Homo and heteromultimetallic complexes containing a group 8 transition metal and µ-diphosphine bridging ligands involved in anticancer research: A review.

Herein, we present a comprehensive review focusing on synthetic strategies, detailed structural analysis, and anticancer activity investigations of complexes following the general formula [LnM(µ-diphosphine)M'Lm] where M = group 8 metal; M' = any transition metal; µ-diphosphine = bridging ligand; Ln and Lm = ligand spheres). Both homo- and heteromultimetallic complexes will be discussed in detail. We review in vitro, in vivo and in silico anticancer activity investigations, in an attempt to draw comparisons between the various complexes and derive structure-activity relationships (SAR). This review solely focuses on complexes falling under the general formula stated above that have been studied for their anticancer activities, other complexes falling into that scheme but which have not undergone anticancer testing are not included in this review. We compare the anticancer activities of these complexes to their mononuclear counterparts, and a positive control (cisplatin) when possible and present a summary of all existing data to date and attempt to draw some conclusions on the future development of these complexes.

Mechanism and potentialities of photothermal and photodynamic therapy of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) against cancer.

The ultimate goal of nanoparticle-based phototherapy is to suppress tumor growth. Photothermal therapy (PTT) and photothermal photodynamic therapy (PDT) are two types of physicochemical therapy that use light radiation with multiple wavelength ranges in the near-infrared to treat cancer. When a laser is pointed at tissue, photons are taken in the intercellular and intracellular regions, converting photon energy to heat. It has attracted much interest and research in recent years. The advent of transition materials dichalcogenides (TMDCs) is a revolutionary step in PDT/PTT-based cancer therapy. The TMDCs is a multilayer 2D nano-composite. TMDCs contain three atomic layers in which two chalcogens squash in the transition metal. The chalcogen atoms are highly reactive, and the surface characteristics of TMDCs help them to target deep cancer cells. They absorb Near Infrared (NIR), which kills deep cancer cells. In this review, we have discussed the history and mechanism of PDT/PTT and the use of TMDCs and nanoparticle-based systems, which have been practiced for theranostics purposes. We have also discussed PDT/PTT combined with immunotherapy, in which the cancer cell apoptosis is done by activating the immune cells, such as CD8+.

Photoactivated full-API nanodrug (FAND): harnessing transition metal complexes and MTH1 inhibitor for enhanced DNA damage in cancer cells.

The effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been greatly restricted by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and the susceptible resistance of monotherapy. Although nanodrugs based on transition metal complexes capable of integrating PDT with photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) have garnered tremendous attention as promising candidates for overcoming the above limitations, the therapeutic efficacy of these nanodrugs is still hampered by inadequate loading of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and the inherent ability of cancer cells to repair damaged DNA. Herein, we developed a photoactivated full-API nanodrug, Ru-T FAND, by one-step self-assembly of RuDPB and TH287. By virtue of its 100 wt% API content and favorable stability in water, the Ru-T FAND exhibited improved cellular uptake behavior and intracellular 1O2 generation. Attractively, the Ru-T FAND with triple anti-cancer modalities can photogenerate 1O2, photo-release DPB ligand and inhibit the repair of DNA damage, ultimately enhancing its phototherapeutic effect on cancer cells. Importantly, the uncaged DPB ligand from RuDPB emits red fluorescence, enabling real-time monitoring of the drug's absorption, distribution and efficacy. Collectively, the presented photoactivated Ru-T FANDs with multiple anti-cancer mechanisms will expand new horizons for the development of safe, efficient and synergistic tumor phototherapy strategies.

Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Herbicidal Activities of Some Transition Metal Ions Complexes with the Tranexamic Acid.

New tranexamic acid (TXA) complexes of ferric(III), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zirconium(IV) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), conductimetric (Λ), magnetic susceptibility investigations (µeff), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), ultraviolet visible (UV-vis.), optical band gap energy (Eg) and thermal studies (TG/DTG and DTA). TXA complexes were established in 1 : 2 (metal: ligand) stoichiometric ratio according to CHN data. Based on FT-IR and 1H-NMR data the disappeared of the carboxylic proton supported the deprotonating of TXA and linked to metal ions via the carboxylate group's oxygen atom as a bidentate ligand. UV-visible spectra and magnetic moment demonstrated that all chelates have geometric octahedral structures. Eg values indicated that our complexes are more electro conductive. DTA revealed presence of water molecules in inner and outer spheres of the complexes. DTA results showed that endothermic and exothermic peaks were identified in the degradation mechanisms. The ligand and metal complexes were investigated for their antimicrobial and herbicidal efficacy. The Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes showed antimicrobial activity against some tested species. The obtained results showed a promising herbicidal effect of TXA ligand and its metal complexes particularly copper and zirconium against the three tested plants.

Synthesis and evaluation of antibacterial activity of transition metal-oleoyl amide complexes.

Recent studies show that some metal ions, injure microbial cells in various ways due to membrane breakdown, protein malfunction, and oxidative stress. Metal complexes are suited for creating novel antibacterial medications due to their distinct mechanisms of action and the variety of three-dimensional geometries they can acquire. In this Perspective, the present study focused on new antibacterial strategies based on metal oleoyl amide complexes. Thus, oleoyl amides ligand (fatty hydroxamic acid and fatty hydrazide hydrate) with the transition metal ions named Ag (I), Co (II), Cu (II), Ni (II) and Sn (II) complexes were successfully synthesized in this study. The metals- oleoyl amide were characterized using elemental analysis, and fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antibacterial effect of metals- oleoyl amide complexes was investigated for Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) by analysing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that metal-oleoyl amide complexes have high antibacterial activity at low concentrations. This study inferred that metal oleoyl amide complexes could be utilised as a promising therapeutic antibacterial agent.

Hybrid Inorganic Complexes as Cancer Therapeutic Agents: In-vitro Validation.

A series of novel mixed transition metal-Magnesium tartarate complexes of general formulation [MMg(C4H4O6)2 .xH2O] (where M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) is prepared with bidentate tartarate ligand. The synthesized complexes (C1 to C6) are characterized by various analytical techniques such as Elemental analysis, Thermo gravimetric analysis, FT-IR Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Magnetic susceptibility study etc. All complexes exhibit the composition MMgL2 where M = Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) and L = bidentate tartarate ligand. Analytical data reveals all complexes possesses 1:1 (metal: ligand) ratio. FT-IR spectral study shows that bidentate tartarate ligand coordinate with metal ion in a bidentate manner through two oxygen atoms. Thermo gravimetric analysis of all complexes shows that degradation curves of complexes agrees with recommended formulae of the complexes. X-ray diffraction technique suggests that all complexes (C1 to C6) are polycrystalline in nature. All newly synthesized metal tartarate complexes and ligand were screened in vitro for their anticancer activity against human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell line. The bioassays of all these complexes showed C3 (Co) and C5 (Cu) Mg-tartarate complexes contains maximum antiproliferative activity at 200 µg/ml concentration on MDA-MB-231 cells as compared to other complexes. MDA-MB-231 cells treated with C3 (Co) and C5 (Cu) Mg-tartarate complexes also showed inhibition in cell migration.

Chrysin protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in hippocampus via restraining oxidative stress and transition elements.

Chrysin is a natural flavonoid compound that has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Cerebral ischemia reperfusion (CIR) is closely connected with increased oxidative stress in the hippocampal CA1 region and homeostasis disorder of transition elements such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). This exploration was conducted to elucidate the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of chrysin based on transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in rats. Experimentally, sham group, model group, chrysin (50.0 mg/kg) group, Ginaton (21.6 mg/kg) group, Dimethyloxallyl Glycine (DMOG, 20.0 mg/kg) + chrysin group and DMOG group were devised. The rats in each group were performed to behavioral evaluation, histological staining, biochemical kit detection, and molecular biological detection. The results indicated that chrysin restrained oxidative stress and the rise of transition element levels, and regulated transition element transporter levels in tMCAO rats. DMOG activated hypoxia-inducible factor-1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α), reversed the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of chrysin, and increased transition element levels. In a word, our findings emphasize that chrysin plays a critical role in protecting CIR injury via inhibiting HIF-1α against enhancive oxidative stress and raised transition metal levels.

Transition Metal Coordination Complexes of Flavonoids: A Class of Better Pharmacological Active Molecules to Develop New Drugs.

Flavonoid metal ion complexes are one of the classes of biologically active molecules with immense pharmacological potential, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity, to name a few. The effectiveness of this complexion depends on the state and nature of the transition metal ions and on the position to which the metal ion coordinates with their corresponding parent flavonoid. The metal coordination of flavonoids also improves the biological activities to a maximum extent compared to the parent compound. This may be attributed to many factors such as metal ions, coordination sites, structural configuration, and stability of the complexes. On the other hand, some of the metal ion complexes reduce the biological efficiency of the corresponding parent flavonoids, which can be due to the shift from antioxidant to pro-oxidant nature as well as the stability of the complexes both in in vitro and in vivo conditions. However, the literature on the stability of flavonoid metal ion complexes in in vivo conditions is very scanty. Therefore, this review summarizes and critically addresses all these parameters a favor together in a single slot that favours for the researchers to put forward to understand the mode and detailed molecular mechanism of flavonoid metals complexes compared with their corresponding parent flavonoids.

Recent advances in transition metal-catalyzed reactions of chloroquinoxalines: Applications in bioorganic chemistry.

The importance of the quinoxaline framework is exemplified by its presence in the well-known drugs such as varenicline, brimonidine, quinacillin, etc. In the past few years, preparation of a variety of organic compounds containing the quinoxaline framework has been reported by several research groups. The chloroquinoxalines were successfully used as substrates in many of these synthetic approaches due to their easy availability along with the reactivity especially towards a diverse range of metal and transition metal-catalyzed transformations including Sonogashira, Suzuki, Heck type of cross-coupling reactions. The transition metals e.g., Pd, Cu, Fe and Nb catalysts played a key role in these transformations for the construction of various CX (e.g., CC, CN, CO, CS, CP, CSe, etc) bonds. These approaches can be classified based on the catalyst employed, type of the reaction performed and nature of CX bond formation during the reaction. Several of these resultant quinoxaline derivatives have shown diverse biological activities which include apoptosis inducing activities, SIRT1 inhibition, inhibition of luciferace enzyme, antibacterial and antifungal activities, cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, inhibition of PDE4 (phosphodiesterase 4), potential uses against COVID-19, etc. Notably, a review article covering the literature based on transition metal-catalyzed reactions of chloroquinoxalines at the same time summarizing the relevant biological activities of resultant products is rather uncommon. Therefore, an attempt is made in the current review article to summarize (i) the recent advances noted in the transition metal-catalyzed reactions of chloroquinoxalines (ii) with the relevant mechanistic discussions (iii) along with the in vitro, and in silico biological studies (wherever reported) (iv) including Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) within the particular series of the products reported between 2010 and 2022.

Ternary Transition Metal Complexes with an Azo-Imine Ligand and 2,2'-Bipyridine: Characterization, Computational Calculations, and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Activities.

New mononuclear ternary transition metal complexes: [M(HL)(bipy)2]ClO4, (M: Mn(II) for 1, Ni(II) for 2), [M(HL)(bipy) (ClO4)], (M: Ni(II) for 3, Cu(II) for 4, Zn(II) for 5) with M(II), 2-[(E)-(hydroxyimino)methyl]-4-[(E)-phenyldiazenyl]phenol, H2L, and 2,2'-bipyridine were synthesized. The structures of the complexes were investigated by using various analytical, spectroscopic techniques such as elemental analysis, FTIR, UV-Vis, NMR, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, and computational studies containing geometric optimizations and theoretical calculations of vibrations and electronic transitions. IR and thermal analysis data verifies the proposed structure of the complexes. The inhibition activities of the complexes against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) extracted from Ricania simulans adults and nymphs were examined and all the complexes were found to be active. Among the complexes studied, the most inhibition activity was exhibited by complex 5 with the lowest IC50 value (3.2±0.8) for AChE of adults, complex 3 with the lowest IC50 value (4.6±0.8) for AChE of nymphs.

An Overview of the Importance of Transition-Metal Nanoparticles in Cancer Research.

Several authorities have implied that nanotechnology has a significant future in the development of advanced cancer therapies. Nanotechnology makes it possible to simultaneously administer drug combinations and engage the immune system to fight cancer. Nanoparticles can locate metastases in different organs and deliver medications to them. Using them allows for the effective reduction of tumors with minimal toxicity to healthy tissue. Transition-metal nanoparticles, through Fenton-type or Haber-Weiss-type reactions, generate reactive oxygen species. Through oxidative stress, the particles induce cell death via different pathways. The main limitation of the particles is their toxicity. Certain factors can control toxicity, such as route of administration, size, aggregation state, surface functionalization, or oxidation state. In this review, we attempt to discuss the effects and toxicity of transition-metal nanoparticles.

Synthesis, biological-pharmacological evaluation and molecular docking studies of Schiff base analogues of transition metal (II) complexes of 4-amino-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenylpyrazol-3-one.

Novel tridentate Schiff base [CuL2], [NiL2], [CoL2], [MnL2] and [ZnL2] complexes have been prepared with Schiff base resulting from acetophenylidene-4-iminoantipyrine and tyrosine. Microanalytical data, IR, UV-vis, 1H, 13C-NMR, powder XRD, SEM, cyclic voltammetry, ESR, and mass spectral techniques confirmed the structural features of the chelates. The general formula of the complexes [ML2] was confirmed from elemental analysis, mass and 1H-NMR spectral studies. Octahedral geometry of the chelates is confirmed by electronic absorption spectra and FT-IR spectra. The magnetic susceptibility and low conductance values reveal that the complexes are monomeric and non-electrolytic nature, respectively. Powder XRD and SEM images confirm the crystalline structure of the complexes. At 300 and 77 K, the X-band ESR spectra of [CuL2] complex in DMSO solution were recorded and their salient features have been reported. The binding of [CuL2] with CT-DNA study reveals that interactions occur through intercalation. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and CNS activities and antimicrobial activities of Schiff base and its complexes reveal that the chelates have higher potent than free ligand. The molecular docking studies have been performed with DNA and 6COX enzyme using Hex 8.0 software which recognizes the biological activities and nature of binding of the complexes.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Defective transition metal hydroxide-based nanoagents with hypoxia relief for photothermal-enhanced photodynamic therapy.

Recently, phototherapy has attracted much attention due to its negligible invasiveness, insignificant toxicity and excellent applicability. The construction of a newly proposed nanosystem with synergistic photothermal and photodynamic tumor-eliminating properties requires a delicate structure design. In this work, a novel therapeutic nanoplatform (denoted as BCS-Ce6) based on defective cobalt hydroxide nanosheets was developed, which realized hypoxia-relieved photothermal-enhanced photodynamic therapy against cancer. Defective cobalt hydroxide exhibited high photothermal conversion efficacy at the near-infrared region (49.49% at 808 nm) as well as enhanced catalase-like activity to produce oxygen and greatly boost the singlet oxygen generation by a photosensitizer, Ce6, realizing efficacious dual-modal phototherapy. In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that BCS-Ce6 can almost completely extinguish implanted tumors in a mouse model and present satisfactory biocompatibility during the treatment. This work sets a new angle of preparing photothermal agents and constructing comprehensive therapeutic nanosystems with the ability to modulate the hypoxic tumor microenvironment for efficient cancer therapy.

Polymer-Based Bioorthogonal Nanocatalysts for the Treatment of Bacterial Biofilms.

Bioorthogonal catalysis offers a unique strategy to modulate biological processes through the in situ generation of therapeutic agents. However, the direct application of bioorthogonal transition metal catalysts (TMCs) in complex media poses numerous challenges due to issues of limited biocompatibility, poor water solubility, and catalyst deactivation in biological environments. We report here the creation of catalytic "polyzymes", comprised of self-assembled polymer nanoparticles engineered to encapsulate lipophilic TMCs. The incorporation of catalysts into these nanoparticle scaffolds creates water-soluble constructs that provide a protective environment for the catalyst. The potential therapeutic utility of these nanozymes was demonstrated through antimicrobial studies in which a cationic nanozyme was able to penetrate into biofilms and eradicate embedded bacteria through the bioorthogonal activation of a pro-antibiotic.

A two-step gas/liquid strategy for the production of N-doped defect-rich transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets and their antibacterial applications.

Herein, we developed a general two-step gas expansion and exfoliation strategy based on a urea-assisted hydrothermal process combined with sonication exfoliation for the production of nitrogen (N)-doped plus defect-rich transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets (NSs) such as N-MoS2 and N-WS2 NSs. The interlayers of bulk MoS2 (or WS2) were expanded with urea molecules dissolved in distilled water, which were decomposed to NH3 during the hydrothermal process. Simultaneously, sulfur atoms were partly replaced by N atoms to achieve N doping. Subsequently, sonication exfoliation of the urea-treated bulk MoS2 (or WS2) promoted the production of defect-rich NSs. Importantly, the defect-rich N-MoS2 and N-WS2 NSs exhibit enhanced peroxidase-like catalytic activity after being captured by bacteria, and can catalyze hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce more toxic hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) than non-N-doped MoS2 or WS2 NSs. As a result, the N-MoS2 or N-WS2 NSs were capable of effectively killing Gram-negative ampicillin resistant Escherichia coli (AmprE. coli) and Gram-positive endospore-forming Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and promoting bacteria-infected wound healing. This work not only provides a simple, universal exfoliation strategy for producing defect-rich N-doped TMD NSs but also provides a promising catalytic antibacterial option and has potential for many other catalytic applications.

In silico and in vitro studies of transition metal complexes derived from curcumin-isoniazid Schiff base.

A series of transition metal complexes have been synthesized from biologically active curcumin and isoniazid Schiff base. They are characterized by various spectral techniques like UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and mass spectroscopies. Moreover, elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductivity measurements are also carried out. All these data evidence that the metal complexes acquire square planar except zinc(II) which adopts a tetrahedral geometry, and they are non-electrolytic in nature. Groove mode of binding between the calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) and metal complexes is confirmed by electronic absorption titration, viscosity and cyclic voltammetry studies. In addition to that, all the metal complexes are able to cleave pUC 19 DNA. Optimized geometry and ground-state electronic structure calculations of all the synthesized compounds are established out by density functional theory (DFT) using B3LYP method which theoretically reveals that copper(II) complex explores higher stability and higher biological accessibility. This is experimentally corroborated by antimicrobial studies. In silico Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME) studies reveal the biological potential of all synthesized complexes, and also biological activity of the ligand is predicted by PASS online biological activity prediction software. Molecular docking studies are also carried out to confirm the groove mode of binding and receptor-complex interactions.

The effect of peroxymonosulfate in WS2 nanosheets for the removal of diclofenac: Information exposure and degradation pathway.

The search for a suitable heterogeneous catalyst in peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation holds tremendous promise for the degradation of organic pollutants. Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides such as WS2 exhibit broad applications in heterogeneous catalysis, and we first extended its application in PMS activation in this work. It was found that WS2 could efficiently activate PMS resulting in the degradation of diclofenac (DCF). The results show that the PMS offers direct oxidation, and WS2 could initiate PMS to produce singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide radical (·O2-). This resulted in the improved removal of DCF in the WS2/PMS system. Furthermore, the degradation pathway of DCF was proposed according to the detected intermediates/products and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Degradation intermediates and the evaluation of product toxicity indicated that the developed WS2/PMS system was a safe and detoxifying process while also offering efficient DCF removal. This study offers more insight into the development of suitable materials for the activation of PMS and gives clear direction for the degradation of DCF and its toxic intermediates.

Enhanced butyrate production by transition metal particles during the food waste fermentation.

Butyrate is an important precursor for fine chemicals and biofuels. The aim of this study is to investigate butyrate production as affected by transition metal addition of food waste fermentation including, nickel, Raney nickel and copper particles. Performance of fermentation showed nickel particles achieved the highest butyrate concentration, 7.3 g/L, which was 38.5% higher than that in the control trial. Raney nickel also showed similar effect on the enhancement of butyrate production. However, increased dosage of transition metal particle addition led to decreased butyrate production. The theoretical link between metal-assisted dark fermentation and butyrate production was tentatively explored. Redox potential affected by nickel addition was assumed to be an essential factor for butyrate production. Microbial community analysis found Clostridium sensu stricto 11 may be the dominant functional species for butyrate production. The study demonstrates that development on transition metal catalyst may contribute to waste biorefinery for added value products/energy production.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, Molecular Modeling and DNA Binding Ability of CoII, NiII, CuII, ZnII, PdII and CdII Complexes of Benzocycloheptenone Thiosemicarbazone Ligand.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Six novel complexes of transition metal namely, [CoLCl2(H2O)2]0.5H2O, [NiLCl2(H2O)2]0.5H2O, [CuLCl2]0.5H2O, [ZnLCl2], [PdLCl2]H2O and [CdLCl2]H2O, where L is benzocycloheptenone thiosemicarbazone ligand, have been obtained. The confirmation of the structures of the obtained metal chelates depends on the different spectral and physicochemical techniques including CHN analysis, infrared spectra, molar conductivity measurement, UV-vis, thermogravimetric analysis and magnetic moment. The infrared spectral results ascertained that the ligand behaved as neutral bidentate connecting the metal centers via N and S atoms of C=N and C=S groups, respectively. METHODS: The UV-Vis, molar conductivity and magnetic susceptibility results implied that the geometrical structures of the metal chelates are octahedral for Co(II) & Ni(II) complexes, tetrahedral for Zn(II) & Cd(II) complexes and square planar for Cu(II) & Pd(II) complexes which have been confirmed by molecular modeling studies. CONCLUSION: Moreover, the mode of interaction between some chosen metal complexes towards SSDNA has been thoughtful by UV-Vis spectra and viscosity measurements. The value of the intrinsic binding constant (Kb) for the examined compounds has been found to be lower than the binding affinity of the classical intercalator ethedium bromide. Also, the viscosity measurements of the complexes proved that they bind to DNA, most likely, by a non-intercalative mode like H-bonding or electrostatic interactions.

Human inflammatory response of endotoxin affected by particulate matter-bound transition metals.

Bacterial endotoxins are a component of particulate matter (PM) with anticipated health implications, yet we know little about how host reception of endotoxin through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is affected by its association with other PM components. Subsequently, we investigated the relationship between endotoxin concentration (recombinant Factor C (rFC) assay) and host recognition (HEK Blue-TLR4 NF-kB reporter cell line based assay) in various compositions of urban PM, including road traffic, industrial and urban green land use classes. While the assays did not correlate strongly between each other, the TLR4 reporter cell line was found to be better correlated to the IL-8 response of PM. Furthermore, the ability of the quantified endotoxin (rFC assay) to stimulate the TLR4/MD-2 complex was significantly affected by the urban land use class, where traffic locations were found to be significantly higher in bioactive endotoxin than the industrial and green locations. We subsequently turned our attention to PM composition and characterized the samples based on transition metal content (through ICP-MS). The effect of nickel and cobalt - previously reported to activate the hTLR4/MD-2 complex - was found to be negligible in comparison to that of iron. Here, the addition of iron as a factor significantly improved the regression model between the two endotoxin assays, explaining 77% of the variation of the TLR4 stimulation and excluding the significant effect of land use class. Moreover, the effect of iron proved to be more than a correlation, since dosing LPS with Fe2+ led to an increase up to 64% in TLR4 stimulation, while Fe2+ without LPS was unable to stimulate a response. This study shows that endotoxin quantification assays (such as the rFC assay) may not always correspond to human biological recognition of endotoxin in urban PM, while its toxicity can be synergistically influenced by the associated PM composition.