In this work, we evaluate the interaction of the peripheral Pt(bpy)Cl⁺ substituted porphyrins, H₂PtPor and ZnPtPor with DNA using UV-vis, emission fluorescence, CD spectroscopy, and DNA melting properties altered by the Pt(II)–porphyrinoid compounds. Additionally, we observe the ability of these porphyrin derivatives to generate ¹O₂ and to efficiently photocleave plasmid DNA upon visible light irradiation based on a mixed (oxidative/hydrolytic) mechanism.

UV-light exposure can greatly enhance the DNA cleavage activity promoted by ternary copper(ii) complexes.

YopH tyrosine phosphatase, a virulence factor produced by pathogenic species of Yersinia, is an attractive drug target. In this work, three oxidovanadium(IV) complexes were assayed against recombinant YopH and showed strong inhibition of the enzyme in the nanomolar range. Molecular modeling indicated that their binding is reinforced by H-bond, cation−π, and π–π interactions conferring specificity toward YopH. These complexes are thus interesting lead molecules for phosphatase inhibitor drug discovery.