Luminescent pH sensing and DNA binding properties of a novel ruthenium(II) complex

A new Ru(II) complex, Ru(bpy)(2)(dhipH3)](ClO4)(2) (in which bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, dhipH(3)=3,4-dihydroxy-imidado4,5-f]1,10]-phenanthroline), was synthesized and characterized, and the pH effect on the emission spectra of the complex was studied. The interaction of the complex with calf thymus DNA was investigated by UV-visible and emission spectroscopy, and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that the complex acted as a sensitive luminescent pH sensor and a strong ct-DNA intercalator with an intrinsic binding constant of (4.0+/-0.7) x 10(5) M(-1) in buffered 50 mM NaCl.