Platinum(terpyridine) complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene co-ligands: high antiproliferative activity and low toxicity in vivo.

Pt(terpyridine) complexes are well-known DNA intercalators. The introduction of an NHC co-ligand rendered such a complex highly antiproliferative in cancer cells compared to its chlorido derivative. Despite the high potency, zebrafish embryos tolerated the compound well, especially compared to cisplatin. DNA interaction studies support a mode of action related to intercalation.

Mustards-Derived Terpyridine-Platinum Complexes as Anticancer Agents: DNA Alkylation vs Coordination.

The development of bifunctional platinum complexes with the ability to interact with DNA via different binding modes is of interest in anticancer metallodrug research. Therefore, we report platinum(II) terpyridine complexes to target DNA by coordination and/or through a tethered alkylating moiety. The platinum complexes were evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative properties against the human cancer cell lines HCT116 (colorectal), SW480 (colon), NCI-H460 (non-small cell lung), and SiHa (cervix) and generally exhibited potent antiproliferative activity although lower than their respective terpyridine ligands. 1H NMR spectroscopy and/or ESI-MS studies on the aqueous stability and reactivity with various small biomolecules, acting as protein and DNA model compounds, were used to establish potential modes of action for these complexes. These investigations indicated rapid binding of complex PtL3 to the biomolecules through coordination to the Pt center, while PtL4 in addition alkylated 9-ethylguanine. PtL3 was investigated for its reactivity to the model protein hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) by protein crystallography which allowed identification of the Nδ1 atom of His15 as the binding site.

Bioisosteric ferrocenyl-containing quinolines with antiplasmodial and antitrichomonal properties.

Bioisosteric ferrocenyl-containing quinolines and ferrocenylamines containing organosilanes and their carbon analogues, were prepared and fully characterised. The molecular structures of two ferrocenyl-containing quinolines, determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealed that the compounds crystallise in a folded conformation. The compounds were screened for their antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive (NF54) and CQ-resistant (Dd2) strains of P. falciparum, as well as for their cytotoxicity against Chinese Hamster Ovarian (CHO) cells. The ferrocenyl-containing quinolines displayed activities in the low nanomolar range (6-36 nM), and showed selectivity towards parasites. ß-Haematin inhibition assays suggest that the compounds may in part act via the inhibition of haemozoin formation, while microsomal metabolic stability studies reveal that the ferrocenyl-containing quinolines are rapidly metabolised in liver microsomes. Further, antitrichomonal screening against the metronidazole-sensitive (G3) strain of the mucosal pathogen T. vaginalis revealed that the quinoline-based compounds displayed superior parasite growth inhibition when compared to the ferrocenylamines. The library was also tested E. coli and on Lactobacilli spp. found as part of the normal flora of the human microbiome and no effect on growth in vitro was observed, supporting the observation that these compounds are specific for eukaryotic pathogens.

Cyclopalladated organosilane-tethered thiosemicarbazones: novel strategies for improving antiplasmodial activity.

Two series of ferrocenyl- and aryl-derived cyclopalladated organosilane thiosemicarbazone complexes were synthesised via C-H bond activation. Selected compounds were evaluated for in vitro antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive (NF54) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Cyclopalladation of the thiosemicarbazones resulted in antiplasmodial activities in the low micromolar range.

Improved antiparasitic activity by incorporation of organosilane entities into half-sandwich ruthenium(II) and rhodium(III) thiosemicarbazone complexes.

A series of ferrocenyl- and aryl-functionalised organosilane thiosemicarbazone compounds was obtained via a nucleophilic substitution reaction with an amine-terminated organosilane. The thiosemicarbazone (TSC) ligands were further reacted with either a ruthenium dimer [(η(6-i)PrC6H4Me)Ru(µ-Cl)Cl]2 or a rhodium dimer [(Cp*)Rh(µ-Cl)Cl]2 to yield a series of cationic mono- and binuclear complexes. The thiosemicarbazone ligands, as well as their metal complexes, were characterised using NMR and IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The molecular structure of the binuclear ruthenium(ii) complex was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The thiosemicarbazones and their complexes were evaluated for their in vitro antiplasmodial activities against the chloroquine-sensitive (NF54) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) Plasmodium falciparum strains, displaying activities in the low micromolar range. Selected compounds were screened for potential ß-haematin inhibition activity, and it was found that two Rh(iii) complexes exhibited moderate to good inhibition. Furthermore, the compounds were screened for their antitrichomonal activities against the G3 Trichomonas vaginalis strain, revealing a higher percentage of growth inhibition for the ruthenium and rhodium complexes over their corresponding ligand.

The synthesis and antiparasitic activity of aryl- and ferrocenyl-derived thiosemicarbazone ruthenium(II)-arene complexes.

A series of aryl-functionalized and ferrocenyl monothiosemicarbazone compounds (L1-L4) were synthesized in moderate yields via a general Schiff-base condensation reaction. The thiosemicarbazone (TSC) ligands were reacted with the ruthenium dimer [Ru(Ar)(µ-Cl)Cl](2) (Ar = benzene; p-cymene) to yield a series of cationic mononuclear ruthenium(II)-arene thiosemicarbazone complexes of the general type [Ru(Cl)(TSC)(Ar)]Cl (1-8). The thiosemicarbazone ligands act as bidentate chelating ligands that coordinate to the ruthenium(ii) ion via the imine nitrogen and the thione sulfur atoms. The thiosemicarbazone ligands, as well as their metal complexes, were characterized by NMR, IR spectroscopy and ESI(+)-mass spectrometry. The molecular structure of the mononuclear ruthenium(II)-arene thiosemicarbazone complex (6) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The ruthenium(II)-arene thiosemicarbazone complexes were further evaluated for their in vitro antiparasitic activities against the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-sensitive (NF54) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains, as well as the G3 strain of Trichomonas vaginalis.