The new ligand MDPZ (MDPZ = 7,7′-methylenedioxyphenyldipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]-phenazine and its RuII complex [Ru(bpy)2(MDPZ)]2+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The DNA-binding properties of [Ru(bpy)2(MDPZ)]2+ were investigated by different spectrophotometric methods and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that the complex binds to CT-DNA through intercalation, and can enantioselectively interact with CT-DNA. Although the [Ru(bpy)2(MDPZ)]2+ complex does not show the characteristics of a molecular ‘light switch’ for DNA, [Ru(phen)2(MDPZ)]2+ may serve as a sensitive luminescent probe for DNA. Also, when irradiated at 365 nm, the complex promotes the photocleavage of pBR 322 DNA.