Fluorescent Rhenium-Naphthalimide Conjugates as Cellular Imaging Agents

Nickel-Catalyzed C-N Cross-Coupling of 4-Chloro-1,8-naphthalimides and Bulky, Primary Alkylamines at Room Temperature

4-Amino-1,8-naphthalimides, potentially useful fluorescent probes in biological applications, are prepared via Ni(cod)₂/IPr-catalyzed cross-couplings between 4-chloro-1,8-naphthalimide electrophiles and α,α,α-trisubstituted, primary alkylamines at room temperature. This method represents the first synthesis of 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimides using Ni-catalyzed C-N cross-coupling and provides the first examples of 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimides incorporating such bulky primary alkylamines, thereby highlighting the utility of Ni-catalyzed processes in synthesizing naphthalimide scaffolds that were inaccessible using established methods (S_NAr; Pd or Cu catalysis).

Strategies to promote permeation and vectorization, and reduce cytotoxicity of metal complex luminophores for bioimaging and intracellular sensing

Transition metal luminophores are emerging as important tools for intracellular imaging and sensing. Their putative suitability for such applications has long been recognised but poor membrane permeability and cytotoxicity were significant barriers that impeded early progress. In recent years, numerous effective routes to overcoming these issues have been reported, inspired in part, by advances and insights from the pharmaceutical and drug delivery domains. In particular, the conjugation of biomolecules but also other less natural synthetic species, from a repertoire of functional motifs have granted membrane permeability and cellular targeting. Such motifs can also reduce cytotoxicity of transition metal complexes and offer a valuable avenue to circumvent such problems leading to promising metal complex candidates for application in bioimaging, sensing and diagnostics. The advances in metal complex probes permeability/targeting are timely, as, in parallel, over the past two decades significant technological advances in luminescence imaging have occurred. In particular, super-resolution imaging is enormously powerful but makes substantial demands of its imaging contrast agents and metal complex luminophores frequently possess the photophysical characteristics to meet these demands. Here, we review some of the key vectors that have been conjugated to transition metal complex luminophores to promote their use in intra-cellular imaging applications. We evaluate some of the most effective strategies in terms of membrane permeability, intracellular targeting and what impact these approaches have on toxicity and phototoxicity which are important considerations in a luminescent contrast or sensing agent.

An unprecedented pyridine-based dinuclear mixed-valent ReI/VII oxo-bridged complex: a solvatochromic and AIE-active probe for nanomolar detection of picric acid and trinitrotoluene

This paper describes the synthesis of an unprecedented oxo-bridged rheniumI/VII (Re) complex by treating Re2(CO)10 with a pyridyl-linked anthracene-based twisted π-conjugated ligand. The molecular structures of both the ligand and the complex are determined by analyzing IR, NMR, and HR-MS spectra and unequivocally determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Unlike previous observations, the complexation occurs uniquely to yield an unprecedented oxo-bridged ReI/VII complex. Such a complex is uncommon, and in most cases, Re(vii) appears as the ReO4- counter ion. The aggregation-induced emission (AIE) feature could have been achieved from this conformationally twisted ligand, but the emission of the ligand was quenched in the aggregated state. The complex exhibited solvatofluorochromic properties with a faint emission. The emission intensity significantly (∼6 times) increased in DMF after the addition of a water fraction of 90%, resulting in a bright orange emission. The AIE is mainly caused by restricted intramolecular rotation (RIR) and is supported by the polarity and viscosity effects. The nanoaggregate formation is captured by SEM, and DLS studies were used to determine the average particle size. After the complexation, the ligand becomes more rigid, and the RIR effect becomes prominent facilitating the AIE effect. The electron-rich aggregate's intense orange emission was used for the selective and sensitive detection of picric acid (PA) and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) at nanomolar levels amongst other nitroaromatics through emission quenching. The detailed mechanistic studies reveal the active role of dynamic quenching and complementary photo-induced electron transfer between the probe and TNT or PA. The easy electron transfer process from the electron-rich to the electron-poor system is confirmed by calculating the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy of the associated levels. The application is further extended for on-site PA and TNT detection by permeating the probe on a paper and detected at 10-3 M concentration with the naked eye. The PA/TNT detection efficiency is also confirmed by mixing PA or TNT with soil.

Structure illumination microscopy imaging of lipid vesicles in live bacteria with naphthalimide-appended organometallic complexes

There is a lack of molecular probes for imaging bacteria, in comparison to the array of such tools available for the imaging of mammalian cells. Here, organometallic molecular probes have been developed and assessed for bacterial imaging, designed to have the potential to support multiple imaging modalities. The chemical structure of the probes is designed around a metal-naphthalimide structure. The 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide moiety, covalently appended through a pyridine ancillary ligand, acts as a luminescent probe for super-resolution microscopy. On the other hand, the metal centre, rhenium(i) or platinum(ii) in the current study, enables techniques such as nanoSIMS. While the rhenium(i) complex was not sufficiently stable to be used as a probe, the platinum(ii) analogue showed good chemical and biological stability. Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) imaging on live Bacillus cereus confirmed the suitability of the probe for super-resolution microscopy. NanoSIMS analysis was used to monitor the uptake of the platinum(ii) complex within the bacteria and demonstrate the potential of this chemical architecture to enable multimodal imaging. The successful combination of these two moieties introduces a platform that could lead to a versatile range of multi-functional probes for bacteria.

Unveiling Luminescent IrI and RhI N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Structure, Photophysical Specifics, and Cellular Localization in the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Complexes of RhI and IrI of the [M(COD)(NHC)X] type (where M=Rh or Ir, COD=1,5-cyclooctadiene, NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene, and X=halide) have recently shown promising cytotoxic activities against several cancer cell lines. Initial mechanism of action studies provided some knowledge about their interaction with DNA and proteins. However, information about their cellular localization remains scarce owing to luminescence quenching within this complex type. Herein, the synthesis of two rare examples of luminescent RhI and IrI [M(COD)(NHC)I] complexes with 1,8-naphthalimide-based emitting ligands is reported. All new complexes are comprehensively characterized, including with single-crystal X-ray structures. Steric crowding in one derivative leads to two distinct rotamers in solution, which apparently can be distinguished both by pronounced NMR shifts and by their respective spectral and temporal emission signatures. When the photophysical properties of these new complexes are exploited for cellular imaging in HT-29 and PT-45 cancer cell lines, it is demonstrated that the complexes accumulate predominantly in the endoplasmic reticulum, which is an entirely new finding and provides the first insight into the cellular localization of such IrI (NHC) complexes.

Dithiocarbazate-Copper Complexes for Bioimaging and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Anticancer agents that present nonapoptotic cell death pathways are required for treating apoptosis-resistant pancreatic cancer. Here, we synthesized three fluorescent dithiocarbazate-copper complexes, {[Cu^II(L)(Cl)] 1, [Cu^II₂(L)₂(NO₃)₂] 2, and [Cu^II₂Cu^I(L)₂(Br)₃] 3}, to assess their antipancreatic cancer activities. Complexes 1-3 showed significantly greater cytotoxicity toward several pancreatic cancer cell lines with better IC₅₀ than those of the HL ligand and cisplatin. Confocal fluorescence imaging showed that complex 3 was primarily localized in the mitochondria. Primarily, compound 3 also can be applied to in vivo imaging. Further studies revealed that complex 3 kills pancreatic cancer cells by triggering multiple mechanisms, including ferroptosis. Complex 3 is the first copper complex to evoke cellular events consistent with ferroptosis in cancer cells. Finally, it significantly retarded the ASPC-1 cells' growth in a mouse xenograft model.

Towards dual SPECT/optical bioimaging with a mitochondrial targeting, 99mTc(i) radiolabelled 1,8-naphthalimide conjugate

A series of six different 1,8-naphthalimide conjugated dipicolylamine ligands (L1-6) have been synthesised and characterised. The ligands possess a range of different linker units between the napthalimide fluorophore and dipcolylamine chelator which allow the overall lipophilicity to be tuned. A corresponding series of Re(i) complexes have been synthesised of the form fac-[Re(CO)3(L1-6)]BF4. The absorption and luminescence properties of the ligands and Re(i) complexes were dominated by the intramolecular charge transfer character of the substituted fluorophore (typically absorption ca. 425 nm and emission ca. 520 nm). Photophysical assessments show that some of the variants are moderately bright. Radiolabelling experiments using a water soluble ligand variant (L5) were successfully undertaken and optimised with fac-[99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+. Confocal fluorescence microscopy showed that fac-[Re(CO)3(L5)]+ localises in the mitochondria of MCF-7 cells. SPECT/CT imaging experiments on naïve mice showed that fac-[99mTc(CO)3(L5)]+ has a relatively high stability in vivo but did not show any cardiac uptake, demonstrating rapid clearance, predominantly via the biliary system along with a moderate amount cleared renally.

Functional imaging of a model unicell: Spironucleus vortens as an anaerobic but aerotolerant flagellated protist

Advances in optical microscopy are continually narrowing the chasm in our appreciation of biological organization between the molecular and cellular levels, but many practical problems are still limiting. Observation is always limited by the rapid dynamics of ultrastructural modifications of intracellular components, and often by cell motility: imaging of the unicellular protist parasite of ornamental fish, Spironucleus vortens, has proved challenging. Autofluorescence of nicotinamide nucleotides and flavins in the 400-580 nm region of the visible spectrum, is the most useful indicator of cellular redox state and hence vitality. Fluorophores emitting in the red or near-infrared (i.e., phosphors) are less damaging and more penetrative than many routinely employed fluors. Mountants containing free radical scavengers minimize fluorophore photobleaching. Two-photon excitation provides a small focal spot, increased penetration, minimizes photon scattering and enables extended observations. Use of quantum dots clarifies the competition between endosomal uptake and exosomal extrusion. Rapid motility (161 μm/s) of the organism makes high resolution of ultrastructure difficult even at high scan speeds. Use of voltage-sensitive dyes determining transmembrane potentials of plasma membrane and hydrogenosomes (modified mitochondria) is also hindered by intracellular motion and controlled anesthesia perturbs membrane organization. Specificity of luminophore binding is always questionable; e.g. cationic lipophilic species widely used to measure membrane potentials also enter membrane-bounded neutral lipid droplet-filled organelles. This appears to be the case in S. vortens, where Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) micro-spectroscopy unequivocally images the latter and simultaneous provides spectral identification at 2840 cm^-1. Secondary Harmonic Generation highlights the highly ordered structure of the flagella.

Targeted cell imaging properties of a deep red luminescent iridium(iii) complex conjugated with a c-Myc signal peptide

A nuclear localisation sequence (NLS) peptide, PAAKRVKLD, derived from the human c-Myc regulator gene, has been functionalised with a long wavelength (λ ex = 550 nm; λ em = 677 nm) cyclometalated organometallic iridium(iii) complex to give the conjugate Ir-CMYC. Confocal fluorescence microscopy studies on human fibroblast cells imaged after 18-24 h incubation show that Ir-CMYC concentrations of 80-100 μM promote good cell uptake and nuclear localisation, which was confirmed though co-localisation studies using Hoechst 33342. In comparison, a structurally related, photophysically analogous iridium(iii) complex lacking the peptide sequence, Ir-PYR, showed very different biological behaviour, with no evidence of nuclear, lysosomal or autophagic vesicle localisation and significantly increased toxicity to the cells at concentrations >10 μM that induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Supporting UV-visible and circular dichroism spectroscopic studies show that Ir-PYR and Ir-CMYC display similarly low affinities for DNA (ca. 103 M-1), consistent with electrostatic binding. Therefore the translocation and nuclear uptake properties of Ir-CMYC are attributed to the presence of the PAAKRVKLD nuclear localisation sequence in this complex.

Rhenium and technetium-complexed silicon rhodamines as near-infrared imaging probes for bimodal SPECT- and optical imaging

The first technetium-99m tricarbonyl core labelled fluorescent Si-rhodamine and its rhenium analogue for bimodal SPECT- and near-infrared fluorescence imaging is presented.

Rhenium (I) Complexes as Probes for Prokaryotic and Fungal Cells by Fluorescence Microscopy: Do Ligands Matter?

Re(I) complexes have exposed highly suitable properties for cellular imaging (especially for fluorescent microscopy) such as low cytotoxicity, good cellular uptake, and differential staining. These features can be modulated or tuned by modifying the ligands surrounding the metal core. However, most of Re(I)-based complexes have been tested for non-walled cells, such as epithelial cells. In this context, it has been proposed that Re(I) complexes are inefficient to stain walled cells (i.e., cells protected by a rigid cell wall, such as bacteria and fungi), presumably due to this physical barrier hampering cellular uptake. More recently, a series of studies have been published showing that a suitable combination of ligands is useful for obtaining Re(I)-based complexes able to stain walled cells. This review summarizes the main characteristics of different fluorophores used in bioimage, remarking the advantages of d⁶-based complexes, and focusing on Re(I) complexes. In addition, we explored different structural features of these complexes that allow for obtaining fluorophores especially designed for walled cells (bacteria and fungi), with especial emphasis on the ligand choice. Since many pathogens correspond to bacteria and fungi (yeasts and molds), and considering that these organisms have been increasingly used in several biotechnological applications, development of new tools for their study, such as the design of new fluorophores, is fundamental and attractive.

A dual modality99mTc/Re(i)-labelled T140 analogue for imaging of CXCR4 expression

A T140-derived peptide conjugated with a naphthalimide fluorophore/chelator was coordinated to rhenium or technetium-99m to image CXCR4 expression by fluorescence microscopy or SPECT imaging.

In vitro and in vivo activity of novel platinum(ii) complexes with naphthalene imide derivatives inhibiting human non-small cell lung cancer cells

3 induced NCI-H460 cell apoptosis via inhibition of the telomerase and dysfunction of mitochondria. Remarkably, 3 obviously inhibited NCI-H460 xenograft tumor growth in vivo.

A study of 99mTc/Re-tricarbonyl complexes of 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimides

4-Amino-1,8-naphthalimide ligands were coordinated to fac-Re/^99mTc(CO)₃ giving complexes of varying charge for applications in fluorescence microscopy and as components of SPECT imaging agents.

Fluorescent functionalised naphthalimides and their Au(i)–NHC complexes for potential use in cellular bioimaging

A series of fluorescent gold(i)–NHC complexes have been developed and investigated as cell imaging agents.

Crystallographic studies of 2-picolyl substituted naphthalene diimide and bis-phthalimide ligands and their supramolecular coordination chemistry

The coordination chemistry of two 2-picolyl substituted bis-imide ligands is explored, revealing fascinating metallosupramolecular assemblies but an apparent barrier to chelation compared to monoimide congeners.

Linear Bidentate Ligands (L) with Two Terminal Pyridyl N-Donor Groups Forming Pt(II)LCl2 Complexes with Rare Eight-Membered Chelate Rings

NMR and X-ray diffraction studies were conducted on Pt(II)LCl₂ complexes prepared with the new N-donor ligands N(SO₂R)Me _ndpa (R = Me, Tol; n = 2, 4). These ligands differ from N(H)dpa (di-2-picolylamine) in having the central N within a tertiary sulfonamide group instead of a secondary amine group and having Me groups at the 6,6'-positions ( n = 2) or 3,3',5,5'-positions ( n = 4) of the pyridyl rings. The N(SO₂R)3,3',5,5'-Me₄dpa ligands are coordinated in a bidentate fashion in Pt( N(SO₂R)3,3',5,5'-Me₄dpa)Cl₂ complexes, forming a rare eight-membered chelate ring. The sulfonamide N atom did not bind to Pt(II), consistent with indications in the literature that tertiary sulfonamides are unlikely to anchor two meridionally coordinated five-membered chelate rings in solutions of coordinating solvents. The N(SO₂R)6,6'-Me₂dpa ligands coordinate in a monodentate fashion to form the binuclear complexes [ trans-Pt(DMSO)Cl₂]₂( N(SO₂R)6,6'-Me₂dpa). The monodentate instead of bidentate N(SO₂R)6,6'-Me₂dpa coordination is attributed to 6,6'-Me steric bulk. These binuclear complexes are indefinitely stable in DMF- d₇, but in DMSO- d₆ the N(SO₂R)6,6'-Me₂dpa ligands dissociate completely. In DMSO- d₆, the bidentate ligands in Pt( N(SO₂R)3,3',5,5'-Me₄dpa)Cl₂ complexes also dissociate, but incompletely; these complexes provide rare examples of association-dissociation equilibria of N,N bidentate ligands in Pt(II) chemistry. Like typical cis-PtLCl₂ complexes, the Pt( N(SO₂R)3,3',5,5'-Me₄dpa)Cl₂ complexes undergo monosolvolysis in DMSO- d₆ to form the [Pt( N(SO₂R)3,3',5,5'-Me₄dpa)(DMSO- d₆)Cl]⁺ cations. However, unlike typical cis-PtLCl₂ complexes, the Pt( N(SO₂R)3,3',5,5'-Me₄dpa)Cl₂ complexes surprisingly do not react readily with the excellent N-donor bioligand guanosine. A comparison of the structural features of over 50 known relevant Pt(II) complexes having smaller chelate rings with those of the very few relevant Pt(II) complexes having eight-membered chelate rings indicates that the pyridyl rings in Pt( N(SO₂R)3,3',5,5'-Me₄dpa)Cl₂ complexes are well positioned to form strong Pt-N bonds. Therefore, the dissociation of the bidentate ligand and the poor biomolecule reactivity of the Pt( N(SO₂R)3,3',5,5'-Me₄dpa)Cl₂ complexes arise from steric consequences imposed by the -CH₂-N(SO₂R)-CH₂- chain in the eight-membered chelate ring.

Phosphine oxide-based tricarbonylrhenium(i) complexes from phosphine/phosphine oxide and dihydroxybenzoquinones

Neutral phosphine oxide (P[double bond, length as m-dash]O) donor-based organometallic complexes [{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PCy3}{μ-DHBQ}{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PCy3}] (1), [{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PPh3}{μ-DHBQ}{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PPh3}] (2), [{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PCy3}{μ-THQ}{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PCy3}] (3), [{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PPh3}{μ-THQ}{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PPh3}] (4), [{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PCy3}{μ-CA}{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PCy3}] (5), and [{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PPh3}{μ-CA}{Re(CO)3O[double bond, length as m-dash]PPh3}] (6) were assembled from phosphine/phosphine oxide, a dihydroxybenzoquinone donor and Re2(CO)10via a one-pot solvothermal approach. The soft phosphine donor was transformed into a hard phosphine oxide donor during the formation of 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The complexes 1-6 were air and moisture stable and were soluble in polar organic solvents. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopic methods. The molecular structures of 1, 2, 4, and 6 were analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The UV-Visible absorption studies indicated that 1-6 in THF display strong visible light absorption in the range of ∼350-700 nm.

Fluorescent organometallic rhodium(I) and ruthenium(II) metallodrugs with 4-ethylthio-1,8-naphthalimide ligands: Antiproliferative effects, cellular uptake and DNA-interaction

Fluorescent 4-ethylthio-1,8-naphthalimides containing rhodium(I) N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and ruthenium (II) NHC fragments were synthesised and evaluated for their antiproliferative effects, cellular uptake and DNA-binding activity. Both types of organometallics triggered ligand dependent efficient cytotoxic effects against tumor cells with the rhodium(I) NHC derivatives causing stronger effects than the ruthenium (II) NHC analogues. Antiproliferative effects could also be observed against several pathogenic Gram-positive bacterial strains, whereas the growth of Gram-negative bacteria was not substantially affected. Cellular uptake was confirmed by atomic absorption spectroscopy as well as by fluorescence microscopy indicating a general ligand dependent accumulation in the cells. An in-depth study on the interaction with DNA confirmed insertion of the naphthalimide moiety between the planar bases of B-DNA via an intercalation mechanism, as well as its stacking on top of the quartets of G-quadruplex structures. Furthermore, additional coordinative binding of the organometallic complexes to the model DNA base 9-ethylguanine could be detected. The studied compounds thus represent promising bioorganometallics featuring strong pharmacological effects in combination with excellent cellular imaging properties.

Heterobimetallic Complexes for Theranostic Applications

The design of more efficient anticancer drugs requires a deeper understanding of their biodistribution and mechanism of action. Cell imaging agents could help to gain insight into biological processes and, consequently, the best strategy for attaining suitable scaffolds in which both biological and imaging properties are maximized. A new concept arises in this field that is the combination of two metal fragments as collaborative partners to provide the precise emissive properties to visualize the cell as well as the optimum cytotoxic activity to build more potent and selective chemotherapeutic agents.

The unsuspected influence of the pyridyl-triazole ligand isomerism upon the electronic properties of tricarbonyl rhenium complexes: an experimental and theoretical insight

How can the intimate nature of the triazole moiety govern the geometry and luminescence properties of a rhenium complex?

Exploring the cellular uptake and localisation of phosphorescent rhenium fac-tricarbonyl metallosurfactants as a function of lipophilicity

The cellular distribution of amphiphilic rhenium(i) complexes is tuned by the nature of the axial donor.

In Vitro Anticancer Activity and in Vivo Biodistribution of Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Aqua Complexes

Seven rhenium(I) complexes of the general formula fac-[Re(CO)3(NN)(OH2)]+ where NN = 2,2'-bipyridine (8), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (9), 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine (10), dimethyl 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylate (11), 1,10-phenanthroline (12), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (13), or 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (14), were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. With the exception of 11, all complexes exhibited 50% growth inhibitory concentration (IC50) values that were less than 20 μM in HeLa cells, indicating that these compounds represent a new potential class of anticancer agents. Complexes 9, 10, and 13 were as effective in cisplatin-resistant cells as wild-type cells, signifying that they circumvent cisplatin resistance. The mechanism of action of the most potent complex, 13, was explored further by leveraging its intrinsic luminescence properties to determine its intracellular localization. These studies indicated that 13 induces cytoplasmic vacuolization that is lysosomal in nature. Additional in vitro assays indicated that 13 induces cell death without causing an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species or depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Further studies revealed that the mode of cell death does not fall into one of the canonical categories such as apoptosis, necrosis, paraptosis, and autophagy, suggesting that a novel mode of action may be operative for this class of rhenium compounds. The in vivo biodistribution and metabolism of complex 13 and its 99mTc analogue 13* were also evaluated in naı̈ve mice. Complexes 13 and 13* exhibited comparable biodistribution profiles with both hepatic and renal excretion. High-performance liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) analysis of mouse blood plasma and urine postadministration showed considerable metabolic stability of 13, rendering this potent complex suitable for in vivo applications. These studies have shown the biological properties of this class of compounds and demonstrated their potential as promising theranostic anticancer agents that can circumvent cisplatin resistance.

Mitochondria Targeting with Luminescent Rhenium(I) Complexes

Two new neutral fac-[Re(CO)₃(phen)L] compounds (1,2), with phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and L = O₂C(CH₂)₅CH₃ or O₂C(CH₂)₄C≡CH, were synthetized in one-pot procedures from fac-[Re(CO)₃(phen)Cl] and the corresponding carboxylic acids, and were fully characterized by IR and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. The compounds, which display orange luminescence, were used as probes for living cancer HeLa cell staining. Confocal microscopy revealed accumulation of both dyes in mitochondria. To investigate the mechanism of mitochondrial staining, a new non-emissive compound, fac-[Re(CO)₃(phen)L], with L = O₂C(CH₂)₃((C₅H₅)Fe(C₅H₄), i.e., containing a ferrocenyl moiety, was synthetized and characterized (3). 3 shows the same mitochondrial accumulation pattern as 1 and 2. Emission of 3 can only be possible when ferrocene-containing ligand dissociates from the metal center to produce a species containing the luminescent fac-[Re(CO)₃(phen)]⁺ core. The release of ligands from the Re center was verified in vitro through the conjugation with model proteins. These findings suggest that the mitochondria accumulation of compounds 1-3 is due to the formation of luminescent fac-[Re(CO)₃(phen)]⁺ products, which react with cellular matrix molecules giving secondary products and are uptaken into the negatively charged mitochondrial membranes. Thus, reported compounds feature a rare dissociation-driven mechanism of action with great potential for biological applications.

Luminescent Re(I) Carbonyl Complexes as Trackable PhotoCORMs for CO delivery to Cellular Targets

A family of Re(I) carbonyl complexes of general formula [ReX(CO)3(phen)]0/1+ (where X = Cl-, CF3SO3-, MeCN, PPh3, and methylimidazole) derived from 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) exhibits variable emission characteristics depending on the presence of the sixth ancillary ligand/group (X). All complexes but with X = MeCN exhibit moderate CO release upon irradiation with low-power UV light and are indefinitely stable in anaerobic/aerobic environment in solution as well as in solid state when kept under dark condition. These CO donors liberate three, one, or no CO depending on the nature of sixth ligand upon illumination as studied with the aid of time-dependent IR spectroscopy. Results of excited-state density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations provided insight into the origin of the emission characteristics of these complexes. The luminescent rheinum(I) photoCORMs uniformly displayed efficient cellular internalization by the human breast adenocarcinoma cells, MDA-MB-231, while the complex with PPh3 as ancillary ligand showed moderate nuclear localization in addition to the cytosolic distribution. These species hold significant promise as theranostic photoCORMs (photoinduced CO releasing molecules), where the entry of the pro-drug can be tracked within the cellular matrices.

Metal NHC Complexes with Naphthalimide Ligands as DNA-Interacting Antiproliferative Agents

Naphthalimide-based N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of the type [(1,5-cyclooctadiene)(NHC)RhCl)] (4 a-c), [(p-cymene)(NHC)RuCl₂ )] (5 a-c), and [(NHC)CuBr] (6 a-c) were synthesized and investigated as antiproliferative agents that target DNA. The cytotoxic effects were largely driven by the naphthalimide structure, which is a DNA-intercalating moiety. Regarding the metal center, the highest activities were observed with the rhodium complexes, and cytotoxic activity was significantly lower for the ruthenium derivatives. The stable coordination of the NHC ligands of selected complexes 4 b and 5 b in solution was confirmed, and their DNA binding properties were studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and circular dichroism. Stable intercalative binding into the DNA for all selected naphthalimide-based complexes is indicated by high DNA binding constants. Particularly efficient binding was observed in the case of the rhodium complex 4 b. More detailed biological studies on 4 b showed promising activities against multidrug-resistant Nalm-6 cells and confirmed an important role for mitochondrial pathways in 4 b-induced apoptosis.

Recent development of luminescent rhenium(i) tricarbonyl polypyridine complexes as cellular imaging reagents, anticancer drugs, and antibacterial agents

This Perspective summarizes recent advances in the biological applications of luminescent rhenium(i) tricarbonyl polypyridine complexes.

Coordination chemistry of N-picolyl-1,8-naphthalimides: colourful low molecular weight metallo-gelators and unique chelation behaviours

A family of N-picolyl-1,8-napthalimide ligands display fascinating coordination chemistry and produce a series of robust and chemically responsive supramolecular metallo-gels.

Contrasting photophysical properties of rhenium(i) tricarbonyl complexes having carbazole groups attached to the polypyridine ligand

The fac-[Re(CO)₃(cbz₂phen)(L)]^0/+1 complexes showed a remarkable presence of the ILCT_cbz2phen fluorescence in addition to the usually observed ³MLCT_{Re→cbz2phen}. In PMMA films the emission is completely turned into a triplet excited state manifold.

Fluorescence probes for prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using Re(CO)3+complexes with an electron withdrawing ancillary ligand

Re(CO)₃⁺complexes with an ancillary ligand present an electron withdrawing effect suitable for cell imaging.

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.

Development of a cyclometalated iridium complex with specific intramolecular hydrogen-bonding that acts as a fluorescent marker for the endoplasmic reticulum and causes photoinduced cell death

Cyclometalated iridium complexes have important applications as phosphorescent probes for cellular imaging due to their photophysical properties. Moreover, these properties also make them potential candidates as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of tumors and skin diseases. Treatment of MCF7 breast carcinoma cells with a heteroleptic phosphorescent cyclometalated iridium(III) complex C2 followed by confocal imaging indicates that the complex selectively localizes and exhibits high fluorescence in the endoplasmic reticulum. In an unprecedented approach, systematic alteration of functional groups or the metal core in C2 to synthesize a series of iridium(III) complexes (C1–C10) and an organometallic rhenium complex C11 with an imidazolyl modified phenanthroline ligand has indicated the functional groups and their interactions that are responsible for this selective localization. Remarkably, the exposure of the cells treated with C2 to irradiation at 405 nm for one hour led to membrane blebbing and cell death, demonstrating a photosensitizing property of the compound.