Synthesis and characterization of a mononuclear nickel(II) complex with N,O-donor ligand: Its DNA/HSA protein binding properties and tumor suppressive function

•A mononuclear Ni(II) complex, 1, with an N,O-donor Schiff-base ligand was synthesized.•It bound CT DNA electrostatically with binding constant of 3.6 × 103 M−1.•Complex 1 also bound HSA protein effectively with binding constant of 7.16 × 105 M‒1.•It could be used as anti-cancer drug as it showed selective cytotoxicity towards A549 cell.•It induced apoptosis in lung carcinoma cell by downregulating Bcl2 and upregulation of caspase-3 activity.