Unusually efficient pyridine photodissociation from Ru(II) complexes with sterically bulky bidentate ancillary ligands

Ru(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Derived from Tetradentate Ancillary Ligands for Effective Photocaging

Metal complexes have many proven applications in the caging and photochemical release of biologically active compounds. Photocaging groups derived from Ru(II) traditionally have been composed of ancillary ligands that are planar and bi- or tridentate, such as 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (tpy), and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen). Complexes bearing ancillary ligands with denticities higher than three represent a new class of Ru(II)-based photocaging groups that are grossly underdeveloped. Because high-denticity ancillary ligands provide the ability to increase the structural rigidity and control the stereochemistry, our groups initiated a research program to explore the applications of such ligands in Ru(II)-based photocaging. Ru(TPA), bearing the tetradentate ancillary ligand tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA), has been successfully utilized to effectively cage nitriles and aromatic heterocycles. Nitriles and aromatic heterocycles caged by the Ru(TPA) group show excellent stability in aqueous solutions in the dark, and the complexes can selectively release the caged molecules upon irradiation with light. Ru(TPA) is applicable as a photochemical agent to offer precise spatiotemporal control over biological activity without undesired toxicity. In addition, Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes with desired photochemical properties can be synthesized and identified by solid-phase synthesis, and the resulting complexes show properties to similar to those of complexes obtained by solution-phase synthesis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that orbital mixing between the π* orbitals of the ancillary ligand and the Ru-N dσ* orbital is essential for ligand photodissociation in these complexes. Furthermore, the introduction of steric bulk enhances the photoliability of the caged molecules, validating that steric effects can largely influence the quantum efficiency of photoinduced ligand exchange in Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes. Recently, two new photocaging groups, Ru(cyTPA) and Ru(1-isocyTPQA), have been designed and synthesized for caging of nitriles and aromatic heterocycles, and these complexes exhibit unique photochemical properties distinct from those derived from Ru(TPA). Notably, the unusually greater quantum efficiency for the ligand exchange in [Ru(1-isocyTPQA)(MeCN)₂](PF₆)₂, Φ₄₀₀ = 0.033(3), uncovers a trans-type effect in the triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer (³MLCT) state that enhances photoinduced ligand exchange in a new manner. DFT calculations and ultrafast transient spectroscopy reveal that the lowest-energy triplet state in [Ru(1-isocyTPQA)(MeCN)₂](PF₆)₂ is a highly mixed ³MLCT/³ππ* excited state rather than a triplet metal-centered ligand-field (³LF) excited state; the latter is generally accepted for ligand photodissociation. In addition, Mulliken spin density calculations indicate that a majority of the spin density in [Ru(1-isocyTPQA)(MeCN)₂](PF₆)₂ is localized on the isoquinoline arm, which is opposite to the cis MeCN, rather than on the ruthenium center. This significantly weakens the Ru-N6 ( cis MeCN) bond, which then promotes the ligand photodissociation. This newly discovered effect gives a clearer perception of the interplay between the ³MLCT and ³LF excited states of Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes, which may be useful in the design and applications of ruthenium complexes in the areas of photoactivated drug delivery and photosensitizers.

Photoactivation of imatinib-antibody conjugate using low-energy visible light from Ru(ii)-polypyridyl cages

Ru(ii)-polypyridyl cages with sterically bulky bidentate ligands provide efficient photochemical release of the anticancer drug imatinib using low energy visible light, imparting spatiotemporal control over drug bioavailability. The light-activated drug release is maintained when the Ru(ii) cage is covalently coupled to an antibody, which is expected to localize selectively on the tumor.

Illuminating cytochrome P450 binding: Ru(ii)-caged inhibitors of CYP17A1

New Ru(ii)-caged abiraterone complexes were synthesized that exhibit strong absorption in the visible region and release the steroidal CYP17A1 inhibitor abiraterone upon exposure to low energy visible light in buffer and prostate cancer cells. Photoinduced release results in abiraterone binding to its CYP17A1 target in an inhibitory mode.

Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes as photocages for bioactive compounds containing nitriles and aromatic heterocycles

Photocaging allows for precise spatiotemporal control over the release of biologically active compounds with light. Most photocaged molecules employ organic photolabile protecting groups; however, biologically active compounds often contain functionalities such as nitriles and aromatic heterocycles that cannot be caged with organic groups. Despite their prevalence, only a few studies have reported successful caging of nitriles and aromatic heterocycles. Recently, Ru(ii)-based photocaging has emerged as a powerful method for the release of bioactive molecules containing these functional groups, in many cases providing high levels of spatial and temporal control over biological activity. This Feature Article discusses recent developments in applying Ru(ii)-based photocaging towards biological problems. Our groups designed and synthesized Ru(ii)-based platforms for the photoinduced delivery of cysteine protease and cytochrome P450 inhibitors in order to achieve selective control over enzyme inhibition. We also reported Ru(ii) photocaging groups derived from higher-denticity ancillary ligands that possess photophysical and photochemical properties distinct from more traditional Ru(ii)-based caging groups. In addition, for the first time, we are able to rapidly synthesize and screen Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes that elicit desired properties by solid-phase synthesis. Finally, our work also defined steric and orbital mixing effects that are important factors in controlling photoinduced ligand exchange.

Caging the uncageable: using metal complex release for photochemical control over irreversible inhibition

Photochemical control over irreversible inhibition was shown using Ru(ii)-caged inhibitors of cathepsin L. Levels of control were dependent on where the Ru(ii) complex was attached to the organic inhibitor, reaching >10 : 1 with optimal placement. A new strategy for photoreleasing Ru(ii) fragments from inhibitor-enzyme conjugates is also reported.

Visible light accelerated hydrosilylation of alkynes using platinum–[acyclic diaminocarbene] photocatalysts

Platinum–[diaminocarbene] complexes work as transition-metal photocatalysts for the hydrosilylation of alkynes under visible light irradiation.

Unusual Role of Excited State Mixing in the Enhancement of Photoinduced Ligand Exchange in Ru(II) Complexes

Four Ru(II) complexes were prepared bearing two new tetradentate ligands, cyTPA and 1-isocyTPQA, which feature a piperidine ring that provides a structurally rigid backbone and facilitates the installation of other donors as the fourth chelating arm, while avoiding the formation of stereoisomers. The photophysical properties and photochemistry of [Ru(cyTPA)(CH3CN)2]2+ (1), [Ru(1-isocyTPQA)(CH3CN)2]2+ (2), [Ru(cyTPA)(py)2]2+ (3), and [Ru(1-isocyTPQA)(py)2]2+ (4) were compared. The quantum yield for the CH3CN/H2O ligand exchange of 2 was measured to be Φ400 = 0.033(3), 5-fold greater than that of 1, Φ400 = 0.0066(3). The quantum yields for the py/H2O ligand exchange of 3 and 4 were lower, 0.0012(1) and 0.0013(1), respectively. DFT and related calculations show the presence of a highly mixed 3MLCT/3ππ* excited state as the lowest triplet state in 2, whereas the lowest energy triplet states in 1, 3, and 4 were calculated to be 3LF in nature. The mixed 3MLCT/3ππ* excited state places significant spin density on the quinoline moiety of the 1-isocyTPQA ligand positioned trans to the photolabile CH3CN ligand in 2, suggesting the presence of a trans-type influence in the excited state that enhances ligand exchange. Ultrafast spectroscopy was used to probe the excited states of 1-4, which confirmed that the mixed 3MLCT/3ππ* excited state in 2 promotes ligand dissociation, representing a new manner to effect photoinduced ligand exchange. The findings from this work can be used to design improved complexes for applications that require efficient ligand dissociation, as well as for those that require minimal deactivation of the 3MLCT state through low-lying metal-centered states.

DFT Investigation of Ligand Photodissociation in [RuII(tpy)(bpy)(py)]2+ and [RuII(tpy)(Me2bpy)(py)]2+ Complexes

Photoinduced ligand dissociation of pyridine occurs much more readily in [Ru(tpy)(Me₂bpy)(py)]²⁺ than in [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(py)]²⁺ (tpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, Me₂bpy = 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine; py = pyridine). The S₀ ground state and the ³MLCT and ³MC excited states of these complexes have been studied using BP86 density functional theory with the SDD basis set and effective core potential on Ru and the 6-31G(d) basis set for the rest of the atoms. In both complexes, excitation by visible light and intersystem crossing leads to a ³MLCT state in which an electron from a Ru d orbital has been promoted to a π* orbital of terpyridine, followed by pyridine release after internal conversion to a dissociative ³MC state. Interaction between the methyl groups and the other ligands causes significantly more strain in [Ru(tpy)(Me₂bpy)(py)]²⁺ than in [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(py)]²⁺, in both the S₀ and ³MLCT states. Transition to the dissociative ³MC states releases this strain, resulting in lower barriers for ligand dissociation from [Ru(tpy)(Me₂bpy)(py)]²⁺ than from [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(py)]²⁺. Analysis of the molecular orbitals along relaxed scans for stretching the Ru-N bonds reveals that ligand photodissociation is promoted by orbital mixing between the ligand π* orbital of tpy in the ³MLCT state and the dσ* orbitals that characterize the dissociative ³MC states. Good overlap and strong mixing occur when the Ru-N bond of the leaving ligand is perpendicular to the π* orbital of terpyridine, favoring the release of pyridine positioned in a cis fashion to the terpyridine ligand.

Photolabile ruthenium complexes to cage and release a highly cytotoxic anticancer agent

CHS-828 (N-(6-(4-chlorophenoxy)hexyl)-N'-cyano-N″-4-pyridyl guanidine) is an anticancer agent with low bioavailability and high systemic toxicity. Here we present an approach to improve the therapeutic profile of the drug using photolabile ruthenium complexes to generate light-activated prodrugs of CHS-828. Both prodrug complexes are stable in the dark but release CHS-828 when irradiated with visible light. The complexes are water-soluble and accumulate in tumour cells in very high concentrations, predominantly in the mitochondria. Both prodrug complexes are significantly less cyototoxic than free CHS-828 in the dark but their toxicity increases up to 10-fold in combination with visible light. The cellular responses to light treatment are consistent with release of the cytotoxic CHS-828 ligand.

Photo-Induced Assembly of a Luminescent Tetraruthenium Square

Self-assembly is a powerful synthetic tool that has led to the development of one-, two- and three-dimensional architectures. From MOFs to molecular flasks, self-assembled materials have proven to be of great interest to the scientific community. Here we describe a strategy for the construction and de-construction of a supramolecular structure through unprecedented photo-induced assembly and dis-assembly. The combination of two approaches, a [n×1]-directional bonding strategy and a ligand photo-dissociation strategy, allows the photo-induced assembly of a polypyridyl Ru^II precursor into a discrete molecular square. Diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis of a higher volume species, while the identity of the species was established by high-resolution mass spectrometry and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The self-assembled square is not obtained by classical thermal techniques in similar conditions, but is obtained only by light-irradiation. The tetraruthenium square has an excited-state lifetime (135 ns), 40 times that of its mononuclear precursor and its luminescence quantum yield (1.0 %) is three orders of magnitude higher. These remarkable luminescence properties are closely related to the relatively rigid square structure of the tetraruthenium assembly, as suggested by slow radiationless decay and transient absorption spectroscopy. The results described herein are a rare example of photo-induced assembly and dis-assembly processes, and can open the way to a new avenue in supramolecular chemistry, leading to the preparation of structurally organized supermolecules by photochemical techniques.

A Red-Light-Activated Ruthenium-Caged NAMPT Inhibitor Remains Phototoxic in Hypoxic Cancer Cells

We describe two water-soluble ruthenium complexes, [1]Cl₂ and [2]Cl₂ , that photodissociate to release a cytotoxic nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitor with a low dose (21 J cm^-2 ) of red light in an oxygen-independent manner. Using a specific NAMPT activity assay, up to an 18-fold increase in inhibition potency was measured upon red-light activation of [2]Cl₂ , while [1]Cl₂ was thermally unstable. For the first time, the dark and red-light-induced cytotoxicity of these photocaged compounds could be tested under hypoxia (1 % O₂ ). In skin (A431) and lung (A549) cancer cells, a 3- to 4-fold increase in cytotoxicity was found upon red-light irradiation for [2]Cl₂ , whether the cells were cultured and irradiated with 1 % or 21 % O₂ . These results demonstrate the potential of photoactivated chemotherapy for hypoxic cancer cells, in which classical photodynamic therapy, which relies on oxygen activation, is poorly efficient.

Frontier orbitals of photosubstitutionally active ruthenium complexes: an experimental study of the spectator ligands' electronic properties influence on photoreactivity

The synthesis and characterization of [Ru(tpy)(R₂bpy)(L)](X)_n complexes (tpy = 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine, R₂bpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (dmbpy), or 4,4'-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (tfmbpy), X = Cl^- or PF₆^-, and n = 1 or 2) are described. The dmbpy and tfmbpy bidentate ligands allow for investigating the effects of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing ligands, respectively, on the frontier orbital energetics as well as the photoreactivity of these ruthenium polypyridyl complexes for five prototypical monodentate ligands L = Cl^-, H₂O, CH₃CN, 2-(methylthio)ethanol (Hmte), or pyridine. According to spectroscopic and electrochemical studies, the dmbpy analogues displayed a singlet metal-to-ligand charge transfer (¹MLCT) transition at higher energy than the tfmbpy analogues. The shift of the ¹MLCT to higher energy results from the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) for the dmbpy analogues being tpy-based, whereas for the tfmbpy analogues orbital inversion occurs resulting in a tfmbpy-based LUMO. The energy level of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) was considerably affected by the nature of the monodentate ligand. Visible light irradiation of the complexes demonstrated that the tfmbpy analogue increased the rate and quantum yields of photosubstitution reactions, compared to the dmbpy analogue, suggesting that the electron-withdrawing substituents allowed better thermal accessibility of the triplet metal-centered (³MC) state from the photochemically generated triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer (³MLCT) excited state. A correlation between the photolability of the monodentate ligands and the electrochemical reversibility of the metal-based oxidation is also reported.

Crystal structure and electrochemical properties of [Ni(bztmpen)(CH3CN)](BF4)2 {bztmpen is N-benzyl-N,N',N'-tris-[(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]ethane-1,2-di-amine}

The mononuclear nickel title complex (acetonitrile-κN){N-benzyl-N,N',N'-tris-[(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]ethane-1,2-di-amine}-nickel(II) bis-(tetra-fluor-ido-borate), [Ni(C30H35N5)(CH3CN)](BF4)2, was prepared from the reaction of Ni(BF4)2·6H2O with N-benzyl-N,N',N'-tris-[(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]ethane-1,2-di-amine (bztmpen) in aceto-nitrile at room temperature. With an open site occupied by the aceto-nitrile mol-ecule, the nickel(II) atom is chelated by five N-atom sites from the ligand and one N atom from the ligand, showing an overall octa-hedral coordination environment. Compared with analogues where the 6-methyl substituent is absent, the bond length around the Ni2+ cation are evidently longer. Upon reductive dissociation of the acetro-nitrile mol-ecule, the title complex has an open site for a catalytic reaction. The title complex has two redox couples at -1.50 and -1.80 V (versus Fc+/0) based on nickel. The F atoms of the two BF4- counter-anions are split into two groups and the occupancy ratios refined to 0.611 (18):0.389 (18) and 0.71 (2):0.29 (2).

Influence of the Steric Bulk and Solvent on the Photoreactivity of Ruthenium Polypyridyl Complexes Coordinated to l-Proline

Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes are good candidates for photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) provided that they are stable in the dark but efficiently photosubstitute one of their ligands. Here the use of the natural amino acid l-proline as a protecting ligand for ruthenium-based PACT compounds is investigated in the series of complexes Λ-[Ru(bpy)₂(l-prol)]PF₆ ([1a]PF₆; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine and l-prol = l-proline), Λ-[Ru(bpy)(dmbpy)(l-prol)]PF₆ ([2a]PF₆ and [2b]PF₆; dmbpy = 6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), and Λ-[Ru(dmbpy)₂(l-prol)]PF₆ ([3a]PF₆). The synthesis of the tris-heteroleptic complex bearing the dissymmetric proline ligand yielded only two of the four possible regioisomers, called [2a]PF₆ and [2b]PF₆. Both isomers were isolated and characterized by a combination of spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. The photoreactivity of all four complexes [1a]PF₆, [2a]PF₆, [2b]PF₆, and [3a]PF₆ was studied in water (H₂O) and acetonitrile (MeCN) using UV–vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. In H₂O, upon visible-light irradiation in the presence of oxygen, no photosubstitution took place, but the amine of complex [1a]PF₆ was photooxidized to an imine. Contrary to expectations, enhancing the steric strain by the addition of two ([2b]PF₆) or four ([3a]PF₆) methyl substituents did not lead, in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), to ligand photosubstitution. However, it prevented photoxidation, probably as a consequence of the electron-donating effect of the methyl substituents. In addition, whereas [2b]PF₆ was photostable in PBS, [2a]PF₆ quantitatively isomerized to [2b]PF₆ upon light irradiation. In pure MeCN, [2a]PF₆ and [3a]PF₆ showed non-selective photosubstitution of both the l-proline and dmbpy ligands, whereas the non-strained complex [1a]PF₆ was photostable. Finally, in H₂O–MeCN mixtures, [3a]PF₆ showed selective photosubstitution of l-proline, thus demonstrating the active role played by the solvent on the photoreactivity of this series of complexes. The role of the solvent polarity and coordination properties on the photochemical properties of polypyridyl complexes is discussed.

Three ruthenium polypyridyl l-proline complexes with increasing strain (R, R′ = H or Me) were synthesized and their photoreactivities studied in phosphate-buffered saline, pure acetonitrile (MeCN), and water−MeCN mixtures. Depending on the number of methyl groups, on the presence of air, and on the nature of the solvent, either photoisomerization, photooxidation of l-proline, selective photosubstitution, or nonselective photosubstitution was observed.

An Overview Of Photosubstitution Reactions Of Ru(II) Imine Complexes And Their Application In Photobiology And Photodynamic Therapy

This article is a short review that presents a short review of photosubstitution reactions of Ru(II) imine complexes and illustrates their use in the development of therapeutic agents. The review begins with an overview of the photophysical behavior and common photoreactions of Ru(II) imine complexes, with select examples from the literature since the 1960s. It is followed by a more detailed picture of the application of knowledge gained over the years in the development of Ru(II) complexes for photobiology and photodynamic therapy.

Theoretical illumination of highly original photoreactive3MC states and the mechanism of the photochemistry of Ru(ii) tris(bidentate) complexes

Elucidation of the photoreactive mechanism of ruthenium(ii) complexes is reported along with identification of crucial and highly original metal-centred states.

Photochemistry of ruthenium(ii) complexes based on 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene and 2,2′-bipyrazine: a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study

Comprehensive study of ruthenium complexes based on 2,2′-bipyrazine and 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene, which can be used as photoreactive materials for biomedical applications.

Judicious Ligand Design in Ruthenium Polypyridyl CO2 Reduction Catalysts to Enhance Reactivity by Steric and Electronic Effects

A series of Ru^II polypyridyl complexes of the structural design [Ru^II (R-tpy)(NN)(CH₃ CN)]²⁺ (R-tpy=2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (R=H) or 4,4',4''-tri-tert-butyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (R=tBu); NN=2,2'-bipyridine with methyl substituents in various positions) have been synthesized and analyzed for their ability to function as electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO₂ to CO. Detailed electrochemical analyses establish how substitutions at different ring positions of the bipyridine and terpyridine ligands can have profound electronic and, even more importantly, steric effects that determine the complexes' reactivities. Whereas electron-donating groups para to the heteroatoms exhibit the expected electronic effect, with an increase in turnover frequencies at increased overpotential, the introduction of a methyl group at the ortho position of NN imposes drastic steric effects. Two complexes, [Ru^II (tpy)(6-mbpy)(CH₃ CN)]²⁺ (trans-[3]²⁺ ; 6-mbpy=6-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine) and [Ru^II (tBu-tpy)(6-mbpy)(CH₃ CN)]²⁺ (trans-[4]²⁺ ), in which the methyl group of the 6-mbpy ligand is trans to the CH₃ CN ligand, show electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction at a previously unreactive oxidation state of the complex. This low overpotential pathway follows an ECE mechanism (electron transfer-chemical reaction-electron transfer), and is a direct result of steric interactions that facilitate CH₃ CN ligand dissociation, CO₂ coordination, and ultimately catalytic turnover at the first reduction potential of the complexes. All experimental observations are rigorously corroborated by DFT calculations.

Effects of Methyl Substitution in Ruthenium Tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine Photocaging Groups for Nitriles

Four complexes of the general formula [Ru(L)(CH3CN)2](PF6)2, [L = TPA (5), MeTPA (6), Me2TPA (7), and Me3TPA (8)] [TPA = tris[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine, where methyl groups were introduced consecutively onto the 6-position of py donors of TPA, were prepared and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry. While 5 and 8 were isolated as single stereoisomers, 6 and 7 were isolated as mixtures of stereoisomers in 2:1 and 1.5:1 ratios, respectively. Steric effects on ground state stability and thermal and photochemical reactivities were studied for all four complexes using (1)H NMR and electronic absorption spectroscopies and computational studies. These studies confirmed that the addition of steric bulk accelerates photochemical and thermal nitrile release.

A luminescent ruthenium(II) complex for light-triggered drug release and live cell imaging

We report a novel ruthenium(II) complex for selective release of the imidazole-based drug econazole. While the complex is highly stable and luminescent in the dark, irradiation with green light induces release of one of the econazole ligands, which is accompanied by a turn-off luminescence response and up to a 34-fold increase in cytotoxicity towards tumour cells.

Pivotal Role of a Pentacoordinate (3)MC State on the Photocleavage Efficiency of a Thioether Ligand in Ruthenium(II) Complexes: A Theoretical Mechanistic Study

A mechanistic study of the photocleavage of the methylthioethanol ligand (Hmte) in the series of ruthenium complexes [Ru(tpy)(N-N)(Hmte)](2+) (tpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine, N-N = bpy (2,2'-bipyridine), biq (2,2'-biquinoline), dcbpy (6,6'-dichloro-2,2'-bipyridine), dmbpy (6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)) was performed using density functional theory. These studies reveal the decisive role of two quasi-degenerate triplet metal-centered states, denoted (3)MChexa and (3)MCpenta, on the lowest triplet potential energy surface. It also shows how the population of the specific pentacoordinate (3)MCpenta state, characterized by a geometry more accessible for the attack of a solvent molecule, is a key step for the efficiency of the photosubstitution reaction. The difference in the photosubstitution quantum yields experimentally observed for this series of complexes (from φ = 0.022 for N-N = bpy up to φ = 0.30 for N-N = dmbpy) is rationalized by the existence of this (3)MCpenta photoreactive state and by the different topologies of the triplet excited-state potential energy surfaces, rather than by the sole steric properties of these polypyridinyl ligands.

Invention of a novel photodynamic therapy for tumors using a photosensitizing PI3K inhibitor

XL147 (SAR245408, pilaralisib), an ATP-competitive pan-class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, is a promising new anticancer drug. We examined the effect of the PI3K inhibitor on PC3 prostate cancer cells under a fluorescence microscope and found that XL147-treated cancer cells are rapidly injured by blue wavelength (430 nm) light irradiation. During the irradiation, the cancer cells treated with 0.2-2 μM XL147 showed cell surface blebbing and cytoplasmic vacuolation and died within 15 min. The extent of cell injury/death was dependent on the dose of XL147 and the light power of the irradiation. These findings suggest that XL147 might act as a photosensitizing reagent in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect of photosensitized XL147 was reduced by pretreatment with other ATP-competitive PI3K inhibitors such as LY294002, suggesting that the cytotoxic effect of photosensitized XL147 is facilitated by binding to PI3K in cells. In a single-cell illumination analysis using a fluorescent probe to identify reactive oxygen species (ROS), significantly increased ROS production was observed in the XL147-treated cells when the cell was illuminated with blue light. Taken together, it is conceivable that XL147, which is preferentially accumulated in cancer cells, could be photosensitized by blue light to produce ROS to kill cancer cells. This study will open up new possibilities for PDT using anticancer drugs.

Excited state investigation of a new Ru(II) complex for dual reactivity with low energy light

The new complex [Ru(tpy)(Me2dppn)(py)](2+) efficiently photodissociates py in CH3CN with Φ500 = 0.053(1) induced by steric bulk from methyl substituents and produces (1)O2 with ΦΔ = 0.69(9) from its long-lived (3)ππ* excited state. The unique excited state processes that result in dual reactivity were investigated using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy.

New Ru(II) Complex for Dual Activity: Photoinduced Ligand Release and (1)O2 Production

The new complex [Ru(pydppn)(biq)(py)](2+) (1) undergoes both py photodissociation in CH3CN with Φ500 =0.0070(4) and (1)O2 production with ΦΔ =0.75(7) in CH3 OH from a long-lived (3) ππ* state centered on the pydppn ligand (pydppn=3-(pyrid-2-yl)benzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine; biq = 2,2'-biquinoline; py=pyridine). This represents an order of magnitude decrease in the Φ500 compared to the previously reported model compound [Ru(tpy)(biq)(py)](2+) (3) (tpy=2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) that undergoes only ligand exchange. The effect on the quantum yields by the addition of a second deactivation pathway through the low-lying (3) ππ* state necessary for dual reactivity was investigated using ultrafast and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, revealing a significantly shorter (3) MLCT lifetime in 1 relative to that of the model complex 3. Due to the structural similarities between the two compounds, the lower values of Φ500 and ΦΔ compared to that of [Ru(pydppn)(bpy)(py)](2+) (2) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) are attributed to a competitive excited state population between the (3) LF states involved in ligand dissociation and the long-lived (3) ππ* state in 1. Complex 1 represents a model compound for dual activity that may be applied to photochemotherapy.

Selective Release of Aromatic Heterocycles from Ruthenium Tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine with Visible Light

Three complexes of the general formula [Ru(TPA)L2](PF6)2 [TPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine], where L = pyridine (1), nicotinamide (2), and imidazole (3), were prepared and characterized spectroscopically. X-ray crystallographic data were obtained for 1 and 3. Complexes 1-3 show strong absorption in the visible region and selective release of heterocycles upon irradiation with visible light. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations are consistent with the presence of singlet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer bands in the visible region in 1-3. Caged heterocycles 1-3 are highly stable in solution in the dark, including in cell growth media. Cell viability data show no signs of toxicity of 1-3 against PC-3 cells at concentrations up to 100 μM under light and dark conditions, consistent with Ru(TPA) acting as a nontoxic and effective photocaging group for aromatic heterocycles.

Activating a Low Overpotential CO2 Reduction Mechanism by a Strategic Ligand Modification on a Ruthenium Polypyridyl Catalyst

The introduction of a simple methyl substituent on the bipyridine ligand of [Ru(tBu3 tpy)(bpy)(NCCH3 )](2+) (tBu3 tpy=4,4',4''-tri-tert-butyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine; bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) gives rise to a highly active electrocatalyst for the reduction of CO2 to CO. The methyl group enables CO2 binding already at the one-electron reduced state of the complex to enter a previously not accessible catalytic cycle that operates at the potential of the first reduction. The complex turns over with a Faradaic efficiency close to unity and at an overpotential that is amongst the lowest ever reported for homogenous CO2 reduction catalysts.

New Ru(II) complexes for dual photoreactivity: ligand exchange and (1)O2 generation

Uncovering the factors that govern the electronic structure of Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes is critical in designing new compounds for desired photochemical reactions, and strategies to tune excited states for ligand dissociation and (1)O2 production are discussed herein. The generally accepted mechanism for photoinduced ligand dissociation proposes that population of the dissociative triplet ligand field ((3)LF) state proceeds through thermal population from the vibrationally cooled triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer ((3)MLCT) state; however, temperature-dependent emission spectroscopy provides varied activation energies using the emission and ligand exchange quantum yields for [Ru(bpy)2(L)2](2+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; L = CH3CN or py). This suggests that population of the (3)LF state proceeds from the vibrationally excited (3)MLCT state. Because the quantum yield of ligand dissociation for nitriles is much more efficient than that for py, steric bulk was introduced into the ligand set to distort the pseudo-octahedral geometry and lower the energy of the (3)LF state. The py dissociation quantum yield with 500 nm irradiation in a series of [Ru(tpy)(NN)(py)](2+) complexes (tpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine; NN = bpy, 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Me2bpy), 2,2'-biquinoline (biq)) increases by 2-3 orders of magnitude with the sterically bulky Me2bpy and biq ligands relative to bpy. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy reveals population of the (3)LF state within 3-7 ps when NN is bulky, and density functional theory calculations support stabilized (3)LF states. Dual activity via ligand dissociation and (1)O2 production can be achieved by careful selection of the ligand set to tune the excited-state dynamics. Incorporation of an extended π system in Ru(II) complexes such as [Ru(bpy)(dppn)(CH3CN)2](2+) (dppn = benzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) and [Ru(tpy)(Me2dppn)(py)](2+) (Me2dppn = 3,6-dimethylbenzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) introduces low-lying, long-lived dppn/Me2dppn (3)ππ* excited states that generate (1)O2. Similar to [Ru(bpy)2(CH3CN)2](2+), photodissociation of CH3CN occurs upon irradiation of [Ru(bpy)(dppn)(CH3CN)2](2+), although with lower efficiency because of the presence of the (3)ππ* state. The steric bulk in [Ru(tpy)(Me2dppn)(py)](2+) is critical in facilitating the photoinduced py dissociation, as the analogous complex [Ru(tpy)(dppn)(py)](2+) produces (1)O2 with near-unit efficiency. The ability to tune the relative energies of the excited states provides a means to design potentially more active drugs for photochemotherapy because the photorelease of drugs can be coupled to the therapeutic action of reactive oxygen species, effecting cell death via two different mechanisms. The lessons learned about tuning of the excited-state properties can be applied to the use of Ru(II)-polypyridyl compounds in a variety of applications, such as solar energy conversion, sensors and switches, and molecular machines.