Protonation and Zn(II) coordination by dipyridine-containing macrocycles with different molecular architecture. A case of pH-controlled metal jumping outside-inside the macrocyclic cavity

Ferritin nanocomposites for the selective delivery of photosensitizing ruthenium-polypyridyl compounds to cancer cells

Human ferritin platforms containing Ru(ii)-polypyridyl-based photosensitizers effectively target cancer cells and provide cytotoxic effects upon light-activation.

Fluorescent Chemosensors Based on Polyamine Ligands: A Review

Polyamine ligands are water-soluble receptors that are able to coordinate, depending on their protonation degree, either metal ions, anionic, or neutral species. Furthermore, the presence of fluorescent signaling units allows an immediate visual response/signal. For these reasons, they can find applications in a wide variety of fields, mainly those where aqueous media is necessary, such as biological studies, wastewater analysis, soil contamination, etc. This review provides an overview of the recent developments in the research of chemosensors based on polyamine ligands functionalized with fluorescent signaling units. The discussion focuses on the design, synthesis, and physicochemical properties of this type of fluorescent chemosensors in order to analyze the applications associated to the sensing of metal ions, anions, and neutral molecules of environmental and/or biological interest. To facilitate a quick access and overview of all the chemosensors covered in this review, a summary table of the chemosensor structures and analytes, with all the corresponding references, is also presented.

Exploring the potential of highly charged Ru(II)- and heteronuclear Ru(II)/Cu(II)-polypyridyl complexes as antimicrobial agents

The antimicrobial potential of two ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes, [Ru(phen)₂L1]²⁺ and [Ru(phen)₂L2]²⁺ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) containing the 4,4'-(2,5,8,11,14-pentaaza[15])-2,2'-bipyridilophane (L1) and the 4,4'-bis-[methylen-(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane)]-2,2' bipyridine (L2) units, is herein investigated. These peculiar polyamine frameworks afford the formation of highly charged species in solution, influence the DNA-binding and cleavage properties of compounds, but they do not undermine their singlet oxygen sensitizing capacities, thus making these complexes attractive ¹O₂ generators in aqueous solution. L1 and L2 also permit to stably host Fenton -active Cu²⁺ ion/s, leading to the formation of mixed Ru²⁺/Cu²⁺ forms capable to further strengthen the oxidative damages to biological targets. Herein, following a characterization of the Cu²⁺ binding ability by [Ru(phen)₂L2]²⁺, the water-octanol distribution coefficients, the DNA binding, cleavage and ¹O₂ sensitizing properties of [Ru(phen)₂L2]²⁺ and [Cu₂Ru(phen)₂L2]⁶⁺ were analysed and compared with those of [Ru(phen)₂L1]²⁺ and [CuRu(phen)₂L1]⁴⁺. The antimicrobial activity of all compounds was evaluated against B. subtilis, chosen as a model for gram-positive bacteria, both under dark and upon light-activation. Our results unveil a notable phototoxicity of [Ru(phen)₂L2]²⁺ and [Cu₂Ru(phen)₂L2]⁶⁺, with MIC (minimal inhibitory concentrations) values of 3.12 μM. This study highlights that the structural characteristics of polyamine ligands gathered on highly charged Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes are versatile tools that can be exploited to achieve enhanced antibacterial strategies.

Switching on the Fluorescence Emission of Polypyridine Ligands by Simultaneous Zinc(II) Binding and Protonation

The synthesis and characterization of the two new open-chain ligands 1,15-bis-[6-(2,2'-bipyridyl)]-2,5,8,11,14-pentaaza-octadecane (L1) and 1,15-bis-[2-(1,10-phenanthroline)-9-methyl]-2,5,8,11,14-pentaazaoctadecane (L2), both featuring a tetraethylenpentaamine chain linking via methylene bridges the 6 and 2 positions of two identical 2,2'-bipyridyl (bpy) and 9-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline (9-methyl-phen) moieties respectively, are reported. Their protonation and binding ability for Cu²⁺ , Zn²⁺ , Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ have been studied by coupling potentiometric titrations with UV-vis absorption and fluorescence emission measurements in water. L1 and L2 afford stable mono- and dinuclear complexes, in which the metal ion is bound by a single bpy or 9-methyl-phen unit and the amine groups on the aliphatic chain. However, L1 displays a greater binding ability for Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ with respect to L2, the stability constants of the [ML1]²⁺ complexes being 21.8 (Cu²⁺ ) and 19.4 (Zn²⁺ ) log units vs 20.34 and 16.8 log. units for the corresponding L2 species. Among all the metal ions tested, only the Zn²⁺ complex with L2 features an enhanced fluorescence emission at neutral pH, thanks to the simultaneous binding of one Zn²⁺ ion and H⁺ ion(s), that inhibits any possible photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process from the amine donors to the excited phen moiety. Binding of a second metal switches off the emission again.

Highly Charged Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes as Effective Photosensitizer in Photodynamic Therapy

A comparative study between two novel, highly water soluble, ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes, [Ru(phen)₂ L'] and [Ru(phen)₂ Cu(II)L'] (L and L-Cu^II ), containing the polyaazamacrocyclic unit 4,4'-(2,5,8,11,14-pentaaza[15])-2,2'-bipyridilophane (L'), is herein reported. L and L-Cu^II interact with calf-thymus DNA and efficiently cleave DNA plasmid when light-activated. They also possess great penetration abilities and photo-induced biological activities, evaluated on an A375 human melanoma cell line, with L-Cu^II being the most effective. Our study highlights the key role of the Fenton active Cu^II center within the macrocycle framework, that would play a synergistic role with light activation in the formation of cytotoxic ROS species. Based on these results, an optimal design of Ru^II polypyridyl systems featuring specific Cu^II -chelating polyamine units could represent a suitable strategy for the development of novel and effective photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy.

Synthesis and dynamic behavior of an anthyridine-ligated ruthenium complex

A ruthenium complex containing a 1,9,10-anthyridine derivative, [Ru(L)(bpy)2](PF6)2 ([1](PF6)2; L = 1,13,14-triazadibenz[a,j]anthracene, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl), was synthesized. X-ray crystal structural analysis of [1](PF6)2 showed that L is coordinated to the Ru center as a bidentate ligand. When [1](PF6)2 was dissolved in acetonitrile, a new complex incorporating one acetonitrile molecule, [Ru(L)(CH3CN)(bpy)2](PF6)2 ([2](PF6)2), was formed. X-ray crystallographic data revealed that, in [2](PF6)2, L is coordinated to the Ru center in a monodentate fashion. The coordinated L in [2](PF6)2 shows a unique haptotropic rearrangement in an acetonitrile solution.

Complete photochromic structural changes in ruthenium(II)-diimine complexes, based on control of the excited states by metalation

The thermal and photochemical reactions of a newly synthesized complex, [Ru(II)(TPA)(tpphz)](2+) (1; TPA=tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, tpphz=tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3'',2''-h: 2''',3'''-j]phenazine), and its derivatives have been investigated. Heating a solution of complex 1 (closed form) and its derivatives in MeCN caused the partial dissociation of one pyridylmethyl moiety of the TPA ligand and the resulting vacant site on the Ru(II) center was occupied by a molecule of MeCN from the solvent to give a dissociated complex, [Ru(II)(η(3)-TPA)(tpphz)(MeCN)](2+) (1', open form), and its derivatives, respectively, in quantitative yields. The thermal dissociation reactions were investigated on the basis of kinetics analysis, which indicated that the reactions proceeded through a seven-coordinate transition state. Although the backwards reaction was induced by photoirradiation of the MLCT absorption bands, the photoreaction of complex 1' reached a photostationary state between complexes 1 and 1' and, hence, the recovery of complex 1 from complex 1' was 67%. Upon protonation of complex 1 at the vacant site of the tpphz ligand, the efficiency of the photoinduced recovery of complex 1+H(+) from complex 1'+H(+) improved to 83%. In contrast, dinuclear μ-tpphz complexes 2 and 3, which contained the Ru(II)(TPA)(tpphz) unit and either a Ru(II)(bpy)2 or Pd(II)Cl2 moiety on the other coordination edge of the tpphz ligand, exhibited 100% photoconversion from their open forms into their closed forms (2'→2 and 3'→3). These results are the first examples of the complete photochromic structural change of a transition-metal complex, as represented by complete interconversion between its open and closed forms. Scrutinization by performing optical and electrochemical measurements allowed us to propose a rationale for how metal coordination at the vacant site of the tpphz ligand improves the efficiency of photoconversion from the open form into the closed form. It is essential to lower the energy level of the triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer excited state ((3)MLCT*) of the closed form relative to that of the triplet metal-centered excited state ((3)MC*) by metal coordination. This energy-level manipulation hinders the transition from the (3)MLCT* state into the (3)MC* state in the closed form to block the partial photodissociation of the TPA ligand.

A novel manganese complex effective as superoxide anion scavenger and therapeutic agent against cell and tissue oxidative injury

Two cyclic polyamine-polycarboxylate ligands, 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diacetic acid (H(2)L3) and 4,10-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diacetic acid (H(2)L4), and two noncyclic scaffolds, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine-N,N',N'-triacetic acid (H(3)L1) and ethylene-bisglycol-tetracetic acid (H(4)L2), form stable complexes with Mn(II) in aqueous solutions. Cyclic voltammograms show that the complexes with the most hydrophobic ligands, [MnL2](2-) and [MnL4], are oxidized at higher potential than [MnL1](-) and [MnL3]. The pharmacological properties of these molecules were evaluated as superoxide ion scavengers and anti-inflammatory compounds. Among the four complexes, [MnL4] was the most bioactive, being effective in the nanomolar/micromolar range. It abates the levels of key markers of oxidative injury on cultured cells and ameliorates the outcome parameters in animal models of acute and chronic inflammation. [MnL4] toxicity was very low on both cell cultures in vitro and mice in vivo. Hence, we propose [MnL4] as a novel stable oxygen radical scavenging molecule, active at low doses and with a low toxicity.

Exploring the binding ability of phenanthroline-based polyammonium receptors for anions: hints for design of selective chemosensors for nucleotides

The synthesis of receptor 2,6,10,14,18-pentaaza[20]-21,34-phenanthrolinophane (L1), containing a pentaamine chain linking the 2,9 positions of a phenanthroline unit, is reported. The protonation features of L1 and of receptor 2,6,10,14,18,22-hexaaza[23]-24,37-phenanthrolinophane (L2) have been studied by means of potentiometric, (1)H NMR, and spectrofluorimetric measurements; this study points out that the fluorescent emission of both receptors depends on the protonation state of the polyamine chain. In fact, the receptors are emissive only at neutral or acidic pH values, where all the aliphatic amine groups are protonated. Potentiometric titrations show that L2 is able to bind selectively ATP over TTP, CTP, and GTP. This selectivity is lost in the case of L1. (1)H and (31)P NMR measurements and molecular mechanics calculations show that the phosphate chains of nucleotides give strong electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions with the ammonium groups of the protonated receptors, while the nucleobases interact either via pi-stacking with phenanthroline or via hydrogen bonding with the ammonium groups. Of note, MM calculations suggest that all nucleotides interact in an inclusive fashion. In fact, in all adducts the phosphate chain is enclosed within the receptor cavities. This structural feature is confirmed by the crystal structure of the [(H(6)L2)(2)(TTP)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](4+) adduct. Fluorescence emission measurements at different pH values show that L2 is also able to ratiometrically sense ATP in a narrow pH range, thanks to emission quenching due to a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process from an amine group of the receptor to the excited phenanthroline.

A dizinc complex for selective fluorescence sensing of uridine and uridine-containing dinucleotides

A dizinc complex with a polyamine macrocycle is able to selectively bind and sense uridine (U) as well as the uridine-containing ribodinucleotides U(3'-5')pU and U(3'-5')pA, thanks to an exciplex emission arising from a pi-stacked complex involving the dipyridine unit and Zn(II)-bound uridine moieties.

Coordination features of a terpyridine-containing polyamine receptor. Effect of protonation on the photophysical properties of the complexes

The synthesis of the new terpyridine-containing macrocycle 2,6,10,14-tetraaza[15](6,6'')cyclo(2,2':6',2'')terpyridinophane (L) is reported. The ligand contains a tetraamine chain linking the 6,6'' positions of a terpyridine unit. A potentiometric, (1)H NMR, UV-vis spectrophotometric and fluorescence emission study on the basicity properties of in aqueous solutions shows that the first four protonation steps occur on the polyamine chain, while the terpyridine nitrogens are involved in proton binding only in the last protonation step at strongly acidic pH values. Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) complexation was studied in aqueous solution by means of potentiometric, spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric measurements. Cu(II) and Zn(II) can form both mono- and dinuclear complexes in solution, while the larger Cd(II) and Pb(II) give only mononuclear complexes. In the [ML](2+) complexes (M = Zn(II) or Cd(II)) the metal is unequivocally bound to the terpyridine unit. Some amine groups are not coordinated and can quench the fluorescence emission of the terpyridine unit thanks to an electron transfer process. Protonation of the unbound amine groups inhibits the eT process, affording fluorescent [MLH(x)]((2+x)+) complexes.

Exploring the photocatalytic properties and the long-lifetime chemosensor ability of Cl(2)[Ru(Bpy)(2)L] (L = 2,5,8,11,14-pentaaza[15])-2,2'-bipyridilophane)

In this work a new water-soluble long-lifetime chemosensor, containing a polyamine unit connected to a complexed Ru(II) metal center, is described. Its crystal structure has been characterized by X-ray analysis. The polyamine macrocyclic unit is capable of anchoring cationic or anionic substrates, according to its protonation state. Examples of electron transfer involving the ruthenium complex core and the bound substrate are presented. The photocatalytic ability of such a system is illustrated by the oxidation of iodide to iodine promoted by light absorption at 436 nm.

Cd(II) and Pb(II) complexation by dipyridine-containing macrocycles with different molecular architecture. Effect of complex protonation on metal coordination environment

The coordination features of the three dipyridine-containing polyamine macrocycles 2,5,8,11,14-pentaaza[15]-[15](2,2')[1,15]-bipyridylophane (L1), 5,8,11-trimethyl-2,5,8,11,14-pentaaza[15]-[15](2,2')[1,15]-bipyridylophane (L2), and 4,4'-(2,5,8,11,14-pentaaza[15]-[15](2,2')-bipyridylophane) (L3) toward Cd(II) and Pb(II) have been studied by means of potentiometric, microcalorimetric, and spectrophotometric UV-vis titrations in aqueous solutions. All ligands form 1:1 metal complexes. In the L1 and L2 complexes the metals are lodged inside the macrocyclic cavity, coordinated to the heteroaromatic nitrogens. On the other hand, the insertion of a rather rigid dipyridine moiety within a macrocyclic structure does not allow all the aliphatic amine groups to coordinate to the metals and several protonated complexes are found in solution. The particular molecular architecture of L3, which displays two well-separated binding moieties, strongly affects its coordination behavior. In the [PbL3](2+) complex and in its protonated species, the metal is lodged inside the macrocyclic cavity, not bound to the heteroaromatic nitrogens. A similar coordination environment is found in [CdL3](2+). In this case, however, protonation of the complex takes place on the aliphatic amine groups and gives rise to translocation of the metal outside the cavity, coordinated by the dipyridine moiety.