The role of both intercalation and groove binding at AT-rich DNA regions in the interaction process of a dinuclear Cu(I) complex probed by spectroscopic and simulation analysis

•The binding mechanism of a dinuclear Cu(I) complex to DNA helix was investigated.•Both groove binding and intercalation modes were observed.•The Cu(I) complex was preferentially bind to AT-rich DNA regions.•The van der Walls and hydrophobic forces stabilized the Cu(I) complex-DNA conjugate.•The Cu(I) complex showed cytotoxicity effect on MCF-7 cell line more than cisplatin.