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Several novel isoquino[4,5-bc]acridine derivatives have been designed and synthesized. Their DNA-binding, anti-tumor and DNA-photo-damaging properties were investigated. A4 exhibited the highest anti-tumor activities against both A 549 (human lung cancer cell) and P388 (murine leukemia cells). All these compounds were found to be more cytotoxic against P388 than against A549. Under 365-nm light irradiation, A3 damaged plasmid DNA pBR322 at <2μM and cleaved DNA from form I to 100% form II by 50μM. The mechanism studies revealed that A3 damaged DNA by electron transfer mechanism and singlet oxygen species.