Anupriya Adhikari
Department of Chemistry, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
K Ganesh Kadiyala
Department of Chemistry, Shri Vishnu Engineering College for Women, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
Mamta Bisht
Department of Chemistry, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Neetu Sharma
Department of Chemistry, Graphic Era (Deemed to be) University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Bhawana Bisht
Department of Chemistry, Graphic Era (Deemed to be) University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Keywords: Zn (II) complex, DNA, artificial nuclease, cancer
Abstract
Zinc (II) complexes have recently gained attention for their unique ability to mimic natural nucleases and selectively target deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), making them attractive candidates in the search for more effective and less toxic anticancer agents. This review explores the evolving landscape of Zn (II)-based artificial nucleases, focusing on how structural modifications—such as macrocyclic scaffolds, aromatic appendages, and bio-relevant ligands—enhance their ability to bind and cleave DNA. These complexes operate through both hydrolytic and oxidative pathways, disrupting genetic material and triggering programmed cell death in cancer cells. Their redox stability, biocompatibility, and catalytic efficiency offer distinct advantages over other metal-based systems. By bridging the fields of inorganic chemistry and oncology, these zinc complexes show great potential not only as therapeutic agents but also as molecular tools in gene editing and biomedical research. This review brings together recent findings to provide a clearer understanding of how Zn (II) based systems function and where their future applications might lie.
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