Effects of chirality on the intracellular localization of binuclear ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes

Shining New Light on Biological Systems: Luminescent Transition Metal Complexes for Bioimaging and Biosensing Applications

Luminescence imaging is a powerful and versatile technique for investigating cell physiology and pathology in living systems, making significant contributions to life science research and clinical diagnosis. In recent years, luminescent transition metal complexes have gained significant attention for diagnostic and therapeutic applications due to their unique photophysical and photochemical properties. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the recent development of luminescent transition metal complexes for bioimaging and biosensing applications, with a focus on transition metal centers with a d6, d8, and d10 electronic configuration. We elucidate the structure-property relationships of luminescent transition metal complexes, exploring how their structural characteristics can be manipulated to control their biological behavior such as cellular uptake, localization, biocompatibility, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution. Furthermore, we introduce the various design strategies that leverage the interesting photophysical properties of luminescent transition metal complexes for a wide variety of biological applications, including autofluorescence-free imaging, multimodal imaging, organelle imaging, biological sensing, microenvironment monitoring, bioorthogonal labeling, bacterial imaging, and cell viability assessment. Finally, we provide insights into the challenges and perspectives of luminescent transition metal complexes for bioimaging and biosensing applications, as well as their use in disease diagnosis and treatment evaluation.

Cell viability imaging in tumor spheroids via DNA binding of a ruthenium(II) light-switch complex

The famous ''light-switch'' ruthenium complex [Ru(bpy)2(dppz)](PF6)2 (1) has been long known for its DNA binding properties in vitro. However, the biological utility of this compound has been hampered by its poor cellular uptake in living cells. Here we report a bioimaging application of 1 as cell viability probe in both 2D cells monolayer and 3D multi-cellular tumor spheroids of various human cancer cell lines (U87, HepG2, A549). When compared to propidium iodide, a routinely used cell viability probe, 1 was found to enhance the staining of dead cells in particular in tumor spheroids. 1 has high photostability, longer Stokes shift, and displays lower cytotoxicity compared to propidium iodide, which is a known carcinogenic. Finally, 1 was also found to displace the classical DNA binding dye Hoechst in dead cells, which makes it a promising dye for time-dependent imaging of dead cells in cell cultures, including multi-cellular tumor spheroids.

Tracking the cellular uptake and phototoxicity of Ru(ii)-polypyridyl-1,8-naphthalimide Tröger's base conjugates

Ruthenium(ii) complexes are attracting significant research attention as a promising class of photosensitizers (PSs) in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Having previously reported the synthesis of two novel Ru(ii)-polypyridyl-1,8-naphthalimide Tröger's base compounds 1 and 2 with interesting photophysical properties, where the emission from either the Ru(ii) polypyridyl centres or the naphthalimide moieties could be used to monitor binding to nucleic acids, we sought to use these compounds to investigate further and in more detail their biological profiling, which included unravelling their mechanism of cellular uptake, cellular trafficking and cellular responses to photoexcitation. Here we demonstrate that these compounds undergo rapid time dependent uptake in HeLa cells that involved energy dependent, caveolae and lipid raft-dependent mediated endocytosis, as demonstrated by confocal imaging, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Following endocytosis, both compounds were shown to localise to mostly lysosomal and Golgi apparatus compartments with some accumulation in mitochondria but no localisation was found to the nucleus. Upon photoactivation, the compounds increased ROS production and induced ROS-dependent apoptotic cell death. The photo-activated compounds subsequently induced DNA damage and altered tubulin, but not actin structures, which was likely to be an indirect effect of ROS production and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, by changing the concentration of the compounds or the laser used to illuminate the cells, the mechanism of cell death could be changed from apoptosis to necrosis. This is the first detailed biological study of Ru(ii)-polypyridyl Tröger's bases and clearly suggests caveolae-dependent endocytosis is responsible for cell uptake - this may also explain the lack of nuclear uptake for these compounds and similar results observed for other Ru(ii)-polypyridyl complexes. These conjugates are potential candidates for further development as PDT agents and may also be useful in mechanistic studies on cell uptake and trafficking.

Strategies for the Nuclear Delivery of Metal Complexes to Cancer Cells

The nucleus is an essential organelle for the function of cells. It holds most of the genetic material and plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation. Since many antitumoral therapies target nucleic acids to induce cell death, tumor-specific nuclear drug delivery could potentiate therapeutic effects and prevent potential off-target side effects on healthy tissue. Due to their great structural variety, good biocompatibility, and unique physico-chemical properties, organometallic complexes and other metal-based compounds have sparked great interest as promising anticancer agents. In this review, strategies for specific nuclear delivery of metal complexes are summarized and discussed to highlight crucial parameters to consider for the design of new metal complexes as anticancer drug candidates. Moreover, the existing opportunities and challenges of tumor-specific, nucleus-targeting metal complexes are emphasized to outline some new perspectives and help in the design of new cancer treatments.

Transparent Ion-Exchange Membrane Exhibiting Intense Emission under a Specific pH Condition Based on Polypyridyl Ruthenium(II) Complex with Two Imidazophenanthroline Groups

The development and the photophysical behavior of a transparent ion-exchange membrane based on a pH-sensitive polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complex, [(bpy)2RuII(H2bpib)RuII(bpy)2](ClO4)4 (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, H2bpib = 1,4-bis([1,10]phenanthroline[5,6-d]-imidazol-2-yl)benzene), are experimentally and theoretically reported. The emission spectra of [(bpy)2RuII(H2bpib)RuII(bpy)2]@Nafion film were observed between pH 2 and pH 11 and showed the highest relative emission intensity at pH 5 (λmaxem = 594.4 nm). The relative emission intensity of the film significantly decreased down to 75% at pH 2 and 11 compared to that of pH 5. The quantum yields (Φ) and lifetimes (τ) showed similar correlations with respect to pH, Φ = 0.13 and τ = 1237 ns at pH 5, and Φ = 0.087 and τ = 1014 ns and Φ = 0.069 and τ = 954 ns at pH 2 and pH 11, respectively. These photophysical data are overall considerably superior to those of the solution, with the radiative- (kr) and non-radiative rate constants (knr) at pH 5 estimated to be kr = 1.06 × 105 s-1 and knr = 7.03 × 105 s-1. Density functional theory calculations suggested the contribution of ligand-to-ligand- and intraligand charge transfer to the imidazolium moiety in Ru-H3bpib species, implying that the positive charge on the H3bpib ligand works as a quencher. The Ru-Hbpib species seems to enhance non-radiative deactivation by reducing the energy of the upper-lying metal-centered excited state. These would be responsible for the pH-dependent "off-on-off" emission behavior.

The development of ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complexes and conjugates for in vitro cellular and in vivo applications

Ruthenium(ii) [Ru(ii)] polypyridyl complexes have been the focus of intense investigations since work began exploring their supramolecular interactions with DNA. In recent years, there have been considerable efforts to translate this solution-based research into a biological environment with the intention of developing new classes of probes, luminescent imaging agents, therapeutics and theranostics. In only 10 years the field has expanded with diverse applications for these complexes as imaging agents and promising candidates for therapeutics. In light of these efforts this review exclusively focuses on the developments of these complexes in biological systems, both in cells and in vivo, and hopes to communicate to readers the diversity of applications within which these complexes have found use, as well as new insights gained along the way and challenges that researchers in this field still face.

VR, Mallepally RR, Chintakuntla N, Ch R, Thakur SS, Rao CM, S. S. Studies on the DNA binding and anticancer activity of Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes by using a (2-(4-(diethoxymethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10] phenanthroline)) intercalative ligand

Graphical representation of Ru(ii) complexes causing cell death.

Fluorescent zinc(ii) complexes for gene delivery and simultaneous monitoring of protein expression

Two new zinc(ii) complexes, [Zn(l-His)(NIP)]+(1) and [Zn(acac)2(NIP)](2) (where NIP is 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, acac = acetyl acetone), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV-vis, fluorescence, IR, 1H NMR and electron spray ionization mass spectroscopies. Gel retardation assay, atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering studies show that 1 and 2 can induce the condensation of circular plasmid pBR322 DNA into nanometer size particles under ambient conditions. Treatment of 2 with 5 mM EDTA restored 30% of the supercoiled form of DNA, revealing partial reversibility of DNA condensation. The in vitro transfection experiment demonstrates that the complexes can be used to deliver pCMV-tdTomato-N1 plasmid which expresses red fluorescent protein. The confocal studies show that the fluorescent nature of complexes is advantageous for visualizing the intracellular delivery of metal complexes as well as transfection efficiency using two distinct emission windows.

The biological effect of the nitroimidazole derivative of a polypyridyl ruthenium complex on cancer and endothelial cells

The ruthenium polypyridyl complexes [Ru(dip)2(bpy/bpy-2-nitroIm)](2+) (dip = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, bpy-2-nitroIm = 4-[3-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)propyl]) were found to be ca. ten times more cytotoxic against breast cancer (4T1) and human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A549) than a well-known anticancer drug, cisplatin. Even though the Ru complexes were quite cytotoxic towards FVB mouse lung microvascular endothelial cells (MLuMEC FVB) their efflux from these non transformed cells was much more efficient than from cancer ones. Both Ru complexes accumulated in cells. The cellular uptake of both Ru complexes occurs through passive diffusion while the nitroimidazole derivative is also endocytosed. They arrest cell growth in the S-phase and induce apoptosis. Such cell response can result from activation of oxidative stress by Ru complexes. The modulation of the mRNA expression profile for genes which might be involved in metastasis and angiogenesis processes by Ru complexes was analyzed for both cancer (4T1) and endothelial (MLuMEC FVB) cells. Ru complexes appeared to have a distinct impact on cell adhesion and migration as well as they affect endothelial cell vasculature. They are not only cytotoxic but are also potentially invasive and anti-metastatic agents. This work illustrates the putative future development of polypyridyl ruthenium.

Imaging of the nuclei of living tumor cells by novel ruthenium(ii) complexes coordinated with 6-chloro-5-hydroxylpyrido[3,2-a]phenazine

Novel ruthenium(ii) complex 1 can be developed as a low toxicity fluorescence probe for living cell nuclei in future.

RNA and DNA binding of inert oligonuclear ruthenium(ii) complexes in live eukaryotic cells

Oligonuclear polypyridylruthenium(ii) complexes show selectivity for the nucleus of eukaryotic cells with a considerable preference for the RNA-rich nucleolus.

Enantiomeric separations of ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes using HPLC with cyclofructan chiral stationary phases

The enantiomeric separation of 21 ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes was achieved with a novel class of cyclofructan-based chiral stationary phases (CSPs) in the polar organic mode. Aromatic derivatives on the chiral selectors proved to be essential for enantioselectivity. The R-napthylethyl carbamate functionalized cyclofructan 6 (LARIHC CF6-RN) column proved to be the most effective overall, while the dimethylphenyl carbamate cyclofructan 7 (LARIHC CF7-DMP) showed complementary selectivity. A combination of acid and base additives was necessary for optimal separations. The retention factor vs. acetonitrile/methanol ratio plot showed a U-shaped retention curve, indicating that different interactions take place at different polar organic solvent compositions. The separation results indicated that π-π interactions, steric effects, and hydrogen bonding contribute to the enantiomeric separation of ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes with cyclofructan chiral stationary phases in the polar organic mode.

Modifying charge and hydrophilicity of simple Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes radically alters biological activities: old complexes, surprising new tricks

Compounds capable of light-triggered cytotoxicity are appealing potential therapeutics, because they can provide spatial and temporal control over cell killing to reduce side effects in cancer therapy. Two simple homoleptic Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes with almost-identical photophysical properties but radically different physiochemical properties were investigated as agents for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The two complexes were identical, except for the incorporation of six sulfonic acids into the ligands of one complex, resulting in a compound carrying an overall −4 charge. The negatively charged compound exhibited significant light-mediated cytotoxicity, and, importantly, the negative charges resulted in radical alterations of the biological activity, compared to the positively charged analogue, including complete abrogation of toxicity in the dark. The charges also altered the subcellular localization properties, mechanism of action, and even the mechanism of cell death. The incorporation of negative charged ligands provides a simple chemical approach to modify the biological properties of light-activated Ru(II) cytotoxic agents.

Two Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes with essentially identical photophysical properties but different charges and hydrophilicites were explored as potential agents for photodynamic therapy. Remarkably, the complex carrying a −4 overall charge exhibited excellent light-dependent cytotoxicity while remaining inactive in the dark. In contrast, the complex that was +2 charged caused significant cell death in the absence of the light trigger, likely because of its localization in the mitochondria and destruction of the membrane potential.

2-Nitroimidazole-ruthenium polypyridyl complex as a new conjugate for cancer treatment and visualization

A novel long-lifetime highly luminescent ruthenium polypyridyl complex containing 2-nitroimidazole moiety [Ru(dip)2(bpy-2-nitroIm)]Cl2 (dip=4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, bpy-2-nitroIm=4-[3-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)propyl]-2,2'-bipyridine) has been designed cancer treatment and imaging. The luminescence properties of the synthesized compound strongly depend on the oxygen concentration. Under oxygen-free conditions quantum yield of luminescence and the average lifetime of emission were found to be 0.034 and 1.9 μs, respectively, which is ca. three times higher in comparison to values obtained in air-equilibrated solution. The binding properties of the investigated ruthenium complex to human serum albumin have been studied and the apparent binding constant for the formation of the protein-ruthenium adduct was determined to be 1.1×10(5)M(-1). The quantum yield and the average lifetime of emission are greatly enhanced upon binding of ruthenium compound to the protein. The DNA binding studies revealed two distinguished binding modes which lead to a decrease in luminescence intensity of ruthenium complex up to 60% for [DNA]/[Ru]<2, and enhancement of emission for [DNA]/[Ru]>80. Preliminary biological studies confirmed fast and efficient accumulation of the ruthenium complex inside cells. Furthermore, the ruthenium complex was found to be relatively cytotoxic with LD50 of 12 and 13 μM for A549 and CT26 cell lines, respectively, under normoxic conditions. The retention and cellular uptake of ruthenium complex is enhanced under hypoxic conditions and its LD50 decreases to 8 μM for A549 cell line.

Targeting the endoplasmic reticulum with a membrane-interactive luminescent ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complex†Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details, characterization of and Fig. S1-S6. See DOI: 10.1039/c3sc51725jClick here for additional data file

The characterization and bioactivity of the dinuclear ruthenium(ii) complex [(Ru(DIP)2)2(tpphz)]4+ (DIP = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline and tpphz = tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3'',2''-h:2''',3'''-j]phenazine) is reported. This new complex is found to be luminescent in acetonitrile, where excitation into MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge-transfer) bands in the visible area of the spectrum (λex = 450 nm, ε = 45 000 M-1 cm-1) result in red emission (λem,max = 620 nm, ΦMLCT = 0.017). Aqueous in vitro binding studies indicate that this complex binds to duplex DNA with an affinity of 1.8 × 106 M-1 through a non-classical groove-binding interaction, however, unlike the parent complex [(Ru(phen)2)2(tpphz)]4+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), it also displays an increase in MLCT luminescence on addition of liposomes. Confocal microscopy and TEM studies show that this lipophilic complex targets the endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotic cells, where it functions as an imaging agent for this organelle, and cytotoxicity studies in human cancer cell lines indicate a comparable potency to the anti-cancer drug cisplatin.