Light-activated cytotoxicity of dicarbonyl Ru(II) complexes with a benzimidazole coligand towards breast cancer

Insights into the photoactivatable CO releasing properties of dicarbonyl Ru(II) complex with 8-amino quinoline ligand: Experimental and theoretical studies

Reaction between the polymeric [RuCl2(CO)2]n and the N,N-bidentate ligand, 8-amino-quinoline (Quin), in methanol, afforded the photoactivated CO releasing molecule with the formula of trans-(Cl,Cl)-[RuCl2(CO)2Quin]. In the presence of biomolecules or in solvents with varying polarity and coordinating abilities, the solvatochromic characteristics and dark stability were investigated. A new board band emerged in the visible spectrum during the illumination, and its position varies according to the type of solvent used, indicating the role of the solvent in controlling the nature of the CO-depleted species. Spectral methods were used in combination with density functional theory simulations to get insight into the local minimum structure and the electronic properties of the Ru(II) complex. The results of the myoglobin assay showed that within the first two hours of illumination, one of the two CO molecules was released. The cytotoxic properties of the Ru(II)-based complex were investigated against normal mice bone marrow stromal cells and malignant human acute monocytic leukaemia cells.

Metal-based carbon monoxide releasing molecules with promising cytotoxic properties

Carbon monoxide, the "silent killer" gas, is increasingly recognised as an important signalling molecule in human physiology, which has beneficial biological properties. A particular way of achieving controlled CO administration is based on the use of biocompatible molecules that only release CO when triggered by internal or external factors. These approaches include the development of pharmacologically effective prodrugs known as CO releasing molecules (CORMs), which can supply biological systems with CO in well-regulated doses. An overview of transition metal-based CORMs with cytotoxic properties is here reported. The mechanisms at the basis of the biological activities of these molecules and their potential therapeutical applications with respect to their stability and CO releasing properties have been discussed. The activation of metal-based CORMs is determined by the type of metal and by the nature and features of the auxiliary ligands, which affect the metal core electronic density and therefore the prodrug resistance towards oxidation and CO release ability. A major role in regulating the cytotoxic properties of these CORMs is played by CO and/or CO-depleted species. However, several mysteries concerning the cytotoxicity of CORMs remain as intriguing questions for scientists.

Evaluation of cytotoxic properties of two fluorescent fac-Re(CO)3 complexes bearing an N,N-bidentate benzimidazole coligand

The reaction between 1H-benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl-(N-aryl)amine derivatives (L^R) and [ReBr(CO)₅] afforded octahedral Re(i) complexes of the general formula of [ReBr(CO)₃L^R] (R = 4-Cl and 4-COOCH₃). The Re(i) complexes were screened for their potential cytotoxicity against three malignant cell lines and one normal cell line of different origins. The solvatochromic characteristics of the complexes were examined by UV/vis. spectroscopy with the aid of time-dependent density functional theory calculations. Strong autofluorescence emission can be seen in the two Re(i) complexes between 460 and 488 nm. They appeared to accumulate inside intercellular connections and surrounding cellular membranes. The substances gathered also, along the cell membrane, waiting for their entry. The mode of cell death staining and the DNA fragmentation analysis revealed that the 4-Cl complex showed increased apoptotic changes in the MCF-7, and the Caco-2 cell line, while the HepG2 cell line showed little apoptotic changes.