Intracellular Chemistry: Integrating Molecular Inorganic Catalysts with Living Systems

Ruthenium-Catalyzed Redox Isomerizations inside Living Cells

Tailored ruthenium(IV) complexes can catalyze the isomerization of allylic alcohols into saturated carbonyl derivatives under physiologically relevant conditions, and even inside living mammalian cells. The reaction, which involves ruthenium-hydride intermediates, is bioorthogonal and biocompatible, and can be used for the "in cellulo" generation of fluorescent and bioactive probes. Overall, our research reveals a novel metal-based tool for cellular intervention, and comes to further demonstrate the compatibility of organometallic mechanisms with the complex environment of cells.

Catalysis Concepts in Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry

Catalysis has strongly emerged in the field of medicinal inorganic chemistry as a suitable tool to deliver new drug candidates and to overcome drawbacks associated to metallodrugs. In this Concept article, we discuss representative examples of how catalysis has been applied in combination with metal complexes to deliver new therapy approaches. In particular, we explain key achievements in the design of catalytic metallodrugs that damage biomolecular targets and in the development of metal catalysis schemes for the activation of exogenous organic prodrugs. Moreover, we discuss our recent discoveries on the flavin-mediated bioorthogonal catalytic activation of metal-based prodrugs; a new catalysis strategy in which metal complexes are unconventionally employed as substrates rather than catalysts.

Evaluation of dicopper azacryptand complexes in aqueous CuAAC reactions and their tolerance toward biological thiols

The catalytic activity of dicopper azacryptands was evaluated in water and in the presence of biological thiols.

Anticancer activity of complexes of the third row transition metals, rhenium, osmium, and iridium

A summary of recent developments on the anticancer activity of complexes of rhenium, osmium, and iridium is described.