This paper describes a new series of four DNA-intercalating agents with promising anticancer activities, based on ruthenium(II) with the planar ligand dpqQX (dpqQX = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]quinoxaline[2,3-b]quinoxaline). The complexes identified as trans-[RuCl2(dppb)(dpqQX)], cis-[RuCl2(dppb)(dpqQX)], ct-[RuCl(CO)(dppb)(dpqQX)]PF6 and ct-[RuCl2(PPh3)2(dpqQX)] (dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphine)butane and PPh3 = triphenylphosphine) were characterized by 31P{1H} nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, molar conductance measurements, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis for complex ct-[RuCl2(PPh3)2(dpqQX)]. Their in vitro cytotoxic activities against MDA-MB-213 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells were evaluated and compared with normal L-929 cells. Low drug concentration at which 50% of the cells are viable relative to the control (IC50) values were obtained for all four complexes compared with a reference metallodrug, cisplatin. In addition, DNA affinity studies from titrations, as well as the images obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) involving pBR322 plasmid DNA, suggest interactions between the metal complexes and the DNA macromolecule, in which they act as intercalating agents. The intercalation of the complexes with DNA was confirmed by viscosity measurements.

The interaction of mercury(II) with sulfathiazole has been analyzed. IR and NMR spectral studies suggest a coordination of Hg(II) with the Nthiazolic atom, unlike related Hg-sulfadrugs compounds. The complex was screened for its activity against Escherichia coli, showing an appreciable antimicrobial activity compared with the ligand.