Sustainable synthesis of benzimidazole-based Schiff base using reusable CaAl₂O₄ nanophosphors catalyst: Insights into metal(II) complexes and DNA interactions

This article presents a new and facile method for the synthesis of Schiff base compounds with a benzimidazole group using a low-cost and reusable calcium aluminate nanophosphorus catalyst (CaAl₂O₄). This approach avoids harmful solvents and reactants, supporting a more environmentally friendly synthesis process. The catalyst maintained its activity and heterogeneity over four cycles with minimal loss of efficiency. The synthesis process was straightforward and eliminated the need for column chromatography. The Schiff base ligand (HL=(E)-N-((6-(thiophen-2-yl)pyridin-2-yl)methylene)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-amine)) was synthesized by the reaction of 6-(thiophen-2-yl)pyridine-2-carbaldehyde with 1H-benzimidazole-2-amine. Subsequently, metal(II) complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) were prepared using this ligand. Structural analysis of both the ligand and its metal complexes was carried out using various physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes were found to adopt an octahedral geometry, while the Cu(II) complex exhibited a square-planar structure. Binding studies with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) at pH 7.2 were performed using UV-visible spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, and thermal denaturation studies and showed that the metal complexes intercalate into the DNA and produced a distinct binding pattern. Molecular docking simulations with AutoDock Vina provided insights into the interaction of these complexes with the B-DNA dodecamer. Furthermore, the ligand and its metal complexes showed UV-visible photonuclease activity against pUC19 DNA. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the metal complexes exhibit photoinduced nuclease activity, confirming their ability to cleave DNA upon exposure to light.