Luminescence of a Pt(II) complex in the presence of DNA. Dependence of luminescence changes on the interaction binding mode.

Luminescence intensity changes of a Pt(II) complex which is known to bind externally to DNA at low [DNA]/[complex] ratio and to intercalate at high [DNA]/[complex] ratio are studied in the presence of calf thymus DNA. External binding is demonstrated to induce luminescence enhancement whereas intercalation leads to luminescence quenching. The reasons for this behaviour are discussed.