Coumarin-Tagged Dinuclear Trithiolato-Bridged Ruthenium(II)⋅Arene Complexes: Photophysical Properties and Antiparasitic Activity

The synthesis, characterization, photophysical and biological properties of 13 new conjugate coumarin-diruthenium(II)⋅arene complexes against Toxoplasma gondii are presented. For all conjugate organometallic unit/coumarins, an almost complete loss of fluorescence efficacy was observed. However, the nature of the fluorophore, the type of bonding, the presence and length of a linker between the coumarin dye and the ruthenium(II) moiety, and the number of dye units influenced their biological properties. The in vitro activity against a transgenic T. gondii strain grown in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) leads to IC₅₀ values for T. gondii β-gal from 105 to 735 nM. Of note is that nine compounds displayed lower IC₅₀ than the standard drug pyrimethamine. One compound applied at its IC₅₀ did not affect B-cell proliferation but had an impact on T-cell proliferation in murine splenocyte cultures. Transmission electron microscopy of T. gondii β-gal-infected HFF showed that treatment predominantly affected the parasites’ mitochondrion.     

Towards Light-Activated Ruthenium–Arene (RAPTA-Type) Prodrug Candidates

Cancer is currently one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. Based on the high incidence of this disease, the side effects associated with current chemotherapies and the appearance of drug resistance, considerable efforts have been directed towards the development of new anticancer drugs with new modes of action. Metal-based compounds are particularly attractive candidates due to their metabolic mechanisms, which differ substantially from those of organic drugs. Of special interest in this context are organometallic ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [Ru(η⁶-arene)(pta)Cl₂] (arene: p-cymene, toluene, benzene, etc.; pta: 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane), which are abbreviated to RAPTA. Complementary to chemotherapy, photoactivated chemotherapy is a technique that has received increasing attention towards the development of treatment for numerous kinds of cancer. With this in mind, a photoactive RAPTA-type complex bearing azide ligands has been designed. The diazide complex, [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)pta-(N₃)₂], is inert in water, but slowly releases the azide ligand upon exposure to light. Consequently, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the complex in the dark and upon light exposure at λ=450 nm in human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and noncancerous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE-1) cells was investigated. Although the cytotoxicity of the complex was found to be modest in the dark, an increase in toxicity upon light exposure was observed.     

Anticancer Activity of Electron-Deficient Metal Complexes against Colorectal Cancer in vitro Models

An evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxicity of nine electron-deficient half-sandwich metal complexes towards two colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT116 p53+/+, HCT116 p53−/−) and one normal prostate cell line (PNT2) is presented herein. Three complexes were found to be equally cytotoxic towards both colorectal cancer cell lines, suggesting a p53-independent mechanism of action. These complexes are 12 to 34× more potent than cisplatin against HCT116 p53+/+ and HCT116 p53−/− cells. Furthermore, they were found to exhibit little or no cytotoxicity towards PNT2 normal cells, with selectivity ratios greater than 50. To gain an insight into the potential mechanisms of action of the most active compounds, their effects on the expression levels of a panel of genes were measured using qRT-PCR against treated HCT116 p53+/+ and HCT116 p53−/− cells, and cell-cycle analysis was carried out.     

Ruthenium(II) acetylacetonato–sulfoxide complexes

The water-soluble Ru^II acetylacetonato–sulfoxide complexes, cis-Ru(acac)₂(DMSO)₂ (1) and Ru(acac)₂(meso-BESE) (2), were synthesized (BESE=1,2-bis(ethylsulfinyl)ethane=EtS(O)(CH₂)₂S(O)Et). Both complexes were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR, UV–Vis, and IR spectroscopies, as well as MS, elemental analysis, solution conductivity, and cyclic voltammetry, while the molecular structure of 2 was determined also by X-ray crystallography. All sulfoxide ligands are S-bonded. The complexes were tested against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-435S) using an in vitro MTT assay, a colorimetric determination of cell viability; IC₅₀ values of >2000 and 1500 ± 100 μM were determined for 1 and 2, respectively, while cisplatin exhibits an IC₅₀ value of 30 ± 5 μM.     

Increased Lipophilicity of Halogenated Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Leads to Decreased Phototoxicity in vitro when Used as Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy

In the fight against cancer, photodynamic therapy is generating great interest thanks to its ability to selectively kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. In this field, ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes, and more specifically, complexes with dipyrido[3,2-a:2’,3’-c]phenazine (dppz) as a ligand are of particular interest due to their DNA-binding and photocleaving properties. However, ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes can sometimes suffer from low lipophilicity, which hampers cellular internalisation through passive diffusion. In this study, four new [Ru(dppz-X₂)₃]²⁺ complexes (X=H, F, Cl, Br, I) were synthesized and their lipophilicity (logP), cytotoxicity and phototoxicity on cancerous and noncancerous cell lines were assessed. This study shows that, counterintuitively, the phototoxicity of these complexes decreases as their lipophilicity increases; this could be due solely to the atomic radius of the halogen substituents.     

Ruthenium(II)–Arene Thiocarboxylates: Identification of a Stable Dimer Selectively Cytotoxic to Invasive Breast Cancer Cells

Ru^II-arene complexes provide a versatile scaffold for novel anticancer drugs. Seven new Ru^II-arene-thiocarboxylato dimers were synthesized and characterized. Three of the complexes ( 2 a , b and 5 ) showed promising antiproliferative activities in MDA-MB-231 (human invasive breast cancer) cells, and were further tested in a panel of fifteen cancerous and noncancerous cell lines. Complex 5 showed moderate but remarkably selective activity in MDA-MB-231 cells (IC₅₀=39±4 μm Ru). Real-time proliferation studies showed that 5 induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells but had no effect in A549 (human lung cancer, epithelial) cells. By contrast, 2 a and b showed moderate antiproliferative activity, but no apoptosis, in either cell line. Selective cytotoxicity of 5 in aggressive, mesenchymal-like MDA-MB-231 cells over many common epithelial cancer cell lines (including noninvasive breast cancer MCF-7) makes it an attractive lead compound for the development of specifically antimetastatic Ru complexes with low systemic toxicity.     

Preparation of Linear π-Conjugated Coordination Polymers Having Ruthenium(II) Complex in the Main Chain

Soluble -conjugated coordination polymers having a ruthenium(II) complex in the main chain were prepared from a soluble metal complex monomer and a bridging ligand via coordination. Refluxing of an ethanol-water suspension containing (4,4-dinonyl-2,2-bipyridyl)Ru(III) with 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine gave the coordination polymer. The resulting polymer was soluble in common organic solvents. The structure was confirmed by uv/vis spectra and gpc analysis.     

Sequential Ruthenium(II)-Acetate Catalyzed C–H Bond Diarylation in NMP or Water and Hydrosilylation of Imines

Ruthenium(II)-acetate catalysts are shown to promote sp² C–H bond activation/diarylation of arylimines with aryl bromides selectively at ortho positions in both organic solvent (N-methylpyrrolidone, NMP) and in water. Water allows to produce a more active ruthenium catalyst for diarylation of ketimines. Furthermore, the diarylation of imines in water in basic media allows the access to diarylated aldehyde. Sequential catalytic C–H arylation/reduction using either a stoichiometric amount of NaBH₃CN or via a ruthenium(II) catalytic hydrosilylation of the resulting imines offers a direct route to bulky secondary amines.     

Effects of Mn-doping on the structure and in vitro degradation of β-tricalcium phosphate

β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is an ideal biomaterial for the bone repair because of its biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, 0 mol%, 5 mol%, 15 mol% and 30%mol bivalent manganese ion (Mn²⁺) doped β-TCP (Mn-TCP) powders were synthesized by a sol-gel method. The amount of the dopants significantly influences the crystallinity and the parameters related with structure of β-TCP, such as the lattice parameters and crystallite dimensions. The particle size and the particle distribution of doped β-TCP powers were evaluated as well. Meanwhile, the as-synthesized powders were consolidated by sintering at 1000 °C in muffle furnace for 5 h to get Mn-TCP porous material and the degradation experiment was carried out in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) solution for 28 days. Then, Mn-TCP porous material were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Significantly, there were bone-like apatite materials deposited on the surface of bone-like porous materials. With the increasing doping amount of Mn²⁺, the newly formed apatite-like materials decreased, while the crystallinity increased significantly. Besides, pH results showed that alkaline environment was more favorable for the formation of sedimentary materials.     

Metal-Ion Type Effect on the Crystal Structure and Optical Properties of 2,2′-bipyridine Complexes of Pb(II) and Cd(II)

To investigate the effect of metal ion type on the crystal structure and optical and thermal behaviors of coordination compounds, two homometal and one heterometal 2,2′-bipyridine complexes of Pb(II) and Cd(II) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, PXRD, FT-IR and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal structure analysis of heterometal coordination polymer, [Pb₂Cd(2,2′-bipy)₄(NO₃)₆]_n, displays the attendance of a centrosymmetric 1D coordination polymer that crystallizes in the triclinic system with the space group of \({\text{p}}_{1}^{ - }\). Thermal behavior of prepared coordination compounds was examined under air atmosphere by thermogravimetric analysis. The study of optical properties of compounds showed that metal ion type of coordination compounds is influential on their photophysical properties. Moreover, heterometal coordination polymer was doped into a PVK:PBD blend in two different concentrations as a light emitting material in the fabrication of two organic light-emitting diodes.     

An aqua-adenine H-bonding interaction controlling the formation of the rare Zn(II)–N9(adenine) bond in crystal structure of diaqua(adenine)(iminodiacetato)zinc(II)

A novel mixed-ligand zinc(II) complex with iminodiacetato(2-) (IDA) and adenine (AdeH) ligands has been obtained. Its crystal consists of octahedral molecules [Zn(IDA)(AdeH)(H₂O)₂] where the selective Zn–N9(AdeH) bond, involving the most basic N(AdeH) donor atom, occupies the trans position versus the Zn–N(IDA) bond. The Zn(II)–N9(AdeH) binding mode seems to be rare enough in comparison to those previously reported for Zn(II) and AdeH or a variety of related ligands. The chelate-nucleobase recognition process is further accomplished by an O–H(aqua)⋯N3(adenine) inter-ligand H-bonding interaction, without any intra-molecular IDA–nucleobase interaction. This finding is attributed to the polarizing effect of Zn(II) on the aqua ligand and the possibilities of AdeH acting as N-donor for the metal(II) atom and H-acceptor for an intra-molecular inter-ligand H-bonding interaction. There are no aromatic π,π-stacking contributions in the 3D H-bonded network, where all polar N–H (IDA or AdeH) and O–H (aqua) bonds are involved as donors in H-bonding interactions, which include AdeH:AdeH and IDA:AdeH pairing by double inter-molecular bridges.     

Comparative in vitro Studies of the Topoisomerase I Inhibition and Anticancer Activities of Metallated N-Confused Porphyrins and Metallated Porphyrins

Using the original approach, a series of metallated N-confused porphyrins and metallated porphyrins have been synthesized and characterized. For all the synthesized porphyrins, in vitro studies of cytotoxic activity against K562, U937, HL-60, Jurkat, A549 and HeLa cancer cell lines, the ability to induce apoptosis and effects on the cell cycle as well as the kinetics of proliferative activity of porphyrins and their respective metallated complexes in real time have been developed. The inhibitory activity of metallated porphyrins against human topoisomerase I and the possible mechanism of inhibition have been carried out by modelling using molecular docking.     

Study of the extraction of zinc(II) ions from ammonia–sulfate solutions

The extraction of zinc(II) ions with DX-510A β-diketone from sulfate and ammonia–sulfate solutions is reported. The effects of the aqueous phase pH and extracting agent concentration on the process have been investigated. The highest zinc(II) ion recovery is observed at pH 8.5–9.0. The time to extraction equilibrium is no longer than 30 s; in back extraction, it does not exceed 70 s. The extraction of zinc(II) ions is accompanied by the formation of an ammonia-containing organic complex. A chemical formula is suggested for this compound.     

Molecular Hydrogen Neuroprotection in Post-Ischemic Neurodegeneration in the Form of Alzheimer’s Disease Proteinopathy: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential for Clinical Implementation—Fantasy or Reality?

Currently, there is a lot of public interest in naturally occurring substances with medicinal properties that are minimally toxic, readily available and have an impact on health. Over the past decade, molecular hydrogen has gained the attention of both preclinical and clinical researchers. The death of pyramidal neurons in especially the CA1 area of the hippocampus, increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation, amyloid accumulation, tau protein dysfunction, brain atrophy, cognitive deficits and dementia are considered an integral part of the phenomena occurring during brain neurodegeneration after ischemia. This review focuses on assessing the current state of knowledge about the neuroprotective effects of molecular hydrogen following ischemic brain injury. Recent studies in animal models of focal or global cerebral ischemia and cerebral ischemia in humans suggest that hydrogen has pleiotropic neuroprotective properties. One potential mechanism explaining some of the general health benefits of using hydrogen is that it may prevent aging-related changes in cellular proteins such as amyloid and tau protein. We also present evidence that, following ischemia, hydrogen improves cognitive and neurological deficits and prevents or delays the onset of neurodegenerative changes in the brain. The available evidence suggests that molecular hydrogen has neuroprotective properties and may be a new therapeutic agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as neurodegeneration following cerebral ischemia with progressive dementia. We also present the experimental and clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of hydrogen use after cerebral ischemia. The therapeutic benefits of gas therapy open up new promising directions in breaking the translational barrier in the treatment of ischemic stroke.     

Influence of Cu(II) on the electronic conductivity in γ-CuI

The hole conductivity of CuI is affected by the presence of Cu(II) ions arising from the synthesis process. By treating these ions as aliovalent impurities, the value of the hole migration energy is obtained.     

Ni(II)–Mg(II)–Al(III) catalysts for hydrogen production from ethanol steam reforming: Influence of the activation treatments

The effect of the Ni(II)–Mg(II)–Al(III) layered double hydroxide (LDH) activation conditions over the surface and bulk composition and the catalytic performance in ethanol steam reforming (ESR) is studied. Ternary oxides were prepared by thermal decomposition of LDHs synthesized using the homogeneous precipitation method with urea. Catalyst precursor is submitted to two different activation treatments: calcinations at 400, 500, 600 and 700 °C with subsequent reduction at 720 °C, or direct reduction at 720 °C. The samples were characterized by sorptometry, H₂ chemisorption, ICP chemical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy and temperature programming reduction. The catalysts obtained by calcination at 600 °C and then reduction at 720 °C and those directly reduced at 720 °C showed the better performance in ESR. The precursor submitted to a proper thermal treatment develops, through a decoration-demixing process, a Ni(II)-poor spinel-type shell onto NiO domains.     

Interplay of coordination and hydrogen bonding modes in the self-assembly of the supramolecular network in copper(II) phthalate–trimethoprim complex (0.5:1:1)

Trimethoprim cations forming self complementary hydrogen-bonded DADA arrays interact with the copper–phthalate supramolecular frameworks through extensive hydrogen bonding.     

Synthesis,characterization, crystal structure and in vitro anticancer potentials of mono and bimetallic palladium(II)–N–heterocyclic carbene complexes

N–heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of palladium(II) are generally active as catalysts toward various coupling reactions, while their pharmacological efficiencies are seldom explored. A new series of palladium(II) complexes of both, functionalized and non–functionalized NHCs that were active against the human colon cancer (HCT116) cells are reported. Complexes were prepared by the technique of transmetallation using palladium source and in situ prepared silver(I)–NHC complexes in acetonitrile, and all complexes are characterized using spectroscopic and analytical tools. Additionally, the structure of palladium complex 9 was elucidated using single crystal X–ray diffraction method. In vitro anticancer studies revealed that the palladium complexes, 9 and 10, having xylyl–spacers significantly inhibited the HCT116 cell growth, exhibiting IC₅₀ values in low micromolar range in MTT assay.     

Effects of the lamination temperature on the properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate) in polyester-laminated tin-free steel can — II. Adhesion mechanism of poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate) to TFS

The adhesion strength between poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate) (co-PET) and tin-free steel (TFS) was investigated by varying the lamination temperature using a blister test. As the lamination temperature increased, the adhesion strength increased rapidly at the beginning and then saturated. The main reason for the increase of adhesion with the lamination temperature was an improved degree of wetting. This was manifested by the fact that the variation in the degree of wetting was very similar to that of the adhesion strength. The degree of wetting was dependent on the melt viscosity of co-PET. The results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheometrics dynamic spectrometry (RDS) showed that the high extent of the crystalline phase increased remarkably the melt viscosity of co-PET, leading to incomplete wetting. When the co-PET/TFS joint was immersed in hydrochloric acid solution, the pattern of the front penetration line and the rate of penetration of hydrochloric acid solution into the co-PET/TFS interface were different, depending on the lamination temperature and the direction of penetration. The wet adhesion strength was found to increase with increasing lamination temperature because the size of voids at the co-PET/TFS interface resulting from incomplete wetting decreased.     

Molecular Structure of Binary Chromium(III)–DNA Adducts

Chromium(VI) is a carcinogen and mutagen, and its mechanisms of action are proposed to involve binding of its reduction product, chromium(III), to DNA. The manner in which chromium(III) binds DNA has not been established, particularly at a molecular level. Analysis of oligonucleotide duplex DNAs by NMR, EPR, and IR spectroscopies in the presence of chromium(III) allows the elucidation of the Cr binding site. The metal centers were found to interact exclusively with guanine N7 positions. No evidence of chromium interactions with other bases or backbone phosphates nor of Cr forming intra-strand crosslinks between neighboring guanine residues was observed.