Ruthenium Half-Sandwich Type Complexes with Bidentate Monosaccharide Ligands Show Antineoplastic Activity in Ovarian Cancer Cell Models through Reactive Oxygen Species Production

Ruthenium complexes are developed as substitutes for platinum complexes to be used in the chemotherapy of hematological and gynecological malignancies, such as ovarian cancer. We synthesized and screened 14 ruthenium half-sandwich complexes with bidentate monosaccharide ligands in ovarian cancer cell models. Four complexes were cytostatic, but not cytotoxic on A2780 and ID8 cells. The IC₅₀ values were in the low micromolar range (the best being 0.87 µM) and were similar to or lower than those of the clinically available platinum complexes. The active complexes were cytostatic in cell models of glioblastoma, breast cancer, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, while they were not cytostatic on non-transformed human skin fibroblasts. The bioactive ruthenium complexes showed cooperative binding to yet unidentified cellular target(s), and their activity was dependent on reactive oxygen species production. Large hydrophobic protective groups on the hydroxyl groups of the sugar moiety were needed for biological activity. The cytostatic activity of the ruthenium complexes was dependent on reactive species production. Rucaparib, a PARP inhibitor, potentiated the effects of ruthenium complexes.

Ruthenium-based PACT agents based on bisquinoline chelates: synthesis, photochemistry, and cytotoxicity

The known ruthenium complex [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(Hmte)](PF6)2 ([1](PF6)2, where tpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, Hmte = 2-(methylthio)ethanol) is photosubstitutionally active but non-toxic to cancer cells even upon light irradiation. In this work, the two analogs complexes [Ru(tpy)(NN)(Hmte)](PF6)2, where NN = 3,3'-biisoquinoline (i-biq, [2](PF6)2) and di(isoquinolin-3-yl)amine (i-Hdiqa, [3](PF6)2), were synthesized and their photochemistry and phototoxicity evaluated to assess their suitability as photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) agents. The increase of the aromatic surface of [2](PF6)2 and [3](PF6)2, compared to [1](PF6)2, leads to higher lipophilicity and higher cellular uptake for the former complexes. Such improved uptake is directly correlated to the cytotoxicity of these compounds in the dark: while [2](PF6)2 and [3](PF6)2 showed low EC50 values in human cancer cells, [1](PF6)2 is not cytotoxic due to poor cellular uptake. While stable in the dark, all complexes substituted the protecting thioether ligand upon light irradiation (520 nm), with the highest photosubstitution quantum yield found for [3](PF6)2 (Φ[3] = 0.070). Compounds [2](PF6)2 and [3](PF6)2 were found both more cytotoxic after light activation than in the dark, with a photo index of 4. Considering the very low singlet oxygen quantum yields of these compounds, and the lack of cytotoxicity of the photoreleased Hmte thioether ligand, it can be concluded that the toxicity observed after light activation is due to the photoreleased aqua complexes [Ru(tpy)(NN)(OH2)]2+, and thus that [2](PF6)2 and [3](PF6)2 are promising PACT candidates.

Enhancing the Activity of Drugs by Conjugation to Organometallic Fragments

Resistance to chemotherapy is a current clinical problem, especially in the treatment of microbial infections and cancer. One strategy to overcome this is to make new derivatives of existing drugs by conjugation to organometallic fragments, either by an appropriate linker, or by direct coordination of the drug to a metal. We illustrate this with examples of conjugated organometallic metallocene sandwich and half-sandwich complexes, RuII and OsII arene, and RhIII and IrIII cyclopentadienyl half-sandwich complexes. Ferrocene conjugates are particularly promising. The ferrocene-chloroquine conjugate ferroquine is in clinical trials for malaria treatment, and a ferrocene-tamoxifen derivative (a ferrocifen) seems likely to enter anticancer trails soon. Several other examples illustrate that organometallic conjugation can restore the activity of drugs to which resistance has developed.

Synthesis, Characterisation and In Vitro Permeation, Dissolution and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Ruthenium(II)-Liganded Sulpiride and Amino Alcohol

Sulpiride (SPR) is a selective antagonist of central dopamine receptors but has limited clinical use due to its poor pharmacokinetics. The aim of this study was to investigate how metal ligation to SPR may improve its solubility, intestinal permeability and prolong its half-life. The synthesis and characterisation of ternary metal complexes [Ru(p -cymene)(L)(SPR)]PF6 (L1 = (R)-(+)-2-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol, L2 = ethanolamine, L3 = (S)-(+)-2-amino-1-propanol, L4 = 3-amino-1-propanol, L5 = (S)-(+)-2-pyrrolidinemethanol) are described in this work. The stability constant of the [Ru(p -cymene)(SPR)] complex was determined using Job's method. The obtained value revealed higher stability of the metal complex in the physiological pH than in an acidic environment such as the stomach. The ternary metal complexes were characterised by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal analyses, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis). Solubility studies showed higher aqueous solubility for complexed SPR than the free drug. Dissolution profiles of SPR from the metal complexes exhibited slower dissolution rate of the drug. Permeation studies through the pig's intestine revealed enhanced membrane permeation of the complexed drug. In vitro methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay showed no noticeable toxic effects of the ternary metal complexes on Caco-2 cell line.

Structure-Antiplatelet Activity Relationships of Novel Ruthenium (II) Complexes: Investigation of Its Molecular Targets

The regulation of platelet function by pharmacological agents that modulate platelet signaling has proven to be a positive approach to the prevention of thrombosis. Ruthenium complexes are fascinating for the development of new drugs, as they possess numerous chemical and biological properties. The present study aims to evaluate the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of newly synthesized ruthenium (II) complexes, TQ-1, TQ-2 and TQ-3 in agonists-induced washed human platelets. Silica gel column chromatography, aggregometry, immunoblotting, NMR, and X-ray analyses were performed in this study. Of the three tested compounds, TQ-3 showed a concentration (1–5 μM) dependent inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation induced by collagen (1 μg/mL) and thrombin (0.01 U/mL) in washed human platelets; however, TQ-1 and TQ-2 had no response even at 250 μM of collagen and thrombin-induced aggregation. TQ-3 was effective with inhibiting collagen-induced ATP release, calcium mobilization ([Ca²⁺]i) and P-selectin expression without cytotoxicity. Moreover, TQ-3 significantly abolished collagen-induced Lyn-Fyn-Syk, Akt-JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPKs) phosphorylation. The compound TQ-3 containing an electron donating amino group with two phenyl groups of the quinoline core could be accounted for by its hydrophobicity and this nature might be the reason for the noted antiplatelet effects of TQ-3. The present results provide a molecular basis for the inhibition by TQ-3 in collagen-induced platelet aggregation, through the suppression of multiple machineries of the signaling pathway. These results may suggest that TQ-3 can be considered a potential agent for the treatment of vascular diseases.

Anticancer activity of two ruthenium(II)-DMSO-chalcone complexes: Comparison of cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic and antimetastatic potential

PURPOSE

Recently, we reported the synthesis and characterization of two complexes of general formula cis-[Ru(S-DMSO)3(R-CO-CH=CH-R')Cl] (R = 2-hydroxyphenyl for both, R' = thiophene (1), 3-methyl thiophene (2)) that showed remarkable topoisomerase II inhibition and strong binding with DNA. The aim of this study was the investigation of cytotoxic properties of these complexes against a panel of human tumor cell lines, with elucidation of their anticancer mechanisms in HeLa cells.

METHODS

Characterization of anticancer activity of the investigated ruthenium complexes 1 and 2 included analysis of cytotoxicity by MTT assay. Cell cycle phase disruption of HeLa cells treated with complexes 1 and 2 was analyzed by flow cytometry after propidium iodide (PI) staining. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and further flow cytometry analysis and acridine orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EB) double staining and fluorescent microscopy were used to determine the apoptotic potential of the investigated ruthenium complexes. The inhibitory effect on gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) as an indication of possible antimetastatic potential was also analyzed using gelatine zymography.

RESULTS

The 50% cell growth inhibition (IC50) values of the investigated complexes ranged between 22.9 and 76.8 μM, with complex 2 being more cytotoxic. Both complexes induced G2 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HeLa cells. Inhibitory effect of complex 2 on MMP-2 activity was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

This work revealed the potential of the investigated Ru(II)-DMSO-chalcone complexes as anticancer agents with cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activity and indicated complex 2 as leading compound for further chemical modifications and anticancer research.

New synthetic routes for the preparation of ruthenium-1,10-phenanthroline complexes. Tests of cytotoxic and antibacterial activity of selected ruthenium complexes

Three novel complexes have been prepared through reactions of precursor [(dmso)2H][trans-RuCl4(dmso-S)2] (P) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) at different conditions. Whereas the analogs of mer-[RuCl3(dmso-S)(phen)] (1) and [Ru(phen)3]Cl2·6CH3OH (3·6CH3OH) have already been prepared by other synthetic routes before, product (H3O)[RuCl4(phen)]·4H2O (2·4H2O) is unprecedented. In the latter, isolated from highly acidic medium, one strongly bound dmso molecule in precursor P was substituted by chloride. Biological activity of 1 and previously isolated ruthenium-purine complexes ([mer-RuCl3(dmso-S)(acv)(CH3OH)] (4) (acv = acyclovir); [trans-RuCl4(dmso-S)(guaH)] (5) (guaH = protonated guanine)) was tested and compared. These data show that compounds 1, 4 and 5 are slightly cytotoxic against B-16 malignant melanoma cells but not against non-transformed V-79-379A cells. It seems that coordinated phen ligand increases the cytotoxicity of 1 in comparison to ruthenium precursor. The inability of tested compounds to induce lysis of bovine erythrocytes suggests that their cytotoxic effect is not due to the membrane damage.

Hydrous RuO2 nanoparticles as an efficient NIR-light induced photothermal agent for ablation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Metal oxides are receiving an incremental attention in recent years for their potential applications in ablation of cancer cells due to their efficient photothermal conversion and good biocompatibility, but the large sizes and poor photo-stability will seriously limit their practical application. Herein, hydrous RuO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal treatment and surface-modified with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coating. PVP-coated RuO2 nanoparticles exhibit a well dispertion in saline solution, strong characteristic plasmonic absorption in NIR region, enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency of 54.8% and remarkable photo-stability under the irridation of an 808 nm laser. The nanoparticles were further employed as a new photothermal ablation agent for cancer cells which led rapidly to cellular deaths both in vitro and in vivo.

Metal- and Semimetal-Containing Inhibitors of Thioredoxin Reductase as Anticancer Agents

The mammalian thioredoxin reductases (TrxRs) are a family of selenium-containing pyridine nucleotide disulfide oxidoreductases playing a central role in cellular redox homeostasis and signaling pathways. Recently, these selenoproteins have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for anticancer drug development, often being overexpressed in tumor cells and contributing to drug resistance. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge on metal- and semimetal-containing molecules capable of hampering mammalian TrxRs, with an emphasis on compounds reported in the last decade.

Cytoxicity and apoptotic mechanism of ruthenium(II) amino acid complexes in sarcoma-180 tumor cells

Over the past several decades, much attention has been focused on ruthenium complexes in antitumor therapy. Ruthenium is a transition metal that possesses several advantages for rational antitumor drug design and biological applications. In the present study, five ruthenium complexes containing amino acids were studied in vitro to determine their biological activity against sarcoma-180 tumor cells. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was evaluated by an MTT assay, and their mechanism of action was investigated. The results demonstrated that the five complexes inhibited the growth of the S180 tumor cell line, with IC50 values ranging from 22.53 µM to 50.18 µM, and showed low cytotoxicity against normal L929 fibroblast cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the [Ru(gly)(bipy)(dppb)]PF6 complex (2) inhibited the growth of the tumor cells by inducing apoptosis, as evidenced by an increased number of Annexin V-positive cells and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Further investigation showed that complex 2 caused a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential; activated caspases 3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 and caused a change in the mRNA expression levels of caspase 3, caspase-9 as well as the bax genes. The levels of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein Bak were increased. Thus, we demonstrated that ruthenium amino acid complexes are promising drugs against S180 tumor cells, and we recommend further investigations of their role as chemotherapeutic agents for sarcomas.

Synthesis and photophysical and electrochemical properties of functionalized mono-, bis-, and trisanthracenyl bridged Ru(II) bis(2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) charge transfer complexes

With the aim of developing new molecular devices having long-range electron transfer in artificial systems and as photosensitizers, a series of homoleptic ruthenium(II) bisterpyridine complexes bearing one to three anthracenyl units sandwiched between terpyridine and 2-methyl-2-butenoic acid group are synthesized and characterized. The complexes formulated as bis-4'-(9-monoanthracenyl-10-(2-methyl-2-butenoic acid) terpyridyl) ruthenium(II) bis(hexafluorophosphate) (RBT1), bis-4'-(9-dianthracenyl-10-(2-methyl-2-butenoic acid) terpyridyl) ruthenium(II) bis(hexafluorophosphate) (RBT2), and bis-4'-(9-trianthracenyl-10-(2-methyl-2-butenoic acid) terpyridyl) ruthenium(II) bis(hexafluorophosphate) (RBT3) were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis, photoluminescence, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis, photoluminescence, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques. The cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of (RBT1), (RBT2), and (RBT3) display reversible one-electron oxidation processes at E 1/2 = 1.13 V, 0.71 V, and 0.99 V, respectively (versus Ag/AgCl). Based on a general linear correlation between increase in the length of π-conjugation bond and the molar extinction coefficients, the Ru(II) bisterpyridyl complexes show characteristic broad and intense metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band absorption transitions between 480-600 nm, ε = 9.45 × 10(3) M(-1) cm(-1), and appreciable photoluminescence spanning the visible region.

Chiral ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes: stabilization of g-quadruplex DNA, inhibition of telomerase activity and cellular uptake

Two ruthenium(II) complexes, Λ-[Ru(phen)₂(p-HPIP)]²⁺ and Δ-[Ru(phen)₂(p-HPIP)]²⁺, were synthesized and characterized via proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. This study aims to clarify the anticancer effect of metal complexes as novel and potent telomerase inhibitors and cellular nucleus target drug. First, the chiral selectivity of the compounds and their ability to stabilize quadruplex DNA were studied via absorption and emission analyses, circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence-resonance energy transfer melting assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and polymerase chain reaction stop assay. The two chiral compounds selectively induced and stabilized the G-quadruplex of telomeric DNA with or without metal cations. These results provide new insights into the development of chiral anticancer agents for G-quadruplex DNA targeting. Telomerase repeat amplification protocol reveals the higher inhibitory activity of Λ-[Ru(phen)₂(p-HPIP)]²⁺ against telomerase, suggesting that Λ-[Ru(phen)₂(p-HPIP)]²⁺ may be a potential telomerase inhibitor for cancer chemotherapy. MTT assay results show that these chiral complexes have significant antitumor activities in HepG2 cells. More interestingly, cellular uptake and laser-scanning confocal microscopic studies reveal the efficient uptake of Λ-[Ru(phen)₂(p-HPIP)]²⁺ by HepG2 cells. This complex then enters the cytoplasm and tends to accumulate in the nucleus. This nuclear penetration of the ruthenium complexes and their subsequent accumulation are associated with the chirality of the isomers as well as with the subtle environment of the ruthenium complexes. Therefore, the nucleus can be the cellular target of chiral ruthenium complexes for anticancer therapy.

Synthesis, spectral, thermal, X-ray single crystal of new RuCl₂(dppb)diamine complexes and their application in hydrogenation of Cinnamic aldehyde

The preparation of new three trans-[RuCl(2)(dppb)(N-N)] with mixed diamine (N-N) and 1,4-bis-(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) ligands, starting from RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(3) as precursor is presented. The complexes are characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, (1)H, (13)C and (31)P{(1)H}NMR, FAB-MS, TG/DTA and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Complex (2L(1)) crystallizes in the monoclinic unit cells with the space group P2(1). The catalysts are evaluated for their Cinnamic aldehyde hydrogenation. The catalysts show excellent activity and selectivity for the unsaturated carbonyl compound under mild conditions.

Synthesis and characterization of a heteroleptic Ru(II) complex of phenanthroline containing oligo-anthracenyl carboxylic acid moieties

In an effort to develop new ruthenium(II) complexes, this work describes the design, synthesis and characterization of a ruthenium(II) functionalized phenanthroline complex with extended π-conjugation. The ligand were L(1) (4,7-bis(2,3-dimethylacrylic acid)-1,10-phenanthroline), synthesized by a direct aromatic substitution reaction, and L(2) (4,7-bis(trianthracenyl-2,3-dimethylacrylic acid)-1,10-phenanthroline), which was synthesized by the dehalogenation of halogenated aromatic compounds using a zero-valent palladium cross-catalyzed reaction in the absence of magnesium-diene complexes and/or cyclooctadienyl nickel (0) catalysts to generate a new carbon-carbon bond (C-C bond) polymerized hydrocarbon units. The ruthenium complex [RuL(1)L(2)(NCS)(2)] showed improved photophysical properties (red-shifted metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transition absorptions and enhanced molar extinction coefficients), luminescence and interesting electrochemical properties. Cyclic and square wave voltammetry revealed five major redox processes. The number of electron(s) transferred by the ruthenium complex was determined by chronocoulometry in each case. The results show that processes I, II and III are multi-electron transfer reactions while processes IV and V involved one-electron transfer reaction. The photophysical property of the complex makes it a promising candidate in the design of chemosensors and photosensitizers, while its redox-active nature makes the complex a potential mediator of electron transfer in photochemical processes.

Arene-Ru(II)-chloroquine complexes interact with DNA, induce apoptosis on human lymphoid cell lines and display low toxicity to normal mammalian cells

The complexes [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(CQ)Cl(2)] (1), [Ru(eta(6)-benzene)(CQ)Cl(2)] (2), [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(CQ)(H(2)O)(2)][BF(4)](2) (3), [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(en)(CQ)][PF(6)](2) (4), [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(eta(6)-CQDP)][BF(4)](2) (5) (CQ = chloroquine base; CQDP = chloroquine diphosphate; en = ethylenediamine) interact with DNA to a comparable extent to that of CQ and in analogous intercalative manner with no evidence for any direct contribution of the metal, as shown by spectrophotometric and fluorimetric titrations, thermal denaturation measurements, circular dichroism spectroscopy and electrophoresis mobility shift assays. Complexes 1-5 induced cytotoxicity in Jurkat and SUP-T1 cancer cells primarily via apoptosis. Despite the similarities in the DNA binding behavior of complexes 1-5 with those of CQ the antitumor properties of the metal drugs do not correlate with those of CQ, indicating that DNA is not the principal target in the mechanism of cytotoxicity of these compounds. Importantly, the Ru-CQ complexes are generally less toxic toward normal mouse splenocytes and human foreskin fibroblast cells than the standard antimalarial drug CQDP and therefore this type of compound shows promise for drug development.

Mononuclear ruthenium(III) complexes containing chelating thiosemicarbazones: synthesis, characterization and catalytic property

Mononuclear ruthenium(III) complexes of the type [RuX(EPh(3))(2)(L)] (E=P or As; X=Cl or Br; L=dibasic terdentate dehydroacetic acid thiosemicarbazones) have been synthesized from the reaction of thiosemicarbazone ligands with ruthenium(III) precursors, [RuX(3)(EPh(3))(3)] (where E=P, X=Cl; E=As, X=Cl or Br) and [RuBr(3)(PPh(3))(2)(CH(3)OH)] in benzene. The compositions of the complexes have been established by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurement, FT-IR, UV-vis and EPR spectral data. These complexes are paramagnetic and show intense d-d and charge transfer transitions in dichloromethane. The complexes show rhombic EPR spectra at LNT which are typical of low-spin distorted octahedral ruthenium(III) species. All the complexes are redox active and display an irreversible metal centered redox processes. Complex [RuCl(PPh(3))(2)(DHA-PTSC)] (5) was used as catalyst for transfer hydrogenation of ketones in the presence of isopropanol/KOH and was found to be the active species.

Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding studies of ruthenium(II) mixed-ligand complexes containing dipyrido[1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline

A novel ligand dipyrido[1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline (dpoq) and its complexes [Ru(bpy)(2)(dpoq)](2+) and [Ru(phen)(2)(dpoq)](2+) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine; phen=1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electrospray mass spectra and (1)H NMR. The interaction of Ru(II) complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated by absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, thermal denaturation and viscosity measurements. Results suggest that two Ru(II) complexes bind to DNA via an intercalative mode.

Synthesis of a ruthenium(II) bipyridyl complex coordinated by a functionalized Schiff base ligand: characterization, spectroscopic and isothermal titration calorimetry measurements of M2+ binding and sensing (M2+=Ca2+, Mg2+)

Bis-[methylsalicylidine-4'benzoic acid]-ethylene (LH2) complexed with cis-Ru(bpy)2Cl(2).2H2O provides a complex of composition [Ru(bpy)2L].2NH4PF6 (1), which has been characterized spectroscopically. Its binding behaviour towards Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions is monitored using 1H NMR titration, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and luminescence microscopy. The luminescent ruthenium complex binds Ca2+ in a more selective manner as compared to Mg2+.

Synthesis, characterisation and thermal studies of ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes of functionalised tripodal phosphine chalcogen donor ligands, [CH(3)C(CH(2)P(X)Ph(2))(3)], where X=Se, S, O

The polymeric ruthenium(II) carbonyl complex, [Ru(CO)(2)Cl(2)](n) reacts with 1,1,1-tris-(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane trichalcogenide ligands, [CH(3)C(CH(2)P(X)Ph(2))(3)], where X=Se(a), S(b) and O(c) in 1:1 (metal:ligand) molar ratio to afford hexa-coordinated complexes of the type eta(2)-(X,X)-[Ru(CO)(2)Cl(2)P(3)X(3)] (1a-c). The complexes 1a-c exhibit two equally intense nu(CO) bands in the range 1979-2060cm(-1) indicating cis-disposition of the two terminal carbonyl groups. The values of nu(CO) frequencies containing different ligands, in general, follow the order: P(3)O(3)>P(3)S(3)>P(3)Se(3) which may be explained in terms of 'Soft-Hard' (Ru(II)-O) and 'Soft-Soft' (Ru(II)-S/Se) interactions. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, mass, (1)H, (31)P, (77)Se and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the complexes has also been studied.

Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro antimalarial and antitumor activity of new ruthenium(II) complexes of chloroquine

The new Ru(II) chloroquine complexes [Ru(eta(6)-arene)(CQ)Cl2] (CQ = chloroquine; arene = p-cymene 1, benzene 2), [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(CQ)(H2O)2][BF4]2 (3), [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(CQ)(en)][PF6]2 (en = ethylenediamine) (4), and [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(eta(6)-CQDP)][BF4]2 (5, CQDP = chloroquine diphosphate) have been synthesized and characterized by use of a combination of NMR and FTIR spectroscopy with DFT calculations. Each complex is formed as a single coordination isomer: In 1-4, chloroquine binds to ruthenium in the eta(1)-N mode through the quinoline nitrogen atom, whereas in 5 an unprecedented eta(6) bonding through the carbocyclic ring is observed. 1, 2, 3, and 5 are active against CQ-resistant (Dd2, K1, and W2) and CQ-sensitive (FcB1, PFB, F32, and 3D7) malaria parasites (Plasmodium falciparum); importantly, the potency of these complexes against resistant parasites is consistently higher than that of the standard drug chloroquine diphosphate. 1 and 5 also inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells, independently of the p53 status and of liposarcoma tumor cell lines with the latter showing increased sensitivity, especially to 1 (IC50 8 microM); this is significant because this type of tumor does not respond to currently employed chemotherapies.

Binuclear ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes bearing N(4)O(4) donors and their catalytic oxidation of alcohols

An interesting series of binuclear ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes bearing bis-salophen/bis-naphophen units of the general composition [(EPh(3))(X)Ru-L-Ru(X)(EPh(3))] (where E=P or As; X=Cl or Br; L=binucleating dianionic tetradentate ligands) have been synthesized and characterized by analytical (elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements), spectral (FT-IR, UV-vis and EPR) and electrochemical methods. These ruthenium(III) complexes have two N(2)O(2) metal binding sites, which are linked to each other with a biphenyl bridge and acts as potential catalyst for oxidation of wide range of primary and secondary alcohols to corresponding aldehydes or ketones with moderate to high conversion in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO). The formation of high-valent Ru(V)=O species as a catalytic active intermediate is proposed for the catalytic processes.

Synthesis and anticancer activity of certain mononuclear Ru (II) Complexes

Bis(1,10-phenanthroline/2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium(II)complexes containing TCP, TTZ OPBI, and BTSC ligands (where, TCP = 1-thiocarbamoyl-3,5-diphenyl-2-pyrazoline, TTZ = 2-(3,5-diphenyl-4,5-dihydropyrazol-1-yl)-4-phenylthiazole, OPBI = 2-hydroxyphenyl benzimidazole and BTSC = benzoin thiosemicarbazone) have been prepared and characterized. The spectral data suggested that the ligands were coordinated with the metal through nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen atoms. The target complexes were tested in vivo for anticancer activity against transplantable murine tumor cell line, Ehrlich's Ascitic Carcinoma (EAC). All these complexes increased the life span of the EAC-bearing mice, decreased their tumor volume and viable ascitic cell count as well as improved Hb, RBC and WBC counts. These results suggest that the Ru(II) complexes exhibit significant antitumor activity in EAC-bearing mice. It was also observed that the ruthenium complexes protected red blood cells from 2,2'-azo-bis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH)- induced hemolysis. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent at a concentration of 20-120 microg/ml.

Antineoplastic and Antibacterial Activity of some Mononuclear Ru(II) Complexes

These ligands (L) show a bidentate behavior, forming octahedral ruthenium complexes. The title complexes were subjected to in-vivo anticancer activity tests against a transplantable murine tumor cell line, Ehrlich's Ascitic Carcinoma (EAC) and in-vitro antibacterial activity against several Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains. [Ru(bpy)2(ihqs)]Cl2 and [Ru(bpy)2 (hc)]Cl2 (where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, ihqs = 7-iodo-8hydroxy quinoline-5-sulphonic acid and hc = 3-hydroxy coumarin) showed promising antitumor activity. Treatment with these complexes prolonged the life span of EAC bearing mice as well as decreased their tumor volume and viable ascitic cell count. All the tested complexes exhibited mild to moderate antibacterial activity.

Synthesis and characterization of ruthenium bis(beta-diketonato) pyridine-imidazole complexes for hydrogen atom transfer

Ruthenium bis(beta-diketonato) complexes have been prepared at both the RuII and RuIII oxidation levels and with protonated and deprotonated pyridine-imidazole ligands. RuII(acac)2(py-imH) (1), [RuIII(acac)2(py-imH)]OTf (2), RuIII(acac)2(py-im) (3), RuII(hfac)2(py-imH) (4), and [DBU-H][RuII(hfac)2(py-im)] (5) have been fully characterized, including X-ray crystal structures (acac = 2,4-pentanedionato, hfac = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato, py-imH = 2-(2'-pyridyl)imidazole, DBU = 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene). For the acac-imidazole complexes 1 and 2, cyclic voltammetry in MeCN shows the RuIII/II reduction potential (E1/2) to be -0.64 V versus Cp2Fe+/0. E1/2 for the deprotonated imidazolate complex 3 (-1.00 V) is 0.36 V more negative. The RuII bis-hfac analogues 4 and 5 show the same DeltaE1/2 = 0.36 V but are 0.93 V harder to oxidize than the acac derivatives (0.29 and -0.07 V). The difference in acidity between the acac and hfac derivatives is much smaller, with pKa values of 22.1 and 19.3 in MeCN for 1 and 4, respectively. From the E1/2 and pKa values, the bond dissociation free energies (BDFEs) of the N-H bonds in 1 and 4 are calculated to be 62.0 and 79.6 kcal mol(-1) in MeCN - a remarkable difference of 17.6 kcal mol(-1) for such structurally similar compounds. Consistent with these values, there is a facile net hydrogen atom transfer from 1 to TEMPO* (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical) to give 3 and TEMPO-H. The DeltaG degrees for this reaction is -4.5 kcal mol(-1). 4 is not oxidized by TEMPO* (DeltaG degrees = +13.1 kcal mol(-1)), but in the reverse direction TEMPO-H readily reduces in situ generated RuIII(hfac)2(py-im) (6). A RuII-imidazoline analogue of 1, RuII(acac)2(py-imnH) (7), reacts with 3 equiv of TEMPO* to give the imidazolate 3 and TEMPO-H, with dehydrogenation of the imidazoline ring.

Ruthenium half-sandwich complexes as protein kinase inhibitors: an N-succinimidyl ester for rapid derivatizations of the cyclopentadienyl moiety

Cyclopentadienyl half-sandwich ruthenium complexes have been demonstrated to be promising scaffolds as protein kinase inhibitors. In order to rapidly identify derivatives which display modified pharmacological properties, we developed the synthesis of an organoruthenium compound bearing an N-succinimidyl ester at the cyclopentadienyl moiety. The quenching of this activated ester with a library of primary amines, followed by testing of the resulting amide library, led to the identification of organometallic Pim-1 and GSK-3 inhibitors with improved potencies and kinase selectivities. [structure: see text].

Mono- and dicarboxylic polypyridyl-Ru complexes as potential cell DNA dyes and transfection agents

A ruthenium coordination complex, incorporating two highly extended pi-systems DIP and two carboxylic groups: [Ru(DIP)2(L-L)]2+ where DIP=4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline and L-L=4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine, is found to be of biological interest. It constitutes an effective nuclear DNA dye for living cells: fluorescent, permeant, biocompatible, high Stokes shift. These features are commented in terms of hydrophobicity and DNA binding. In addition, this complex is shown to internalize a plasmid carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene. Positive results are obtained for gene expression, which is related to condensation of the DNA by this ruthenium agent. This opens up an innovative transfection route based on metal complexes.

The First Ruthenium-Based Paullones: Syntheses, X-ray Diffraction Structures, and Spectroscopic and Antiproliferative Properties in Vitro

Two novel paullone derivatives, namely, 6-(alpha-picolylamino)-7,12-dihydroindolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepine (L1) and 9-bromo-6-(alpha-picolylamino)-7,12-dihydroindolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepine (L2), have been prepared. The reaction of cis-[RuCl2(DMSO)4] (DMSO=dimethyl sulfoxide) with L1 and L2 in a 1:1 molar ratio in dry ethanol at 50 degrees C afforded the complexes trans-[RuIICl2(DMSO)2L1] (1a) and trans-[RuIICl2(DMSO)2L2] (1b) in 26 and 30% yield, respectively. The reaction carried out from the same starting compounds in a 1:2 molar ratio at 75 degrees C led to the formation of [RuIICl(DMSO)(L1)2]Cl (2a) and [RuIICl(DMSO)(L2)2]Cl (2b) in 16 and 23% yield, correspondingly. The products were characterized by elemental analysis, one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, electronic spectra, cyclic voltammetry, and X-ray crystallography (L1, L2, 1a, and 2b). Complexes 2a and 2b exhibit remarkable antiproliferative activity in three human carcinoma cell lines, A549 (non-small cell lung carcinoma), CH1 (ovarian carcinoma), and SW480 (colon carcinoma). The novel complexes show an intercalative mode of interaction with DNA, which may render them attractive alternatives to metal compounds with a coordinative mode of interaction.

Replacement of chlorides with dicarboxylate ligands in anticancer active Ru(II)-DMSO compounds: a new strategy that might lead to improved activity

A series of new Ru(II)-DMSO complexes containing dicarboxylate ligands (dicarb), namely, oxalate (ox), malonate (mal), methylmalonate (mmal), dimethylmalonate (dmmal), and succinate (suc), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. These compounds were prepared from the known Ru(II)-Cl-DMSO anticancer complexes cis,fac-[RuCl2(DMSO-S)3(DMSO-O)] (1) and trans-[RuCl2(DMSO-S)4] (2) and from the chloride-free precursor fac-[Ru(DMSO-S)3(DMSO-O)3][CF3SO3]2 (3), with the aim of assessing how the nature of the anionic ligands influences the biological activity of these species. Basically, the investigated ligands can be divided into two groups. The reaction of either 1 or 2 with K2(dicarb) (dicarb = ox, mal, mmal) yielded preferentially the mononuclear species [K]fac-[RuCl(DMSO-S)3(eta2-dicarb)] (dicarb = mal, 6; mmal, 9; ox, 14) that contains a chelating dicarboxylate unit and a residual chloride. Likewise, when 3 was used as a precursor, the neutral mononuclear species fac-[Ru(DMSO-O)(DMSO-S)3(eta2-dicarb)] (dicarb = mal, 7; mmal, 10; ox, 16), which contains a DMSO-O ligand in the place of Cl-, was obtained. On the contrary, K2(suc) and K2(dmmal) yielded preferentially the dinuclear species [fac-Ru(DMSO-S)3(H2O)(mu-dicarb)]2 (dicarb = dmmal, 11; suc, 13), with two bridging dicarboxylate moieties. The two water molecules in anti geometry have strong intramolecular H-bonding with the non-coordinated oxygen atoms of the carboxylate groups. The solid-state X-ray structural data showed that the preferential binding mode of the investigated dicarboxylates, either bridging (mu) or chelating (eta2), is dictated mainly by steric reasons. Oxalate, unlike the other dicarboxylates, has also the bridging bis-chelate (eta4,mu) coordination mode available: this was found in the dinuclear species [{fac-RuCl(DMSO-S)3}2(eta4,mu-ox)] (15) and [{fac-Ru(DMSO-O)(DMSO-S)3}2(eta4,mu-ox)][CF3SO3]2 (17). We also isolated the unprecedented neutral metallacycle, [fac-Ru(DMSO-S)3(eta3,mu-ox)]4 (18), in which each oxalate unit has one unbound oxygen atom. The new complexes were thoroughly characterized by 1-D (1H and 13C) and 2-D (H-H- COSY and HMQC) NMR spectroscopy in solution and by IR spectroscopy in the solid state. The molecular structures of 10 compounds, 6-11, 13, 15, 17, and 18, were determined by X-ray crystallography. The behavior of selected complexes in aqueous solution was investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy.

Di(μ-oxo) Binuclear Manganese(III,IV) Poly(bipyridyl) Complexes Bearing Four Ruthenium(II) Photoactive Units: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photoinduced Electron-Transfer Properties

In order to model the photoinduced electron-transfer reactions from the manganese cluster to the photoactive P680 chlorophylls in photosystem II, three heterohexanuclear complexes, [Mn2III,IVO2[RuII(bpy)2(Ln)]4]11+ [bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, n = 2 (1a), 4 (1b), 6 (1c)], in which one MnIII,IV(micro-O)2 center is covalently linked to four RuII(bpy)3-like moieties by bridged bis(bipyridine) Ln ligands, have been synthesized and characterized. The electrochemical, photophysical, and photochemical properties of these complexes have been investigated in CH3CN. The cyclic voltammograms and rotating-disk electrode curves of the three complexes show the presence of two very close successive reversible oxidation processes corresponding to the Mn2III,IV/Mn2IV,IV and RuII/RuIII redox couples (estimated E1/2 approximately 0.82 and 0.90 V, respectively). The lower potential of the Mn2III,IV subunit compared to those of the RuII moieties indicates that the RuIII species can act as an efficient oxidant toward the Mn2III,IV core. The two oxidized forms of the complexes [Mn2IV,IVO2[RuII(bpy)2(Ln)]4]12+ (2a-c) and [Mn2IV,IVO2[RuIII(bpy)2(Ln)]4]16+ (3a-c) obtained in good yields (>90% for 2a-c and >85% for 3a-c) by sequential electrolyses are very stable. Photophysical studies show that the 3MLCT excited state of the Ru(bpy)3 centers is moderately quenched by the Mn2III,IV(micro-O)2 core (15-25% depending on the length of the bridging alkyl chain). Nevertheless, this energy transfer can be easily short-circuited in the presence of an external irreversible electron acceptor like the (4-bromophenyl)diazonium cation, by an electron transfer leading, in a stepwise fashion, to the stable one- and five-electron-oxidized species 2a-c and 3a-c, respectively, also in good yields, under continuous irradiation of the solutions. Electro- and photoinduced oxidation experiments have been followed by UV-visible and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Synthesis, Structure, Photophysics, Electrochemistry, and Ion-Binding Studies of Ruthenium(II) 1,10-Phenanthroline Complexes Containing Thia-, Selena-, and Aza-Crown Pendants

A series of ruthenium(II) diimine complexes containing thia-, selena- and aza-crowns derived from 1,10-phenanthroline have been synthesized and characterized, and their photophysics and electrochemistry were studied. Their interaction with metal ions was investigated by UV-vis, luminescence, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of [Ru(bpy)2(L1)](PF6)2, [Ru(bpy)2(L2)](ClO4)2, [Ru(bpy)2(L3)](ClO4)2, and [Ru(bpy)2(L4)](ClO4)2 have been determined. The luminescence properties of [Ru(bpy)2(L1)](ClO4)2 were found to be sensitive and selective toward the presence of Hg2+ ions in an acetonitrile solution. The addition of alkaline-earth metal ions, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+ ions, to the solution of [Ru(bpy)2(L6)](ClO4)2 in acetonitrile gave rise to large changes in the UV-vis and emission spectra. The binding of metal ions to [Ru(bpy)2(L6)](ClO4)2 was found to cause a strong enhancement in the emission intensities of the complex, with high specificity toward Hg2+ ions.

Synthesis, Structure, and Electrochemical Properties of a Family of 2-(Arylazo)phenolate Complexes of Ruthenium with Unusual C−C Coupling and NN Cleavage

Reaction of 2-(4'-R-phenylazo)-4-methylphenols (R = OCH3, CH3, H, Cl, and NO2) with [Ru(dmso)(4)Cl2]affords a family of five ruthenium(III) complexes, containing a 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligand forming a six-membered chelate ring and a tetradentate ligand formed from two 2-(arylazo)phenols via an unusual C-C coupling linking the two ortho carbons of the phenyl rings in the arylazo fragment. A similar reaction with 2-(2'-methylphenylazo)-4-methylphenol with [Ru(dmso)(4)Cl2] has afforded a similar complex, in which one 2-(2'-methylphenylazo)-4-methylphenolate ligand is coordinated forming a six-membered chelate ring, and the other two ligands have undergone the C-C coupling reaction, and the coupled species is coordinated as a tetradentate ligand forming a five-membered N,O-chelate ring, a nine-membered N,N-chelate ring, and another five-membered chelate ring. Reaction of 2-(2',6'-dimethylphenylazo)-4-methylphenol with [Ru(dmso)(4)Cl2] has afforded a complex in which two 2-(2',6'-dimethylphenylazo)-4-methylphenols are coordinated as bidentate N,O-donors forming five- and six-membered chelate rings, while the third one has undergone cleavage across the N=N bond, and the phenolate fragment, thus generated, remains coordinated to the metal center in the iminosemiquinonate form. Structures of four selected complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The first six complexes are one-electron paramagnetic and show rhombic ESR spectra. The last complex is diamagnetic and shows characteristic 1H NMR signals. All the complexes show intense charge-transfer transitions in the visible region and a Ru(III)-Ru(IV) oxidation on the positive side of SCE and a Ru(III)-Ru(II) reduction on the negative side.

Synthesis, characterization and DNA binding studies of two mixed ligand complexes of ruthenium(II)

Two mixed ligand complexes [Ru(bpy)(2)(DMHBT)]Cl(2)(1) and [Ru(phen)(2)(DMHBT)]Cl(2) (2) (where DMHBT is 11,13-dimethyl-13H-4,5,9,11,14-hexaaza-benzo[b]triphenylene-10,12-dione) have been synthesized and characterized by electrospray ionization (ESI) mass, (1)H-(1)H correlation spectroscopy (COSY), electronic spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Spectroscopic titration and viscosity changes of calf thymus (CT)-DNA in the presence of incremental amount of complexes 1 and 2 clearly demonstrate that both these complexes bind intercalatively to DNA, with binding constant 2.87+/-0.20 x 10(4)M(-1) and 1.01+/-0.20 x 10(5)M(-1) for complexes 1 and 2, respectively. All the experimental evidences suggest that the ancillary ligand 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) influences the intercalative binding of these complexes to DNA.

Use of chelating ligands to tune the reactive site of half-sandwich ruthenium(II)-arene anticancer complexes

We show that the chelating ligand XY in Ru(II) anticancer complexes of the type [Ru(eta6-arene)(XY)Cl]n+ has a major influence on the rate and extent of aquation, the pKa of the aqua adduct, and the rate and selectivity of binding to nucleobases. Replacement of neutral ethylenediamine (en) by anionic acetylacetonate (acac) as the chelating ligand increases the rate and extent of hydrolysis, the pKa of the aqua complex (from 8.25 to 9.41 for arene=p-cymene), and changes the nucleobase specificity. For the complexes containing the hydrogen-bond donor en, there is exclusive binding to N7 of guanine in competitive nucleobase reactions, and in the absence of guanine, binding to cytosine or thymine but not to adenine. In contrast, when XY is the hydrogen-bond acceptor acac, the overall affinity for adenosine (N7 and N1 binding) is comparable to that for guanosine, but there is little binding to cytidine or thymidine.

From bench to bedside--preclinical and early clinical development of the anticancer agent indazolium trans-[tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019 or FFC14A)

Indazolium trans-[tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019 or FFC14A) is just the second ruthenium-based anticancer agent after NAMI-A which was developed to the stage of clinical trials. Important steps in the mode of action of KP1019 are thought to be the binding to the serum protein transferrin and the transport into the cell via the transferrin pathway. Additionally, the selective activation by reduction in the tumor might contribute to the low side effects observed in in vivo studies. Apoptosis is induced at non-toxic levels via the mitochondrial pathway. These features distinguish it from the established platinum anticancer drugs and suggest that different types of cancer might be treatable with this drug. Indeed, promising activity against certain types of tumors, which are not successfully treatable with cisplatin, and only a very low incidence of acquired resistance has been observed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Recently, a clinical phase I trial was finished in which none of the treated patients experienced serious side effects, while disease stabilization in five of six evaluable patients was achieved. In this review, the preclinical and early clinical development of KP1019 - from bench to bedside - is recapitulated.

Ruthenium(II) Complex of Hbopip: Synthesis, Characterization, pH-Induced Luminescence “Off−On−Off” Switch, and Avid Binding to DNA

A novel ruthenium(II) complex of [Ru(bpy)2(Hbopip)](ClO4)2 (in which bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, Hbopip=2-(4-benzoxazolyl)phenylimidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) was synthesized and characterized. The spectrophotometric pH titrations of the complex showed that it acted as a pH-induced luminescence "off-on-off" switch: a luminescence off-on switch with a luminescence enhancement factor of IpH=3.0/IpH=1.0=20 occurring over a narrow pH range of 1.00-3.00 plus a luminescence on-off switch with a luminescence enhancement factor of 3 over a pH range of 3.20-9.40. The excited-state ionization constant of the complex derived, pKa1*=3.06, is 1.36 pKa units greater than the ground-state pKa1=1.70, and pKa2*=5.01 and pKa3*=8.22 are comparable to the ground-state pKa2=5.23 and pKa3=8.22, respectively. The complex avidly bound to calf thymus DNA with a large binding constant of (1.2+/-0.3)x10(7) M-1 in buffered 50 mM NaCl, as evidenced by UV-vis and luminescence titrations, steady-state emission quenching by [Fe(CN)6]4-, DNA competitive binding with ethidium bromide, viscosity measurements, and DNA melting experiments.

Synthesis and structure of cycloruthenated carbonyl complexes and their emission, redox and biological properties

An interesting series of mononuclear organoruthenium complexes of formulation [Ru(CO)(PPh3)2(ap-R)] (where ap-R = -H, -Cl, -Me, -OMe, -OEt) have been synthesized from the reaction of five 2-(arylazo)phenol ligands with ruthenium(II) precursor [RuH(Cl)(CO)(PPh3)3] in benzene under reflux. The 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligands behave as dianionic tridentate ligand and are coordinated to ruthenium through C, N and O by dissociation of the phenolic and phenyl proton at the ortho position of the phenyl ring forming two five-membered chelate rings. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy. In dichloromethane solution all the metal complexes exhibit characteristic metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption and emission bands in the visible region. The structures of [Ru(CO)(PPh3)2(ap-H)] and [Ru(CO)(PPh3)2(ap-Cl)] have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Cyclic voltammetric data of all the complexes show a Ru(III)/Ru(II) oxidation and reduction Ru(II)/Ru(I) within the range 0.74-0.84 V and -0.38 to -0.50 V vs saturated calomel electrode (SCE) respectively. The potentials are observed with respect to the electronic nature of substituents (R) in the 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligands. Further, the free ligands and their ruthenium complexes have also been screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities, which have shown great promise in inhibiting the growth of both gram +ve and gram -ve bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and fungus Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. These results made it desirable to delineate a comparison between free ligands and their complexes.

Synthesis and pharmacological activities of some mononuclear Ru(II) complexes

A series of mononuclear Ru(II) complexes of the type [Ru(M)2(U)]2+, where M = 2,2'-bipyridine/1,10-phenanthroline and U = tpl (Ru1), 4-Cl-tpl (Ru2), 4-CH3-tpl (Ru3), 4-CH3O-tpl (Ru4), and 4-NO2-tpl (Ru5), -pai (Ru6), where tpl = thiopicolinanilide and pai = 2-phenyl-azo-imidazole, have been prepared and characterized by IR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR, 13C-NMR, FAB-Mass spectrophotometer, and elemental analysis. The complexes display metal-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions in the visible region. The title complexes were subjected to in vivo anticancer activity tests against a transplantable murine tumor cell line, Ehrlich's ascitic carcinoma (EAC) and in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms. Ru1-Ru6 were found to increase the life span of the tumor hosts by 19-52%, and decreased tumor volume and viable ascitic cell count. The results of the present study clearly demonstrated the tumor inhibitory activity of the ruthenium chelates against transplantable murine tumor cell line. The treatment with ruthenium complexes could be secondary to tumor regression or due to the action of the compounds itself. The significant antibacterial activity was observed for Ru1-Ru4 against microorganisms like Vibrio cholera 865, Staphylococcus aureus 6571, and Shigella flexneri as compared to that of standard drug chloramphenical. Ru5 showed moderate activity against S. aureus 8530. However, all the complexes fail to show significant antibacterial activity against V. cholera 14033 and Shigella sonnai.

Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding properties of rac-[Ru(5,6-dmp)2(dppz)]2+--enantiopreferential DNA binding and co-ligand promoted exciton coupling

The new mixed ligand complex [Ru(5,6-dmp)2(dppz)]Cl2 [5,6-dmp = 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine] has been isolated and its DNA-binding properties studied by employing UV-visible (UV-Vis), steady-state and time-resolved emission and circular dichroism spectral methods, viscometry, thermal denaturation and cyclic/differential pulse voltammetric techniques. The complex acts as a 'molecular light-switch' on binding to DNA, but the enhancement in emission intensity is only 75% of that of the parent complex [Ru(phen)2(dppz)]2+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The emission decay curves and quenching studies suggest two different DNA-binding modes both involving intercalation of the dppz ligand of [Ru(5,6-dmp)2(dppz)]Cl2. The characteristic red-shift of the induced CD signal, which is not observed for the phen analogue, arises from exciton coupling. The hydrophobicity and polarizability of 5,6-dmp co-ligand strongly favour the formation of a stable structural and electronic scaffold on the DNA surface for the unbound molecules to couple with the DNA-bound complexes facilitating spontaneous assembly of novel extended molecular aggregates using DNA as a helical nanotemplate. This observation is consistent with the shift in Ru(II)/Ru(III) redox potential to more positive values with a dramatic drop in peak current on binding of the 5,6-dmp complex to calf thymus (CT) DNA. Equilibrium dialysis experiments monitored by CD spectroscopy unambiguously reveal the preferential binding of the delta-enantiomer to the right-handed calf thymus (CT) DNA. The 5,6-dmp complex exhibits preferential binding to [d(AT)6]2 over [d(GC)6]2 and the complex aggregates formed consist of six [Ru(5,6-dmp)2(dppz)]2+ cations per base pair of [d(AT)6]2; however, only one [Ru(phen)2(dppz)]2+ cation per base pair is involved in DNA binding.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization of a Transition-Metal-Modified Ligand−Receptor Pair

The energetics of weak interactions (van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding) are difficult to quantify in biological ligand-receptor pairs. Insight into the biochemical role these forces play is critical to an understanding of signal transduction events and the drug discovery process. Ruthenium pentaammine and iron tetracyano complexes modified with either biotin or desthiobiotin have been synthesized and characterized. These modified biological ligands bind to the protein avidin in a manner similar to that of native biotin. Experiments using redox mediators show that the avidin-bound complexes are electrochemically accessible.

Syntheses and DNA-binding studies of two ruthenium(II) complexes containing one ancillary ligand of bpy or phen: [Ru(bpy)(pp[2,3]p)2](ClO4)2 and [Ru(phen)(pp[2,3]p)2](ClO4)2

Two new ruthenium(II) complexes of [Ru(bpy)(pp[2,3]p)2](ClO4)2 and [Ru(phen)(pp[2,3]p)2](ClO4)(2) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, phen=1,10-phenanthroline, pp[2,3]p=pyrido[2',3':5,6]pyrazino[2,3-f][1,10]phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and 1H NMR spectra. The calf thymus DNA-binding properties of the two complexes were investigated by UV-visible and emission spectroscopy, competitive binding experiments with ethidium bromide and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that the two complexes intercalate between the base pairs of the DNA tightly with intrinsic DNA-binding constants of 3.08 x 10(6) and 6.53 x 10(6) M(-1) in buffered 50 mM NaCl, respectively, which are much larger than 6.9 x 10(5) M(-1) for [Ru(bpy)2(pp[2,3]p)](ClO4)2 containing two ancillary ligands of bpy.

Exceptionally Facile CO Addition to a Saturated Ruthenium Complex

Synthesis and characterization of Cp*Ru[eta3-HC(PPh2NPh)2], 1, reveals it to have a "piano stool" structure with the ligand bound to Ru(II) via two N and the unique, sp3 hybridized carbon. While the analogous (cymene) Ru[eta3-HC(PPh2NPh)2]+ does not react with CO, under the same conditions, 1 adds one CO rapidly (25 degrees C, 1 atm CO). Characterization, including an X-ray structure determination, shows that CO has displaced one chelate ligand nitrogen, which then hangs off the molecule, free of Ru. DFT calculations reveal a possible mechanism via a remarkably low energy (+9.3 kcal/mol) intermediate, pendant N, but with one phenyl on phosphorus stabilizing Ru via donation from a C(ipso)=C(ortho) bond. DFT calculations show that the electronic energy change for binding CO is over 20 kcal/mol less favorable for cymene than for C5Me5- as ligand; the reactivity difference is thus thermodynamic in origin.

Synthesis and characterization of the monomer ruthenium complex of hypocrellin B

We first synthesized and characterized a monomer ruthenium complex of hypocrellin B (HB) by chelation with Ru(bpy)2Cl2 (in which bpy=2,2'-bipyridine). It possesses the photosensitizing properties and can be applied in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The chemiluminescence assays indicated that the photodamage ability of the complex is stronger than that of HB.

Synthesis, characterization, in vitro antitumor activity, DNA-binding properties and electronic structure (DFT) of the new complex cis-(Cl,Cl)[RuIICl2(NO+)(terpy)]Cl

The complex cis-(Cl,Cl)-[RuCl2(terpy)(NO)]Cl (1) has been synthesized by the reaction of [RuCl3(H2O)2(NO)] with terpyridine (terpy) and characterized by various spectroscopic, analytical techniques and using electronic structure calculation (DFT) methods. The cytotoxic activity and the DNA-binding properties of have also been studied using biochemical techniques. The results establish unequivocally that corresponds to a so-called [RuNO]6 species, which readily releases the nitrosyl ligand upon irradiation with a mercury lamp in acetonitrile solution. DFT calculations provided a satisfactory description of structural, bonding, electronic and related properties of the new compound and throw light on the mechanism of the photo-induced NO release. Screening on A2780 (human ovarian carcinoma) cell lines showed significant cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 0.49 microM. 31P and 23Na NMR spectroscopy along with electrophoretic mobility studies illustrated that complex primarily binds by coordination to DNA without any pi-interaction between the planar terpy ligand and the DNA bases, while weak electrostatic interactions could not be excluded. Studies on the inhibition of the restriction enzymes DraI and SmaI revealed that prefers the guanine and cytosine bases of DNA.

Solid-phase synthesis, characterization and DNA binding properties of the first chloro(polypyridyl)ruthenium conjugated peptide complex

A general method for the synthesis of chloro(polypyridyl)ruthenium conjugated peptide complexes via a solid-phase strategy is described. The method is applied to synthesize two positional isomers of the complex [Ru(terpy)(4-CO2H-4'-Mebpy-Gly-L-His-L-LysCONH2)Cl](PF6). Even though the separation of the isomers was only partially achieved chromatographically, the isomers were unambiguously assigned by NMR spectroscopy. The interactions of the complex [Ru(terpy)(4-CO2H-4'-Mebpy-Gly-L-His-L-LysCONH2)Cl](PF6) with CT-DNA and plasmid DNA, have been studied with various spectroscopic techniques, showing that (i) the complexes coordinatively bind to DNA preferring the bases guanine and cytosine over the bases thymine and adenine after hydrolysis of the coordinated chloride, (ii) electrostatic interactions between the complex cation and the polyanionic DNA chain assist this binding (iii) only in the case of one isomer the peptide does interact further with DNA as evidenced from 31P NMR spectroscopy, (iv) DNA unwinding occurs in all cases with high binding ratio (Ru/base) values (r > 0.3).

3,6-Bis(2′-pyridyl)pyridazine (L) and its deprotonated form (L − H+)−as ligands for {(acac)2Run+} or {(bpy)2Rum+}: investigation of mixed valency in [{(acac)2Ru}2(μ-L − H+)]0and [{(bpy)2Ru}2(μ-L − H+)]4+by spectroelectrochemistry and EPR

Crystallographically characterised 3,6-bis(2'-pyridyl)pyridazine (L) forms complexes with {(acac)2Ru} or {(bpy)2Ru2+}via one pyridyl-N/pyridazyl-N chelate site in mononuclear Ru(II) complexes (acac)2Ru(L), 1, and [(bpy)2Ru(L)](ClO4)2, [3](ClO4)2. Coordination of a second metal complex fragment is accompanied by deprotonation at the pyridazyl-C5 carbon {L --> (L - H+)-} to yield cyclometallated, asymmetrically bridged dinuclear complexes [(acac)2Ru(III)(mu-L - H+)Ru(III)(acac)2](ClO4), [2](ClO4), and [(bpy)2Ru(II)(mu-L - H+)Ru(II)(bpy)2](ClO4)3, [4](ClO4)3. The different electronic characteristics of the co-ligands, sigma donating acac- and pi accepting bpy, cause a wide variation in metal redox potentials which facilitates the isolation of the diruthenium(III) form in [2](ClO4) with antiferromagnetically coupled Ru(III) centres (J = -11.5 cm(-1)) and of a luminescent diruthenium(II) species in [4](ClO4)3. The electrogenerated mixed-valent Ru(II)Ru(III) states 2 and [4]4+ with comproportionation constants Kc > 10(8) are assumed to be localised with the Ru(III) ion bonded via the negatively charged pyridyl-N/pyridazyl-C5 chelate site of the bridging (L - H+)- ligand. In spectroelectrochemical experiments they show similar intervalence charge transfer bands of moderate intensity around 1300 nm and comparable g anisotropies (g1-g3 approximatly 0.5) in the EPR spectra. However, the individual g tensor components are distinctly higher for the pi acceptor ligated system [4]4+, signifying stabilised metal d orbitals.

Homoleptic ruthenium (II) complexes containing asymmetric tridentate 2-(benzimidazole-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline likes ligands: syntheses, characterization and DNA binding

Two novel homoleptic ruthenium (II) complexes containing asymmetric tridentate ligands, 2-(benzimidazole-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (PHBI) and 2-(naphtho[2,3-d]imidazole-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (PHNI) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectra, (1)H NMR, and electronic spectroscopy. The DNA-binding properties of the complexes have been investigated by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that the two complexes interact with DNA via electrostatic interaction, and the mechanisms of DNA binding with the complexes have also been discussed.

DNA-binding and photoactivated enantiospecific cleavage of chiral polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes

A series of enantiomeric polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes Delta- and Lambda-[Ru(bpy)2CNOIP](PF6)2 (Delta-1 and Lambda-1; BPY=2,2'-bipyridine, CNOIP=2-(2-chloro-5-nitrophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline), Delta- and Lambda-[Ru(bpy)2HPIP](PF6)2 (Delta-2 and Lambda-2; HPIP=2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline), Delta- and Lambda-[Ru(bpy)2DPPZ](PF6)2 (Delta-3 and Lambda-3; DPPZ=dipyrido[3,2:a-2',3':c]-phenazine), Delta- and Lambda-[Ru(bpy)2TAPTP](PF6)2 (Delta-4 and Lambda-4; TAPTP=4,5,9,18-tetraazaphenanthreno[9,10-b] triphenylene) have been synthesized. Binding of these chiral complexes to calf thymus DNA has been studied by spectroscopic methods, viscosity, and equilibrium dialysis. The experimental results indicated that all the enantiomers of these complexes bound to DNA through an intercalative mode, but the binding affinity of each chiral complex to DNA was different due to the different shape and planarity of the intercalative ligand. After binding to DNA, the luminescence property of complex 1 was distinctly different from complexes 2 to 4. Upon irradiation at 302 nm, complexes 2-4 were found to promote the cleavage of plasmid pBR 322 DNA from supercoiled form I to nicked form II, and obvious enantioselectively was observed on DNA cleavage for the enantiomers of complexes 2 and 4. The mechanisms for DNA cleavage by these enantiomeric complexes were also proposed.

Electrochemical Control of CO/NO Ligand Exchange in a Triruthenium Cluster Monolayer Assembled on a Gold Electrode Surface

A highly selective ligand exchange reaction is realized in the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of a triruthenium cluster on a gold electrode surface under precise electrochemical potential control. CO as well as NO molecules, which are known to play key roles in many chemical, biological, and environmental systems, can be efficiently introduced into the SAM by electrochemically tuning the electronic state of the Ru site. These unique surface reactions are more convenient and efficient than conventional ligand exchange reactions in solution and could be used for the elucidation of the electron-transfer mechanism in a biological system as well as in the development of molecular sensors and devices.

Synthesis, structure, redox, NLO and DNA interaction aspects of [{(L′–‴)2RuII}3(μ3-L)]3+and [(L′)2RuII(NC5H4S−)]+[L3−= 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trithiolato, L′–‴ = arylazopyridine]

The trinuclear complexes [(L'-'")2RuII)3(mu3-L)](ClO4)3, [1] (ClO4)3-[3](ClO4)3 (L = trianionic form of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trithiol; N(p)C(5)H(4)N=N(a)-C6H4(R), R = H (L'), m-Me (L"), p-Me (L'")) and the analogous mononuclear complex [(L')2RuII(NC5H4S-)]ClO4 [4] ClO4 were synthesized. Crystal structures of [1](ClO4)3 and [4]ClO4 were determined. [1](3+)-[3](3+) exhibit three successive oxidative couples corresponding to Ru(II)Ru(II)Ru(III)<==>Ru(II)Ru(II)Ru(II); Ru(II)Ru(III)Ru(III)<==>Ru(II)Ru(II)Ru(III); Ru(III)Ru(III)Ru(III)<==>Ru(II)Ru(III)Ru(III) where the mixed valent states are moderately coupled. The complexes display multiple reductions associated with the azo functions of the ancillary ligands (L'-'"). The energy of the Ru(II)-based lowest energy MLCT transitions (533-558 nm) involving the pi* level of azoimine chromophore of L'-'" varies depending on the nuclearity as well as substituents in the ligand framework and follows the order: [1](3+) > [2](3+) > [3](3+) > [4](+). The complexes exhibit reasonably high third-order non-linear optical properties with gamma= (0.90-2.45) [times] 10(-29) esu. The interactions of the trinuclear complexes [((L')2RuII)3(mu3-L)]3+[1]3+, [((bpy)2RuII)3((mu3-L)]3+[5]3+ and [((phen)2RuII)3((mu3)-L)]3+[6]3+(bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) with the circular and linear forms of p-Bluescript DNA show reduced ethidium bromide fluorescence on gel electrophoresis.