Photoactive RuII-Polypyridyl Complexes that Display Sequence Selectivity and High-Affinity Binding to Duplex DNA through Groove Binding

Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes with visible light-enhanced anticancer activity and multimodal cell imaging

Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes have drawn growing attention due to their photophysical properties and anticancer activity. Herein we report four ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes [(N^N)2RuII(L)]2+ (1-4, L = 4-anilinoquinazoline derivatives, N^N = bidentate ligands with bis-nitrogen donors) as multi-functional anticancer agents. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in a broad range of cancer cells and related to many kinds of malignance. EGFR inhibitors, such as gefitinib and erlotinib, have been approved as clinical anticancer drugs. The EGFR-inhibiting 4-anilinoquinazoline ligands greatly enhanced the in vitro anticancer activity of these ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes against a series of human cancer cell lines compared to [Ru(bpy)2(phen)], but interestingly, these complexes were actually not potent EGFR inhibitors. Further mechanism studies revealed that upon irradiation with visible light, complexes 3 and 4 generated a high level of singlet oxygen (1O2), and their in vitro anticancer activities against human non-small-cell lung (A549), cervical (HeLa) and squamous (A431) cancer cells were significantly improved. Specifically, complex 3 displayed potent phototoxicity upon irradiation with blue light, of which the photo-toxicity indexes (PIs) against HeLa and A431 cells were 11 and 8.3, respectively. These complexes exhibited strong fluorescence emission at ca. 600 nm upon excitation at about 450 nm. A subcellular distribution study by fluorescence microscopy imaging and secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging (ToF-SIMS) demonstrated that complex 3 mainly localized at the cytoplasm and complex 4 mainly localized in the nuclei of cells. Competitive binding with ctDNA showed that complex 4 was more favorable to bind to the DNA minor groove than complex 3. These differences support that complex 3 possibly exerts its anticancer activities majorly by photo-induced 1O2 generation and complex 4 by binding to DNA.

Ru(II) Complexes with Enaminone Structures for Rapid Sterilization of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA with Little Accumulation of Drug Resistance

Drug-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), pose a serious threat to human life. Therefore, there is urgent need to develop antibiotics with new chemical structures and antibacterial mechanisms, especially those that elicit little drug resistance after long-term use. Herein we synthesized three novel ruthenium complexes (Ru1-Ru3) containing the enaminone structures for the first time. At a concentration of 5 μM, Ru1-Ru3 can lead to a CFU reduction of about 5 log units towards S. aureus and MRSA. Interestingly, Ru3 displayed rapid bactericidal effects and could decrease the CFU numbers of both pathogens by 5 log units within 40 min. The control compounds (Ru4 and Ru5) without the enaminone structures displayed very poor antibacterial activity under the same conditions. Moreover, S. aureus did not show apparent drug resistance towards Ru3 after 20 passages incubation with a sublethal concentration. These results highlight the critical role of enaminone structures for antibacterial applications.

Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes with benzothiophene and benzimidazole derivatives: Synthesis, antitumor activity, solution studies and biospeciation

With the aim to incorporate pharmacophore motifs into the Ru(II)-polypyridyl framework, compounds [Ru(II)(1,10-phenantroline)₂(2-(2-pyridyl)benzo[b]thiophene)](CF₃SO₃)₂ (1) and [Ru(II)(1,10-phenantroline)₂(2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole)](CF₃SO₃)₂ (2) were prepared, characterized and tested for their antitumor potential. The solid-state structure of the compounds was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The solution behavior of both complexes was investigated, namely their solubility, stability, and lipophilicity in physiological mimetic conditions, as well as an eventual uptake by passive diffusion. In vitro anticancer activity of the complexes on ovarian and different colon cancer cells and apoptosis induction by the complexes were studied. A slow transformation process was observed for complex 1 in aqueous solution when exposed to sunlight, while complex 2 undergoes deprotonation (pK_a = 7.59). The lipophilicity of this latter complex depends strongly on the pH and ionic strength. In contrast, 1 is rather hydrophilic under various conditions. Complex 1 was highly cytotoxic on Colo-205 human colon (IC₅₀ = 7.87 μM) and A2780 ovarian (IC₅₀ = 2.2 μM) adenocarcinoma cell lines, while 2 displayed moderate anticancer activity (30.9 μM and 18.0 μM, respectively). The complexes induced late apoptosis and necrosis. Only a weak binding of the complexes to human serum albumin, the main transport protein in blood serum, was found. However, a more significant binding to calf thymus DNA was observed in UV-visible titrations and fluorometric dye displacement studies. Detailed analysis of fluorescence lifetime data collected for the latter systems reveals not only the partial intercalation of the complexes, but goes beyond the usual simplified interpretations.

Determination and Imaging of Small Biomolecules and Ions Using Ruthenium(II) Complex-Based Chemosensors

Luminescence chemosensors are one of the most useful tools for the determination and imaging of small biomolecules and ions in situ in real time. Based on the unique photo-physical/-chemical properties of ruthenium(II) (Ru(II)) complexes, the development of Ru(II) complex-based chemosensors has attracted increasing attention in recent years, and thus many Ru(II) complexes have been designed and synthesized for the detection of ions and small biomolecules in biological and environmental samples. In this work, we summarize the research advances in the development of Ru(II) complex-based chemosensors for the determination of ions and small biomolecules, including anions, metal ions, reactive biomolecules and amino acids, with a particular focus on binding/reaction-based chemosensors for the investigation of intracellular analytes’ evolution through luminescence analysis and imaging. The advances, challenges and future research directions in the development of Ru(II) complex-based chemosensors are also discussed.

Being positive is not everything - experimental and computational studies on the selectivity of a self-assembled, multiple redox-state, receptor that binds anions with up to picomolar affinities

The interaction of the self-assembled trinuclear ruthenium bowl 1 3+ , that displays three other accessible oxidation states, with oxo-anions is investigated. Using a combination of NMR and electrochemical experimental data, estimates of the binding affinities of 1 4+ , 1 5+ , and 1 6+ for both halide and oxo-anions were derived. This analysis revealed that, across the range of oxidation states of the host, both high anion binding affinities (>10 9 M -1 for specific guests bound to 1 6+ ) and high selectivities (a range of >10 7 M -1 ) were observed. As the crystal structure of binding of the hexafluorophosphate anion revealed that the host has two potential binding sites (named the α and β pockets), the host-guest properties of both putative binding sites of the bowl, in all of its four oxidation states, were investigated through detailed quantum-based computational studies. These studies revealed that, due to the interplay of electrostatically assisted hydrogen-bonding and anion-π interactions, binding to the α pocket is generally preferred, except for the case of the relatively large and lipophilic hexafluorophosphate anionic guest and the host in the highest oxidation states, where the β pocket becomes relatively favourable. This analysis confirms that host-guest interactions involving structurally complex supramolecular architectures are driven by a combination of non-covalent interactions and, even in the case of charged binding pairs, electrostatics alone cannot accurately define these recognition processes.

Covalent and noncovalent interactions of coordination compounds with DNA: An overview

Deoxyribonucleic acid plays a central role in crucial cellular processes, and many drugs exert their effects through binding to DNA. Since the discovery of cisplatin and its derivatives considerable attention of researchers has been focused on the development of novel anticancer metal-based drugs. Transition metal complexes, due to their great diversity in size and structure, have a big potential to modify DNA through diverse types of interactions, making them the prominent class of compounds for DNA targeted therapy. In this review we describe various binding modes of metal complexes to duplex DNA based on covalent and noncovalent interactions or combination of both. Specific examples of each binding mode as well as possible cytotoxic effects of metal complexes in tumor cells are presented.

Photoluminescent Nanoparticles for Chemical and Biological Analysis and Imaging

Research related to the development and application of luminescent nanoparticles (LNPs) for chemical and biological analysis and imaging is flourishing. Novel materials and new applications continue to be reported after two decades of research. This review provides a comprehensive and heuristic overview of this field. It is targeted to both newcomers and experts who are interested in a critical assessment of LNP materials, their properties, strengths and weaknesses, and prospective applications. Numerous LNP materials are cataloged by fundamental descriptions of their chemical identities and physical morphology, quantitative photoluminescence (PL) properties, PL mechanisms, and surface chemistry. These materials include various semiconductor quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene derivatives, carbon dots, nanodiamonds, luminescent metal nanoclusters, lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles and downshifting nanoparticles, triplet-triplet annihilation nanoparticles, persistent-luminescence nanoparticles, conjugated polymer nanoparticles and semiconducting polymer dots, multi-nanoparticle assemblies, and doped and labeled nanoparticles, including but not limited to those based on polymers and silica. As an exercise in the critical assessment of LNP properties, these materials are ranked by several application-related functional criteria. Additional sections highlight recent examples of advances in chemical and biological analysis, point-of-care diagnostics, and cellular, tissue, and in vivo imaging and theranostics. These examples are drawn from the recent literature and organized by both LNP material and the particular properties that are leveraged to an advantage. Finally, a perspective on what comes next for the field is offered.

Increased Lipophilicity of Halogenated Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Leads to Decreased Phototoxicity in vitro when Used as Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy

In the fight against cancer, photodynamic therapy is generating great interest thanks to its ability to selectively kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. In this field, ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes, and more specifically, complexes with dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz) as a ligand are of particular interest due to their DNA-binding and photocleaving properties. However, ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes can sometimes suffer from low lipophilicity, which hampers cellular internalisation through passive diffusion. In this study, four new [Ru(dppz-X₂ )₃ ]²⁺ complexes (X=H, F, Cl, Br, I) were synthesized and their lipophilicity (logP), cytotoxicity and phototoxicity on cancerous and noncancerous cell lines were assessed. This study shows that, counterintuitively, the phototoxicity of these complexes decreases as their lipophilicity increases; this could be due solely to the atomic radius of the halogen substituents.

Investigations into the DNA-binding mode of doxorubicinone

Cancer treatment is one of the major challenges facing the modern biomedical profession. Development of new small-molecule chemotherapeutics requires an understanding of the mechanism of action for these treatments, as well as the structure-activity relationship. Study of the well-known DNA-intercalating agent, doxorubicin, and its aglycone, doxorubicinone, was undertaken using a variety of spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques. It was found that, despite conservation of the planar, aromatic portion of doxorubicin, the agylcone does not intercalate; it instead likely binds to the DNA minor-groove.

A dinuclear ruthenium(ii) phototherapeutic that targets duplex and quadruplex DNA

With the aim of developing a sensitizer for photodynamic therapy, a previously reported luminescent dinuclear complex that functions as a DNA probe in live cells was modified to produce a new iso-structural derivative containing RuII(TAP)2 fragments (TAP = 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene). The structure of the new complex has been confirmed by a variety of techniques including single crystal X-ray analysis. Unlike its parent, the new complex displays Ru → L-based 3MLCT emission in both MeCN and water. Results from electrochemical studies and emission quenching experiments involving guanosine monophosphate are consistent with an excited state located on a TAP moiety. This hypothesis is further supported by detailed DFT calculations, which take into account solvent effects on excited state dynamics. Cell-free steady-state and time-resolved optical studies on the interaction of the new complex with duplex and quadruplex DNA show that the complex binds with high affinity to both structures and indicate that its photoexcited state is also quenched by DNA, a process that is accompanied by the generation of the guanine radical cation sites as photo-oxidization products. Like the parent complex, this new compound is taken up by live cells where it primarily localizes within the nucleus and displays low cytotoxicity in the absence of light. However, in complete contrast to [{RuII(phen)2}2(tpphz)]4+, the new complex is therapeutically activated by light to become highly phototoxic toward malignant human melanoma cell lines showing that it is a promising lead for the treatment of this recalcitrant cancer.

Bimetallic Ru(ii) and Os(ii) complexes based on a pyrene-bisimidazole spacer: synthesis, photophysics, electrochemistry and multisignalling DNA binding studies in the near infrared region

We report in this paper the synthesis, characterization, photophysical and electrochemical properties, and detailed DNA binding affinities of two homobimetallic Ru(ii) and Os(ii) complexes derived from a new bridging ligand consisting of two pyridyl-imidazole coordinating units rigidly coupled with a central pyrene moiety. The structure of the diruthenium complex was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Both complexes exhibit luminescence at room temperature from their ³MLCT states, with lifetimes of τ₁ = 12.6 ns and τ₂ = 48.8 ns for the Ru(ii) complex (1) and τ₁ = 23.7 ns for the Os(ii) complex (2). For 2, the luminescence maximum stretches to the NIR region, which is suitable for potential biological applications. Both complexes exhibit two successive one-electron reversible metal-centered oxidations in the positive potential window. Computational studies employing DFT and TD-DFT methods were also performed to assign the experimentally observed optical spectral bands in the complexes. The binding affinities of the complexes towards DNA were thoroughly investigated through a variety of techniques, viz. absorption, luminescence, excited state lifetime, circular dichroism, thermal denaturation, viscosity measurement, and relative DNA binding studies using ethidium bromide. Finally, molecular docking studies were also carried out to visualize the modes of interaction between the complexes and DNA.

Turning intercalators into groove binders: synthesis, photophysics and DNA binding properties of tetracationic mononuclear ruthenium(ii)-based chromophore–quencher complexes

Despite incorporating an extended planar polyaromatic ligand two newly synthesized Ru^II complexes are not DNA intercalators but groove binders.

Photo-induced cytotoxicity and anti-metastatic activity of ruthenium(ii)–polypyridyl complexes functionalized with tyrosine or tryptophan

The synergestic effect of oxygen, light, and photosensitizer has found application in photodyanmic therapy (PDT).

A ratiometric sensor for DNA based on a dual emission Ru(dppz) light-switch complex

Herein we describe the DNA binding properties of two new water-soluble ruthenium complexes; experimental and computational data reveal that both complexes display dual emission from MLCT and LLCT excited states.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Arene Ru(II) Complexes Induce Tumor Cell Apoptosis Through Selectively Binding and Stabilizing bcl-2 G-Quadruplex DNA

A series of arene Ru(II) complexes coordinated with phenanthroimidazole derivatives, [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(l)Cl]Cl(1b L = p-ClPIP = 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)imidazole[4,5f] 1,10-phenanthroline; 2b L = m-ClPIP = 2-(3-Chlorophenyl)imidazole[4,5f] 1,10-phenanthroline; 3b L = p-NPIP = 2-(4-Nitrophenyl)imidazole[4,5f] 1,10-phenanthroline; 4b L = m-NPIP = 2-(3-Nitrophenyl) imidazole [4,5f] 1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized in yields of 89.9%-92.7% under conditions of microwave irradiation heating for 30 min to liberate four arene Ru(II) complexes (1b, 2b, 3b, 4b). The anti-tumor activity of 1b against various tumor cells was evaluated by MTT assay. The results indicated that this complex blocked the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells with an IC₅₀ of 16.59 μM. Flow cytometric analysis showed that apoptosis of A549 cells was observed following treatment with 1b. Furthermore, the in vitro DNA-binding behaviors that were confirmed by spectroscopy indicated that 1b could selectively bind and stabilize bcl-2 G-quadruplex DNA to induce apoptosis of A549 cells. Therefore, the synthesized 1b has impressive bcl-2 G-quadruplex DNA-binding and stabilizing activities with potential applications in cancer chemotherapy.

Ru(II)-polypyridyl surface functionalised gold nanoparticles as DNA targeting supramolecular structures and luminescent cellular imaging agents

The development of Ru(II) functionalized gold nanoparticles 1–3·AuNP is described. These systems were found to be mono-disperse with a hydrodynamic radius of ca. 15 nm in water but gave rise to the formation of higher order structures in buffered solution. The interaction of 1–3·AuNP with DNA was also studied by spectroscopic and microscopic methods and suggested the formation of large self-assembly structures in solution. The uptake of 1–3·AuNP by cancer cells was studied using both confocal fluorescence as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), with the aim of investigating their potential as tools for cellular biology. These systems displaying a non-toxic profile with favourable photophysical properties may have application across various biological fields including diagnostics and therapeutics.

Anti-proliferative activity and DNA/BSA interactions of five mono- or di-organotin(iv) compounds derived from 2-hydroxy-N′-[(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methylidene]-benzohydrazone

Five hydrazone Schiff base organotin(iv) complexes were synthesized and their anticancer mechanism was preliminarily studied.

Exploration of biological activities of alkyne arms containing Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes: syntheses, crystal structures and DFT calculations

Several mononuclear Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) Schiff base (N,O-donor) complexes were synthesized and characterized. The binding ability with DNA and BSA and catecholase activity of the complexes were investigated.

Triazolopyridopyrimidines: an emerging family of effective DNA photocleavers. DNA binding. Antileishmanial activity

Triazolopyridopyrimidines 3-phenyl-6,8-di(2-pyridyl)-[1,2,3]triazolo[5',1':6,1]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (1a), 6,8-di(pyridin-2-yl)-[1,2,3]triazolo[1',5':1,6]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (1b) and 3-methyl-6,8-di(2-pyridyl)-[1,2,3]triazolo[5',1':6,1]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (1c) were prepared and their electrochemical and luminescence properties were studied in depth. The DNA binding ability of this series of compounds has been investigated by means of UV-vis absorption and fluorescence titrations, steady-state emission quenching with ferrocyanide as well as viscosity measurements. Results have shown that triazolopyridopyrimidine 1a interacts strongly at DNA grooves. This compound also displays preferential binding to GC-rich sequences and the ability to photooxidize guanine. Moreover, these studies have revealed the key role of the phenyl substituent at the triazole ring in the binding affinity of 1a-c. Compounds 1b and 1c did not show appreciable propensity for DNA binding, however these triazolopyridopyrimidines demonstrated to present photoinduced DNA cleavage activity, 1b being more active than 1c. DNA photocleavage mediated by these compounds takes place mainly through single strand scission events and, in a minor extent, through double strand cuts. Mechanistic investigations using radical scavengers showed that both 1b and 1c generate reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals) upon irradiation. Both type I and type II mechanisms are involved in the photocleavage process. Furthermore, compounds 1a-c were tested for their antiprotozoal activity against four different Leishmania spp. (L. infantum, L. braziliensis, L. guyanensis and L. amazonensis). Triazolopyridopyrimidines 1a and 1c resulted to be more active and selective than the reference drug (miltefosine) in vitro against L. infantum amastigotes. Compound 1a exhibited high leishmanicidal activity against L. infantum spleen forms in the in vivo test.

Supramolecular architecture and photophysical and biological properties of ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complexes

A two-dimensional cyclic hybrid water–chloride anionic network has been structurally characterized in a metal–organic matrix. DNA interactions and the cytotoxicity of ruthenium(ii) complexes have been studied.

Unexpected DNA binding properties with correlated downstream biological applications in mono vs. bis-1,8-naphthalimide Ru(ii)-polypyridyl conjugates

The development of two 1,8-napthalimide-conjugated Ru(ii)-polypyridyl complexes which exhibit different DNA binding and photocleavage behavior is presented.

Interaction of doxorubicin with polynucleotides. A spectroscopic study

The interaction of doxorubicin (DX) with model polynucleotides poly(dG-dC)·poly(dG-dC) (polyGC), poly(dA-dT)·poly(dA-dT) (polyAT), and calf thymus DNA has been studied by several spectroscopic techniques in phosphate buffer aqueous solutions. UV-vis, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopic data confirm that intercalation is the prevailing mode of interaction, and also reveal that the interaction with AT-rich regions leads to the transfer of excitation energy to DX not previously documented in the literature. Moreover, the DX affinity for AT sites has been found to be on the same order of magnitude as that reported for GC sites.

The effects of linear assembly of two carbazole groups on acid-base and DNA-binding properties of a ruthenium(II) complex

A novel Ru(II) complex of [Ru(bpy)2(Hbcpip)](ClO4)2 {where bpy=2,2-bipyridine, Hbcpip=2-(4-(9H-3,9'-bicarbazol-9-yl)phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline} is synthesized and characterized. Calf-thymus DNA-binding properties of the complex were studied by UV-vis absorption and luminescence titrations, steady-state emission quenching by [Fe(CN)6](4-), DNA competitive binding with ethidium bromide, thermal denaturation and DNA viscosity measurements. The results indicate that the complex partially intercalated into the DNA with a binding constant of (5.5±1.4)×10(5) M(-1) in buffered 50 mM NaCl. The acid-base properties of the complex were also studied by UV-visible and luminescence spectrophotometric pH titrations, and ground- and excited-state acidity ionization constant values were derived.

Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes and DNA--from structural probes to cellular imaging and therapeutics

In the last few decades, coordination complexes based on d(6) metal centres and polypyridyl ligand architectures been developed as structure- and site-specific reversible DNA binding agents. Due to their attractive photophysical properties, much of this research has focused on complexes based on ruthenium(II) centres and, more recently, attention has turned to the use of these complexes in biological contexts. As the rules that govern the cellular uptake and cellular localisation of such systems are determined they are finding numerous applications ranging from imaging to therapeutics. This review illustrates how the interdisciplinary nature of this research-which takes in synthetic chemistry, biophysical and in cellulo studies-makes this an exciting area in which an array of further applications are likely to emerge.

DNA- and RNA-binding and enhanced DNA-photocleavage properties of a ferrocenyl-containing ruthenium(II) complex

The interaction of [Ru(bpy)(2)(fip)](PF(6))(2) {bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, fip=2-ferrocenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]-phenanthroline} with calf thymus DNA and yeast tRNA was investigated comparatively by UV-visible absorption and luminescence spectrophotometric titrations, steady-state emission quenching by [Fe(CN)(6)](4-), ethidium bromide competition experiment, DNA thermal denaturation, viscosity measurements and salt effect studies. The results suggest that the complex binds to the DNA more strongly than to the RNA. The density functional theory calculations were also carried out in order to better understand the nucleic acid binding properties. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the complex exhibited enhanced DNA-photocleavage capacity on pUC 18 plasmid DNA under irradiation at 360 nm as compared with a ferrocenyl-free analogous complex.