Three novel Cu(Ⅱ)-based acylhydrazone porphyrin derivatives have been synthesized.
Versatile physicochemical means suggested Cu-Por3 has strongest binding affinity.
MTT tests showed Cu-Por3 with good cytotoxicity to A549, but weak for normal cell.
An extraction method was performed to quantified identify the cellular uptake.
Besides, Cu-Por3 induced A549 death mainly via apoptotic and arrested G1 phase.