Synthesis and characterization of novel uranyl clusters supported by bis(pyrazolyl) methane ligands: biomimetic catalytic oxidation, BSA protein interaction and cytotoxicity studies†

Two novel uranyl complexes were synthesized using bis-pyrazolyl methane ligands. The complexes were characterized by several spectroscopic techniques, including UV-Vis, IR, NMR, mass spectrometry, fluorescence, electrochemical, and thermogravimetric analysis. The solid-state structure of the complex C1 was determined with the help of single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The complexes C1 and C2 efficiently catalyse the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butyl catechol and 2-aminophenol in the atmospheric air, imitating the catalytic activity of the catechol oxidase and phenoxazinone synthase enzymes. The kinetic parameters and the catalytic efficiency (K_cat/K_M) of the reactions were calculated. Formation of organic free radicals in the catalytic reactions was confirmed by EPR spectroscopy. The interaction of these complexes with the protein, bovine serum albumin, was investigated by using UV-Vis and fluorescence spectral analysis. The cytotoxicity of the complexes against MDAMB-231 and A549 cell lines was investigated, and IC₅₀ values were determined.