridiylmethylidene-2-hydroxy-5-chloro-phenylamine), was synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal analysis revealed that the copper atom shows a 4 + 1 pyramidal coordination, a water oxygen appears in the apical position, and three of the basal positions are occupied by the NNO tridentate ligand and the fourth by an acetate oxygen. The interaction of Schiff base copper(II) complex 1 with DNA was investigated by UV-visible spectra, fluorescence spectra and agarose gel electrophoresis. The apparent binding constant (K_app) value of 6.40 × 10⁵ M^− 1 for 1 with DNA suggests moderate intercalative binding mode. This copper(II) complex displayed efficient oxidative cleavage of supercoiled DNA, which might indicate that the underlying mechanism involve hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen-like species, and hydrogen peroxide as reactive oxygen species. In addition, our present work showed the antitumor effect of 1 on cell cycle and apoptosis. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that HeLa cells were arrested in the S phase after treatment with 1. Fluorescence microscopic observation indicated that complex 1 can induce apoptosis of HeLa cells, whose process was mediated by intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway owing to the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3.     

New tailored substituted benzothiazole Schiff base Cu(II)/Zn(II) antitumor drug entities: effect of substituents on DNA binding profile,antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity

New tailored Cu(II) & Zn(II) metal-based antitumor drug entities were synthesized from substituted benzothiazole o?vanillin Schiff base ligands. The complexes were thoroughly characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic studies {IR, ¹H & ¹³C NMR, ESI?MS, EPR} and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The structure activity relationship (SAR) studies of benzothiazole Cu(II) & Zn(II) complexes having molecular formulas [C₃₀H₂₂CuN₅O₇S₂], [C₃₀H₂₀Cl₂CuN₅O₇S₂], [C₃₀H₂₀CuF₂N₅O₇S₂], [C₃₀H₂₂N₄O₄S₂Zn], [C₃₀H₂₀Cl₂N₄O₄S₂Zn], and [C₃₀H₂₀F₂N₅O₇S₂Zn], with CT?DNA were performed by employing absorption, emission titrations, and hydrodynamic measurements. The DNA binding affinity was quantified by K _b and K _sv values which gave higher binding propensity for chloro-substituted Cu(II) [C₃₀H₂₀Cl₂CuN₅O₇S₂] complex, suggestive of groove binding mode with subtle partial intercalation. Molecular properties and drug likeness profile were assessed for the ligands and all the Lipinski’s rules were found to be obeyed. The antimicrobial potential of ligands and their Cu(II) & Zn(II) complexes were screened against some notably important pathogens viz., E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, and C. albicans. The cytotoxicity of the complexes [C₃₀H₂₀Cl₂CuN₅O₇S₂], [C₃₀H₂₀CuF₂N₅O₇S₂], [C₃₀H₂₀Cl₂N₄O₄S₂Zn], and [C₃₀H₂₀F₂N₅O₇S₂Zn] were evaluated against five human cancer cell lines viz., MCF?7 (breast), MIA?PA?CA?2 (pancreatic), HeLa (cervix) and Hep?G2 (Hepatoma) and A498 (Kidney) by SRB assay which revealed that chloro-substituted [C₃₀H₂₀Cl₂CuN₅O₇S₂] complex, exhibited pronounced specific cytotoxicity with GI₅₀ value of 4.8 μg/ml against HeLa cell line. Molecular docking studies were also performed to explore the binding modes and orientation of the complexes in the DNA helix.     

Catalytic air oxidation of olefins using molybdenum dioxo complexes with dissymmetric tridentate O,N,S-donor Schiff base ligands derived from o-hydroxyacetophenone and S-benzyldithiocarbazate or S-methyldithiocarbazate

We report the homogeneous catalytic air oxidation of 1-hexene, cyclohexene and styrene using cis-[MoO₂(hap-SBDTC)(solv)] (1b) and cis-[MoO₂(hap-SMDTC)(solv)] (2b), where hap-SBDTC and hap-SMDTC are Schiff bases derived from o-hydroxyacetophenone (hap) and S-benzyldithiocarbazate (SBDTC) or S-methyldithiocarbazate (SMDTC), respectively. Both hap-SBDTC and hap-SMDTC are dissymmetric tridentate O,N,S-donor Schiff base ligands. The catalytic tests were performed in DMF solvent at 60 °C under 1 atm O₂.The olefin conversion was determined using gas chromatography. The percentage conversion of the above-mentioned substrates at the end of 6 h was in the range 86-98%. The final oxidation products were found to be 1-hexanal for 1-hexene, styrene epoxide and phenyl acetaldehyde (81:19) for styrene and cyclohexene epoxide and 2-cyclohexen-1-ol (85:15) in the case of cyclohexene. The oxidation reaction typically followed pseudo-order kinetics; however, a two-stage first order reaction is evident with complex 2b. This is attributed to less steric and electron-donating methyl substitution on S in 2b that possibly imparted a higher reactivity accompanying the formation of an intermediate in a relatively faster reaction step prior to the formation of final oxidation products. A reaction mechanism that explains the experimental results is proposed.     

Example of two novel thiocyanato bridged copper (II) complexes derived from substituted thiosemicarbazone ligand: structural elucidation,DNA/albumin binding,biological profile analysis,and molecular docking study

Two novel copper (II) substituted thiosemicarbazone Schiff base complexes [Cu(L₁)(µ-SCN)]_n(NO₃)₂ (1) and [Cu₂(µ-SCN)(SCN)(L₂)₂](NO₃) (2) have been synthesized by condensing substituted thiosemicarbazides like 4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazide or 4-ethyl-3-thiosemicarbazide with 2-acetylpyridine. Both the metal complexes 1 and 2 are characterized using different spectroscopic techniques like IR, UV-Vis, ESR spectroscopy followed by elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetric measurement and single crystal X-ray structure analysis. X-ray crystal structure analysis reveal that complex 1 is polymeric while complex 2 is dimeric in nature. The coordination geometry around Cu(II) are square pyramidal in which thiosemicarbazone Schiff base ligand coordinate to the central Cu(II) atom in tridentate fashion. The prominent interaction patterns of 1 and 2 with CT-DNA were examined by employing electronic absorption and emission spectral titrations, cyclic voltammetry and viscosity measurements. All the results show that CT-DNA binds with both copper (II) complexes 1 and 2. Furthermore, protein binding ability in vitro of complexes 1 and 2 with both BSA and HSA were carried out using multispectroscopic techniques and a static quenching pattern was observed in both cases. Molecular docking study was employed to ascertain the exact mechanism of action of 1 and 2 with DNA and protein molecules (BSA and HSA). In vitro cytotoxicity activity of complexes 1 and 2 toward AGS and A549 was evaluated using MTT assay which demonstrates that both complexes 1 and 2 have superior prospectus to act as anticancer agents.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma     

Magnetic, spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic structural studies on copper(II) complexes of tridentate NNS Schiff base ligands formed from 2-acetylpyrazine and S-methyl- and S-benzyldithiocarbazates

New copper(II) complexes of general empirical formula, [Cu(NNS)X] (NNS = anionic forms of the 2-acetylpyrazine Schiff bases of S-methyl- and S-benzyldithiocarbazate, Hapsme and Hapsbz) and X = Cl⁻, Br⁻, NCS⁻ and NO₃⁻ have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray crystal structures of the free ligand, Hapsbz and the complexes, [Cu(apsbz)(NO₃)]_∞, [Cu(apsme)(NCS)]₂ and [Cu(apsme)Cl]₂ have been determined. In the solid state, the Schiff base, Hapsbz remains in its thione tautomeric form with the thione sulfur atom trans to the azomethine nitrogen atom. X-ray diffraction shows that the [Cu(apsbz)(NO₃)]_∞ complex is a novel coordination polymer in which one of the nitrogen atoms of the pyrazine ring bridges two adjacent copper(II) ions. The Schiff base is coordinated to the copper(II) ion in its iminothiolate form via the thiolate sulfur atom, the azomethine nitrogen atom and one of the pyrazine nitrogen atoms, the overall geometry of each copper atom in the polymer being close to a square-pyramid. The complexes, [Cu(apsme)X]₂ (X = NCS⁻, Cl⁻) are dimers in which each copper atom adopts a five-coordinate near square-pyramidal geometry with an N₃S₂ coordination environment. The Schiff base coordinates as a uninegatively charged tridentate ligand chelating via the pyridine and azomethine nitrogen atoms and the thiolate sulfur atoms. A nitrogen atom of a unidentate thiocayanate or chloride ligand and a bridging sulfur atom from a second ligand completes the coordination sphere. Room temperature μ_eff values for the complexes in the solid state are in the range 1.70-2.0 μ_B typical of uncoupled or weakly coupled Cu(II) centres. Variable temperature susceptibility studies show that the chain complex displays weak ferromagnetic coupling across the pyrazine bridges, while the S-bridged dinuclear compounds display either weak ferromagnetic or weak antiferromagnetic coupling that relates to subtle bridging geometry differences. EPR studies of frozen DMF solutions give rather similar g and A_Cu values for all compounds indicative of Cu(d_x²-y²) ground state orbitals on the Cu centers.     

Studies on the synthesis,characterisation and antimicrobial activity of new Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes of Schiff base derived from ninhydrin and glycine

Summary For the first time, Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes have been synthesized involving an intermediate Schiff base, indane-1,3-dione-2-imine-N-acetic acid the condensed product of ninhydrin and glycine. These coloured complexes were characterised by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, thermogravimetric analyses/differential thermal analysis, infrared, magnetic susceptibility, NMR and electronic spectral studies. Mechanisms for their formation have been proposed. The experimental studies reveal that the complexes possess octahedral stereochemistry whereas the Schiff base behaves as a monobasic tridentate ligand. A molecular structure for the metal complexes is also proposed. A comparative study of the antimicrobial activity of ninhydrin and the corresponding metal complexes againstEscherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus andStreptococcus faecalis has been undertaken and the results are discussed.     

Comparative study of the binding mode between cytochrome P450 17A1 and prostate cancer drugs in the absence of haem iron

Abstract

According to the X-ray crystal structures of CYP17A1 (including its complexes with inhibitors), it is shown that a hydrogen bond exists between CYP17A1 and its inhibitors (such as abiraterone and TOK-001). Previous short MD simulations (50?ns) suggested that the binding of abiraterone to CYP17A1 is stronger than that of TOK-001. In this work, by carrying out long atomistic MD simulations (200?ns) of CYP17A1 and its complexes with abiraterone and TOK-001, we observed a binding mode between CYP17A1 and abiraterone, which is different from the binding mode between CYP17A1 and TOK-001. In the case of abiraterone binding, the unfilled volume in the active site cavity increases the freedom of movement of abiraterone within CYP17A1, leading to the collective motions of the helices G and B′ as well as the breaking of hydrogen bond existing between the 3β-OH group of abiraterone and N202 of CYP17A1. However, the unfilled volume in the active site cavity can be occupied by the benzimidazole ring of TOK-001, restraining the motion of TOK-001. By pulling the two inhibitors (abiraterone and TOK-001) out of the binding pocket in CYP17A1, we discovered that abiraterone and TOK-001 were moved from their binding sites to the surface of protein similarly through the channels formed by the helices G and B′. In addition, based on the free energy calculations, one can see that it is energetically favorable for the two inhibitors (abiraterone and TOK-001) to enter into the binding pocket in CYP17A1.     

One trinuclear copper(II) complex derived from a new Schiff base ligand based on the dianion of 4-chloro-6-(hydroxymethyl)-2-((3-aminopropylimino)methyl)-phenol: Synthesis, structure, spectroscopic and magnetic properties

A linear trinuclear copper(II) complex (1), prepared from a new Schiff base ligand, namely the dianion of 4-chloro-6-(hydroxymethyl)-2-((3-aminopropylimino)methyl)-phenol, was synthesized and characterized in this paper. The X-ray structural study reveals that the geometry of the central Cu2 ion is elongated octahedral and that of the two side Cu(II) ions is distorted square pyramidal. The magnetic susceptibility measurements from 2 to 300 K reveal medium antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(II) ions with a J value of −64.6(1) cm⁻¹.     

Synthesis, characterization and thermodynamic study of copper(II) complexes with unsymmetric tetradentate Schiff base ligands and X-ray structure of {methyl-2-[N-[2-(5-chloro-2-phenolate)methylidynenitrilo]ethyl}aminato(-1)-1-cyclopentenedithiocarboxylatecopper(II)

A set of two Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(cdXsalen)] and [Cu(cdXsalMeen)] derived from Schiff base ligands (H₂cdXsalen: methyl-2-{[2-(2-X-phenyl)methylidynenitrilo]ethyl}amino-1-cyclopentenedithiocarboxylate and H₂cdXsalMeen: methyl-2-{[1-methyl-2-(2-X-phenyl)methylidynenitrilo]ethyl}amino-1-cyclopenteneithiocarb-oxylate where X = hydroxyl, methoxy, nitro, sodiumsulfite, chloro, bromo and H₂cdMesalen: methyl-2-{[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethylidynenitrilo]ethyl}amino-1-cyclopentenedithiocarboxylate; H₂cdPhsalen: methyl-2-{[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)phenylidynenitrilo]ethyl}amino-1-cyclopentenedithiocarboxylate; H₂cdMesalMeen: methyl-2-{[1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethylidynenitrilo]ethyl}amino-1-cyclopentenedithiocarboxylate; H₂cdPhsalMeen: methyl-2-{[1-methyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)phenylidynenitrilo]ethyl}amino-1-cyclopentenedi-thiocarboxylate) with an unsymmetric NNOS coordination sphere have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis and mass spectrometry. The thermodynamic formation constants of the complexes were measured spectrophotometrically, at constant ionic strength 0.1 M (NaClO₄), at 25 °C in DMF solvent. The trend of the complex formation for copper is as follow:

[Cu(cdMesalen)]>[Cu(cdsalen)]>[Cu(cdPhsalen)][Cu(cdMesalMeen)]>[Cu(cdsalMeen)]>[Cu(cdPhsalMeen)]     

Insights into the fatty acid chain length specificity of the carboxylesterase PA3859 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A combined structural,biochemical and computational study

The open reading frame PA3859 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa encodes an intracellular carboxylesterase belonging to a group of microbial enzymes (EC 3.1.1.1) that catalyze the hydrolysis of aliphatic and aromatic esters with a broad substrate specificity. With few exceptions, for this class of enzymes, belonging to the α/β-hydrolase fold superfamily, very little information is available regarding their biochemical activity and in vivo function. The X-ray crystal structure of recombinant PA3859 has been determined for two crystal forms (space groups P2₁ and P2₁2₁2). The kinetic properties of the enzyme were studied using p-nitrophenyl esters as substrates and data fitted to a surface dilution mixed micelle kinetic model. Enzymatic assays and computational docking simulations, pinpointed the enzyme’s preference for esters of palmitic and/or stearic acids and provided insights into the enzyme–substrate favorable binding modes.