The latest research progress on the prevention of storage pests by natural products: Species,mechanisms, and sources of inspiration

The quality of grains is influenced by storage pests, which are not only spoilers of stored grain, but also vectors of human and animal diseases. Chemical pesticides play an essential role in the cultivation and storage of cereals, however, due to the low degradability and residual toxicity of synthetic pesticides on the environment and non-target organisms, as well as the increasing resistance of target organisms to them, consideration should be given to the development of alternative pest control agents. Compounds isolated from natural sources have emerged as preferred targets for the development of novel insecticidal agents because of their eco-friendliness, safety, and effectiveness. In this review, we primarily focus on the natural product (NPs) control of storage pests. The effective monomer components of NPs and their anti-insect mechanisms were discussed, and natural sources of inspiration and models for insect repellents are described. This review aimed to provide guidelines for the exploitation and utilization of green and efficient natural insecticides.     

Synthesis,bioactivity and preliminary mechanism of action of novel trifluoromethyl pyrimidine derivatives

In this study, a series of trifluoromethyl pyrimidine derivatives 5a-5v were designed and synthesized. All synthetic compounds were original. Bioassay results showed that some of the target compounds were proved to have higher antiviral and antifungal activities than those of commercial agents. Especially, EC₅₀ values of the curative activity of compound 5j and the protection activity of compound 5m were 126.4 and 103.4 µg/mL, respectively, which were lower than that of ningnanmycin. Microscale thermophoresis experiment proved that there was a good interaction between compound 5m and TMV-CP. Meanwhile, the antifungal activity results showed that compound 5u had a significant on in vitro against Rhizoctonia solani (RS) activity, with the EC₅₀ value of 26.0 µg/mL, which was equal to that of azoxystrobin. As well, in vivo experiments on rice leaves showed that compound 5u could effectively control RS, and the effect of 5u on the cell morphology of RS was observed by scanning electron microscopy.     

Cyclometalated complexes containing ferrocenyl Schiff base: Preparation,characterization, DFT calculations,application in cancer and biological researches and MOE studies

A series of transition metal (II/III) complexes containing organometallic Schiff base ligand (H₂L) had been synthesized and characterized by using elemental analysis (C, H, N, M), molar conductivity, IR, UV–Vis, ¹H NMR and mass spectral analysis. Also, their TG and DTG behaviors were investigated. The ligand was prepared by condensation of 4-aminosalicylic acid with 2-acetylferrocene in 1:1 M ratio. The data of elemental analysis indicated that the prepared complexes were synthesized also in a 1:1 M ratio. The ligand behaved as neutral bidentate ligand that coordinated to metal ions through protonated O-phenolic and protonated carboxylic-OH groups. All complexes had octahedral structure. DFT calculations for H₂L ligand were determined with some parameters such as HOMO-LUMO energy gab, electronegativity and chemical hardness–softness. Antimicrobial activity of both H₂L Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes was tested against different strains of bacteria and fungi species. Furthermore, all compounds had been screened for their anticancer activities against breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line. [Cu(H₂L)(H₂O)₂Cl₂]·2H₂O complex had the lowest IC₅₀ value = 47.3 µg/mL. For determining the more effective and probable binding mode between the H₂L ligand, Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes with different active sites of 4K3V, 2YLB and 3DJD receptors, so molecular docking studies were investigated.     

Colloidal chemistry as a guide to design intended dispersions of carbon nanomaterials

In this review, some established concepts from Colloidal Science and their application to graphene and carbon nanotubes dispersions in organic or aqueous media are highlighted to rationalize alternatives for some issues in terms of colloidal properties. Recent applications for carbon-based dispersions are presented, as well as van der Waals interactions in carbon materials and strategies to overcome these interactions, such as increasing electrostatic repulsion between dispersed particles, surface functionalization, or adsorption of passivation agents such as macromolecules, which are the basis of many dispersion and exfoliation procedures. The demonstration of how knowledge and fine control of colloidal interactions have been used to overcome several limitations, such as the preparation of stable and concentrated dispersions of carbon materials and keeping appreciable electrical conductivity, is presented. It is also showed that the same knowledge can help the development of more environmentally friendly carbon-based colloids as well as the improvement of similar systems as dispersions of two-dimensional materials.     

Application of HPLC to measure vanadium in environmental,biological and clinical matrices

Vanadate and vanadium compounds exist in many environmental, biological and clinical matrices, and despite the need only limited progress has been made on the analysis of vanadium compounds. The vanadium coordination chemistry of different oxidation states is known, and the result of the characterization and speciation analysis depends on the subsequent chemistry and the methods of analysis. Many studies have used a range of methods for the characterization and determination of metal ions in a variety of materials. One successful technique is high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) that has been used mainly for measuring total vanadium level and metal speciation. Some cases have been reported where complexes of different oxidation states of vanadium have been separated by HPLC. Specifically reversed phase (RP) HPLC has frequently been used for the measurement of vanadium. Other HPLC methods such as normal phase, anion-exchange, cation-exchange, size exclusion and other RP-HPLC modes such as, ion-pair and micellar have been used to separate selected vanadium compounds. We will present a review that summarizes and critically analyzes the reported methods for analysis of vanadium salts and vanadium compounds in different sample matrices. We will compare various HPLC methods and modes including sample preparation, chelating reagents, mobile phase and detection methods. The comparison will allow us to identify the best analytical HPLC method and mode for measuring vanadium levels and what information such methods provide with regard to speciation and quantitation of the vanadium compounds.     

Recent advancements in the anticancer potentials of first row transition metal complexes

The frequently severe effects of currently utilized platinum-based complexes have prompted researchers to develop less toxic transition metal based anticancer drugs. Transition metal complexes have recently gained considerable attention as promising anticancer agents due to their efficient drug design and fast optimisation. Some transition metal complexes displayed better anticancer activity than cis-platin. This led to the transition metal complexes for clinical application of chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer therapy. Cytotoxicity of the complexes has been evaluated on the basis of their IC₅₀ values. In this review, we have focussed on recent findings about the anticancer mechanism of action of first row transition metal complexes during the last ten years.     

Progress on phthalocyanine-conjugated Ag and Au nanoparticles: Synthesis,characterization, and photo-physicochemical properties

Phthalocyanine (Pc) complexes are an important class of dyes with numerous (e.g., biological, photophysical, and analytical) applications. Among the methods used to improve the properties of these complexes, one should mention the introduction of different substituents, variation of the central metal ion, ligand exchange, and conjugation to nanomaterials (e.g., carbon-based nanomaterials and metal nanoparticles (NPs)). This work briefly reviews Pc complex conjugation to Ag and Au NPs, highlights the different NP shapes, and discusses the diversity of conjugation approaches. Moreover, the use of UV–Vis spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to characterize Pc-NP hybrids is summarized. The effect of conjugation on Pc photo-physicochemical properties (fluorescence, singlet oxygen generation, triplet state formation, and optical limiting behavior) is discussed, and future perspectives for the synthesis and applications of new hybrids are provided.     

Degradation-fragmentation of marine plastic waste and their environmental implications: A critical review

This review critically evaluates the plastic accumulation challenges and their environmental (primarily) and human (secondarily) impacts. It also emphasizes on their degradation and fragmentation phenomena under marine conditions. In addition, it takes into account the leachability of the various chemical substances (additives) embedded in plastic products to improve their polymeric properties and extend their life. Regardless of their effectiveness in enhancing the polymeric function of plastic products, these additives can potentially contaminate air, soil, food, and water. Several findings have shown that, regardless of their types and sizes, plastics can be degraded and/or fragmented under marine conditions. Therefore, the estimation of fragmentation and degradation rates via a reliable developed model is required to better understand the marine environmental status. The main parameter, which is responsible for initiating the fragmentation of plastics, is sunlight/UV radiation. Yet, UV- radiation alone is not enough to fragment some plastic polymer types under marine conditions, additional factors are needed such as mechanical abrasion. It should be also mentioned that most current studies on plastic degradation and fragmentation centered on the primary stages of degradation. Thus, further studies are needed to better understand these phenomena and to identify their fate and environmental effects.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic study,X-ray diffraction,and comparative antimicrobial study of Schiff bases based on o-toluidine and their Co(II) complexes

Schiff bases are versatile compounds for the design of the ternary complex. An experiment has been made to synthesize two novel complexes of Co(II). Here, The primary ligand, L₁ was prepared by the condensation reaction of o-toluidine with 3-formyl chromone or o-toluidine with 3- methylquinolinecarbaldehyde and the secondary ligand which was 8-Hydroxyquinoline. These potent complexes were prepared by condensation of primary and secondary ligands with Cobalt salt. The reaction was performed through the conventional reflux method. The newly synthesized chromone and quinoline derived novel compounds are proposed to have significant antimicrobial activity against selective strains of bacteria and fungi. This can be great opportunity for researchers and the use of biological applications of the synthesized novel compounds can be a part of unique field of research for the future to be focus. Chromone derivative has great biological diversity in the medicinal and pharmaceutical fields. Along with these compounds, quinoline derivatives also have antibacterial, and antifungal activities. The synthesized ligand and complex were characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weight determination, magnetic moment measurement, melting point determination, spectral analysis (IR, UV–Vis, ¹H NMR, Mass, etc.), and X-ray diffraction. The synthesized complexes were paramagnetic and non-electrolytic in nature. The Uv–Vis, FTIR, NMR, and Mass spectra suggest the octahedral geometry of the complexes. The synthesized compounds were further evaluated for biological studies against selected bacterial and fungal strains. It has been observed that the antimicrobial activity of most of the complexes are better than that of ligands.     

Surfactants – Compounds for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and other enveloped viruses

We provide here a general view on the interactions of surfactants with viruses, with a particular emphasis on how such interactions can be controlled and employed for inhibiting the infectivity of enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses. The aim is to provide to interested scientists from different fields, including chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and medicine, an overview of the basic properties of surfactants and (corona)viruses, which are relevant to understanding the interactions between the two. Various types of interactions between surfactant and virus are important, and they act on different components of a virus such as the lipid envelope, membrane (envelope) proteins and nucleocapsid proteins. Accordingly, this cannot be a detailed account of all relevant aspects but instead a summary that bridges between the different disciplines. We describe concepts and cover a selection of the relevant literature as an incentive for diving deeper into the relevant material. Our focus is on more recent developments around the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, applications of surfactants against the virus, and on the potential future use of surfactants for pandemic relief. We also cover the most important aspects of the historical development of using surfactants in combatting virus infections. We conclude that surfactants are already playing very important roles in various directions of defence against viruses, either directly, as in disinfection, or as carrier components of drug delivery systems for prophylaxis or treatment. By designing tailor-made surfactants, and consequently, advanced formulations, one can expect more and more effective use of surfactants, either directly as antiviral compounds or as part of more complex formulations.     

Multi-component pharmacokinetics assessment of Artemisia annua L. in rats based on LC-ESI-MS/MS quantification combined with molecular docking

Artemisia annua L. (A. annua) has been used as herbal medicine in China for thousands of years for clearing deficiency heat, treating malaria and removing jaundice. A rapid, sensitive and specific liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS) method was developed, validated, and successfully used for simultaneous quantification of the active components in rat plasma after oral administration of A. annua extract. Molecular docking of each component with drug metabolizing enzymes was carried out to explore the effect of each component on CYP-mediated drug metabolism. Two coumarins (scopolin (SPL) and scopoletin (SPLT)), three flavonoids (rutin (RUT), chrysosplenol D (CHD), casticin (CAS)) and three sesquiterpenes (arteannuin B (ARN), dihydroartemisinic acid (DARM) and artemisinic acid (ARM)) were detected in rat plasma after oral administration. CHD and CAS were rapidly absorbed into rat blood with the T_max values of 0.11 ± 0.04 h and 0.13 ± 0.05 h, respectively. Their half-lives (t_1/2 2.68 ± 3.62 h and 0.33 ± 0.07 h) were shorter. SPLT were also rapidly absorbed into the blood (T_max 0.15 ± 0.03 h), but exhibited a longer half-life (t_1/2 6.53 ± 1.84 h), indicating that it could be effective in vivo for a longer period of time. The peak time of SPL, RUT, DARM and ARM ranged from 1 ～ 4 h, demonstrating that they could maintain considerable concentrations for a longer time. ARN showed strong enterohepatic circulation in rats, leading to slower onset time and longer effect. A few components including SPLT, CHD, CAS and ARN could be metabolized into their corresponding II phase metabolites combining with glucuronic acid or sulfuric acid. RUT could decompose its glycosyl to generate genin. The molecular docking results indicated that those flavonoids and coumarins of A. annua interacting with CYPs mainly through hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking had better CYP450 enzyme binding ability than the sesquiterpenoids, which were easier to induce drug interactions. This study presented an integrated strategy for investigating the pharmacokinetic behaviors of eight components in A. annua and laid the foundation for revealing the mechanism of action of A. annua in the organism.     

Polymeric microspheres as support to co-immobilized Agaricus bisporus and Trametes versicolor laccases and their application in diazinon degradation

The laccase enzymes of Agaricus bisporus and Trametes versicolor were successfully covalently co-immobilized on poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres. The enzyme load reached after the co-immobilization of both enzymes was 6.75 U g⁻¹ carrier. The resulting biocatalyst showed the combined properties of both immobilized enzymes, increasing their optimum pH and temperature ranges. The storage and operational stabilities were also improved after co-immobilization. In presence of mediator (ABTS) the organophosphate pesticide diazinon was 100% biodegraded after 48 h of reaction with 0.2 U/mL of co-immobilized enzymes (at the two maximum activity pH values: 2.0 and 3.0). In the absence of a mediator, the degradation percentages were above 88%. Data showed that, compared with single enzymatic immobilization, the co-immobilization of the two laccases is an easy, efficient, and low cost alternative to expanding the range of work of the biocatalyst, thereby improving the stability and some biochemical properties to generate a powerful alternative for pesticide degradation in a wide range of conditions.     

Kinetic features of Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia decoction,a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula,in rat plasma and intestine content based on its metabolic profile

Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia decoction (GXB) is a famous classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD, namely chest stuffiness and pain syndrome in Chinese medicine). Compared with Gualou-Xiebai-Baijiu decoction, which only consists of Trichosanthis Pericarpium (TP), Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (AMB) and wine, GXB comprises one additional herbal medicine, Pinellinae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP). However, due to a lack of kinetic profile studies on GXB, its in vivo components with high exposure remain unknown, making it difficult to interpret bioactive components likely linked to its efficacy, but also fails to provide substance-related evidence for reflecting the compatibility in GXB. The goal of this study was to systematically characterize the kinetic features of GXB in rat plasma and intestine content for revealing its in vivo high-exposure components on the basis of their metabolic fates, and to compare the kinetic differences between GXB and GXB-dePRP (GXB deducted PRP) for describing the chemical contribution of PRP to the compatibility in GXB. Firstly, the metabolic profile of GXB was systematically investigated by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Subsequently, quantitative methods for representative xenobiotics in rat plasma and intestine content were respectively validated and developed by UPLC-TQ-MS. Then, the established approaches were successfully applied to characterize the kinetic features of GXB through estimating pharmacokinetic parameters. These results showed that only a few kinds of xenobiotics at low exposure levels were observed in plasma, while various xenobiotics possessed high exposure in intestine content. Among them, steroidal saponins and triterpenoid saponins displayed relatively high exposure in plasma and intestine content, which are likely associated with the therapeutic effects of GXB. Moreover, there were no significant differences between metabolic profiles of GXB and GXB-dePRP, whereas the pharmacokinetic parameters, including area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) and C_max (p < 0.05) for most xenobiotics in GXB were significantly larger than those in GXB-dePRP, implying that the introduction of PRP improved the bioavailability of constituents from TP and AMB. Altogether, this study laid a solid foundation and provided theoretical guidance for further clarification of bioactive components of GXB, as well as the synergistic effect of PRP to the compatibility in GXB.     

Effect of potassium permanganate on morphological,structural and electro-optical properties of graphene oxide thin films

This work investigated the effect of Potassium Permanganate (KMnO₄) on graphene oxide (GO) properties, especially on electrical properties. The GO thin films were deposited on a glass substrate using drop casting technique and were analysed by using various type of spectroscopy (e.g. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Ultra- Violet Visible (UV–VIS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), optical band gap, Raman Spectroscopy). Furthermore, the electrical experiments were carried out by using current–voltage (I-V) characteristic. The GO thin film with 4.5 g of KMnO₄ resulted in higher conductivity which is 3.11 × 10^?4 S/cm while GO with 2.5 g and 3.5 g of KMnO₄ achieve 2.47 × 10^?9 S/cm and 1.07 × 10^?7 S/cm, respectively. This further affects the morphological (SEM), optical (band gap, UV–Vis, FTIR, and Raman), and crystalline structural (XRD) properties of the GO thin films. The morphological, elemental, optical, and structural data confirmed that the properties of GO is affected by different amount of KMnO₄ oxidizing agent, which revealed that GO can potentially be implemented for electrical and electronic devices.     

Preparation of a novel biodegradable film by co-fermentation of straw and shrimp shell with Aureobasidium pullulans and Photobacterium sp. LYM-1

The green and high-value recycling of shrimp shell and straw remains a worldwide problem. This study aimed to investigate the potential utilization of a fermentation broth (FB) which contains shrimp shell and straw as a new source for preparation of biodegradable films. Aureobasidium pullulans and Photobacterium sp. LYM-1 were used in the fermentation. The cellulase activity was 115.92 U/mL and chitinase activity was 17.89 U/mL in FB. The polysaccharides concentration in FB was 1.05 mg/mL after 7 days of fermentation. An eco-friendly PVA-reinforced FB biodegradable film (FBBF) was successfully prepared and the effect of different plasticizers and surfactants on the mechanical, structural, and impermeability properties of the film was determined. The formation of new bonds between PVA and FB was proved by FTIR spectroscopy. The FBBF containing 0.25 % (w/v) glycerol and 0.01 % (v/v) tween-20 showed better strength properties. Elongation and water-swelling properties were highly improved by adding 0.2 % (m/v) citric acid. According to FE-SEM images, the smooth and tight surface of citric acid added FBBF was observed. Interestingly, the FBBF film showed good heat/moisture capacity, antifungal, and degradation properties. This report reveals a new green, and high-value recycling of straw and shrimp shell by the co-fermentation with A. pullulans and Photobacterium sp. LYM-1. It is also a novel way for the preparation of biodegradable film.     

Photocatalytic remediation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs): A review

The release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) into the environment is an issue of global concern, as the chemicals are stable over a prolonged period resulting in their accumulation in many animals and plants. Although POPs are banned in several countries, many chemicals have been proposed as POP candidates to be added to the existing compounds as defined by the United Nations Stockholm Convention committee. To address the safe disposal and clean-up of such chemicals, new, and especially cost-effective, remediation technologies for POPs are urgently required. This review focuses on existing POPs and the types of remediation processes available for their removal. Particular attention is paid towards photocatalysis using nanocatalysts in this review, due to their effectiveness towards POP degradation, technological feasibility, and energy and cost-efficiency. The underlying principles and the key mechanisms of the photocatalysts based on TiO₂ based materials, metal oxides, light-assisted Fenton systems, framework materials e.g. metal-organic frameworks and polyoxometalates, including metal-free and hybrid photocatalysts for POPs cleanup are described for advance applications in solving the POPs contamination in the environment. The improvements of photocatalytic performance especially the POPs removal mechanism using the conventional and modified process, the design and optimization of photoreactors, and the integration technology are the critical challenges for the emerging pollutants and require intensive research for the forthcoming future.     

Synthesis,pharmacological evaluation,and molecular modeling studies of novel isatin hybrids as potential anticancer agents

A novel series of isatin hybrids 5a-g was designed, synthesized, and characterized spectroscopically. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) by in vitro MTT assay. Amongst the tested compounds, 5e compound bearing benzyl moiety at N₄ piperazine was found to be the most active with the promising IC₅₀ (12.47 µM). Moreover, the active compounds 5e and 5g were subjected to antitumor evaluation (in vivo) against Dalton’s ascitic lymphoma (DAL) cell line and the results suggested that the best active compound 5e can normalize the blood picture in comparison to the standard drug. An in silico molecular docking study using the crystal structure of Hsp90 protein described the role of significant protein–ligand interactions and revealed more insights into the binding mode. The drug-likeliness of the compounds was predicted based on Lipinski's rule of five and pharmacokinetic ADME parameters. Hence, the synthesized isatin hybrids could be novel starting point anticancer lead compounds demonstrating drug-like properties which can be explored further for anticancer drug discovery.     

Fermentation characteristics and the dynamic trend of chemical components during fermentation of Massa Medicata Fermentata

As a representative of traditionally fermented Chinese medicine, Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) shows the functions of invigorating the spleen and stomach and promoting digestion, which plays an important role in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The fermentation mechanism and the key factors that affect the quality of MMF have not been revealed yet, which has become an urgent issue that limits its clinical application. This article aims to systematically and comprehensively reveal the transformation of physical properties and the dynamic trend of chemical components including substrate components, volatile components, and lactic acid as anaerobic fermentation product during MMF fermentation. Along with obvious hyphae growth observed for MMF, the weight of MMF decreased, and the moisture and temperature increased. Through the quantified 14 components from substrate, ferulic acid increased from 45.53 ± 6.94 to 141.89 ± 78.40 μg/g, while glycosides and phenolic acids declined except caffeic acid. Also, within the 66 volatile components analyzed, alcohols and acids increased, while aldehydes and ketones decreased. Lactic acid was not detected in the fermentation substrate, but an apparent increase in lactic acid content was observed along with the increased fermentation days, resulting in 2.54 ± 0.15 mg/g on day 8. Based on the tested components, the fermentation process of MMF was discriminated into three distinct stages by principal component analysis, and an optimal fermentation time of four days was proposed. The results of this study will be of great significance to clarify the characteristics of fermentation and conduce to improving quality standards of MMF.     

Camellia sinensis: Insights on its molecular mechanisms of action towards nutraceutical,anticancer potential and other therapeutic applications

The Camellia sinensis plant provides a wide diversity of black, green, oolong, yellow, brick dark, and white tea. Tea is one of the majorly used beverages across the globe, succeeds only in the water for fitness and pleasure. Generally, green tea has been preferred more as compared to other teas due to its main constituent e.g. polyphenols which contribute to various health benefits. The aim of this updated and comprehensive review is to bring together the latest data on the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Camellia sinensis and to highlight the therapeutic prospects of the bioactive compounds in this plant so that the full medicinal potential of Camellia sinensis can be realised. A review of published studies on this topic was performed by searching PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Google scholar, and Web of Science databases from 1999 to 2022. The results of the analysed studies showed that the main polyphenols of tea are the four prime flavonoids catechins: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epicatechin (EC) along with the beneficial biological properties of tea for a broad heterogeneity of disorders, including anticancer, neuroprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiobesity, antidiabetes and antiglaucoma activities. Poor absorption and low bioavailability of bioactive compounds from Camellia sinensis are limiting aspects of their therapeutic use. More human clinical studies and approaching the latest nanoformulation techniques in nanoparticles to transport the target phytochemical compounds to increase therapeutic efficacy are needed in the future.     

Chemical and pharmacological aspects of novel hetero MLB complexes derived from NO2 type Schiff base and N2 type 1,10-phenanthroline ligands

A series of hetero ligand MLB complexes (1–5) were synthesised from tridentate NO₂ type Schiff base [H₂L: (E)-2-((2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methyleneamino)benzoic acid; derived from 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone and 2-aminobenzoic acid] and bidentate N₂ type 1,10-phenanthroline (B: phen) ligands. The structural characterization of the synthesised MLB complexes were carried out via analytical as well as various spectral studies. Additionally, the low molar conductance values (Λ_m = 14–22 Ω⁻¹ cm² mol⁻¹) imply that the complexes (1–5) are non-electrolytes. The obtained results reinforce that stoichiometry of the mononuclear hetero ligand complexes can be represented as [M(II)-Schiff base(L)-phen(B)·H₂O] and both H₂L and (B) ligands can act as tri and bidentates respectively. Moreover, both the ligands bind with metal(II) ions to build a stable six, six, five membered chelate rings with octahedral geometry. The existing solvent water molecule is confirmed from thermal as well as vibrational analysis. Their microcrystalline nature and uniform surface morphology were confirmed by both powder XRD and SEM studies. 3D molecular modeling and analysis of NiLB and CuLB complexes (3 and 4) were also studied. Mn(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes (1, 3 and 4) strongly interact with DNA through intercalation binding with strong binding constant values. The obtained K_app values were 5.23, 4.98, 6.36, 7.21 and 4.86 × 10⁵ mol⁻¹ for MLB complexes (1–5) respectively and the negative Δ³G values shown that all the complexes are strongly interact with DNA in a spontaneous manner. Further, remarkable biological, antioxidant and DNA activities were remarkably exhibited by MnLB, NiLB and CuLB complexes.