Synthesis of terpolymer-lipid encapsulated diruthenium(II,III)-anti-inflammatory metallodrug nanoparticles to enhance activity against glioblastoma cancer cells

Robust large-area molecular junctions of self-assembled monolayers of a model helical paddlewheel complex

We report the preparation of a helical complex and its study in molecular junctions. We show that the SAMs of this racemic compound present electrically robust behaviour which will pave the way for future studies on the CISS effect with analogous enantiopure compounds.

Deciphering the role of neutral diruthenium complexes in protein binding

The charge of paddlewheel diruthenium complexes has a major role in defining their interaction with proteins: negatively charged complexes bind proteins non-covalently, while cationic complexes form adducts where the Ru2 core binds to Asp side chains at the equatorial sites, or to the main chain carbonyl groups or the side chains of His, Arg or Lys residues at the axial sites. Here we study the interactions of the neutral compound [Ru2(D-p-FPhF)(O2CCH3)2(O2CO)]·3H2O (D-p-FPhF- = N,N'-bis(4-fluorophenyl)formamidinate), a very rare example of a paddlewheel diruthenium compound with three different equatorial ligands, with the model protein bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase A) by means of UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and X-ray crystallography. It is the first attempt to investigate the binding of a neutral diruthenium compound to a protein. ESI-MS data indicate that, in solution, under the investigated experimental conditions, the diruthenium compound binds the protein upon the loss of an acetate ligand. The crystallographic results indicate the replacement of an acetate by two water molecules and the coordination of the [Ru2(D-p-FPhF)(O2CCH3)2(O2CO)(OH2)2]+ ion, that is expected to be a highly reactive species in the absence of the protein, to the imidazole ring of His105 at the axial site. The side chains of Glu9 and His119 are also identified as possible diruthenium binding sites. The binding significantly affects the protein ability to form dimers and higher-order oligomers, without significantly altering its secondary structure content and thermal stability. These data show that: i) Glu side chain has to be considered as a possible alternative binding site for diruthenium compounds, ii) diruthenium containing fragments that would be unstable in solution can be formed upon reaction of diruthenium compounds with a protein, iii) diruthenium compounds could be used as modulators of protein aggregation.

In-cell Catalysis by Tethered Organo-Osmium Complexes Generates Selectivity for Breast Cancer Cells

Anticancer agents that exhibit catalytic mechanisms of action offer a unique multi-targeting strategy to overcome drug resistance. Nonetheless, many in-cell catalysts in development are hindered by deactivation by endogenous nucleophiles. We have synthesised a highly potent, stable Os-based 16-electron half-sandwich ('piano stool') catalyst by introducing a permanent covalent tether between the arene and chelated diamine ligand. This catalyst exhibits antiproliferative activity comparable to the clinical drug cisplatin towards triple-negative breast cancer cells and can overcome tamoxifen resistance. Speciation experiments revealed Os to be almost exclusively albumin-bound in the extracellular medium, while cellular accumulation studies identified an energy-dependent, protein-mediated Os accumulation pathway, consistent with albumin-mediated uptake. Importantly, the tethered Os complex was active for in-cell transfer hydrogenation catalysis, initiated by co-administration of a non-toxic dose of sodium formate as a source of hydride, indicating that the Os catalyst is delivered to the cytosol of cancer cells intact. The mechanism of action involves the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus exploiting the inherent redox vulnerability of cancer cells, accompanied by selectivity for cancerous cells over non-tumorigenic cells.

Overcoming Resistance of Caco-2 Cells to 5-Fluorouracil through Diruthenium Complex Encapsulation in PMMA Nanoparticles

Drug resistance, one of the main drawbacks in cancer chemotherapy, can be tackled by employing a combination of drugs that target different biological processes in the cell, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new paddlewheel diruthenium complex that includes 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a commonly used anticancer drug. This drug was functionalized with a carboxylate group to take advantage of the previously demonstrated release capacity of carboxylate ligands from the diruthenium core. The resulting hydrophobic complex, [Ru2Cl(DPhF)3(5-FUA)] (Ru-5-FUA) (DPhF = N,N'-diphenylformamidinate; 5-FUA = 5-fluorouracil-1-acetate) was subsequently entrapped in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles (PMMA@Ru-5-FUA) via a reprecipitation method to be transported in biological media. The optimized encapsulation procedure yielded particles with an average size of 81.2 nm, a PDI of 0.11, and a zeta potential of 29.2 mV. The cytotoxicity of the particles was tested in vitro using the human colon carcinoma cell line Caco-2. The IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) of PMMA@Ru-5-FUA (6.08 μM) was just slightly lower than that found for the drug 5-FU (7.64 μM). Most importantly, while cells seemed to have developed drug resistance against 5-FU, PMMA@Ru-5-FUA showed an almost complete lethality at ∼30 μM. Conversely, an analogous diruthenium complex devoid of the 5-FU moiety, [Ru2Cl(DPhF)3(O2CCH3)] (PMMA@RuA), displayed a reduced cytotoxicity at equivalent concentrations. These findings highlight the effect of combining the anticancer properties of 5-FU with those of diruthenium species. This suggests that the distinct modes of action of the two chemical species are crucial for overcoming drug resistance.

Innovative Encapsulation Strategies for Food, Industrial, and Pharmaceutical Applications

Bioactive metabolites obtained from fruits and vegetables as well as many drugs have various capacities to prevent or treat various ailments. Nevertheless, their efficiency, in vivo, encounter many challenges resulting in lower efficacy as well as different side effects when high doses are used resulting in many challenges for their application. Indeed, demand for effective treatments with no or less unfavorable side effects is rising. Delivering active molecules to a particular site of action within the human body is an example of targeted therapy which remains a challenging field. Developments of nanotechnology and polymer science have great promise for meeting the growing demands of efficient options. Encapsulation of active ingredients in nano-delivery systems has become as a vitally tool for protecting the integrity of critical biochemicals, improving their delivery, enabling their controlled release and maintaining their biological features. Here, we examine a wide range of nano-delivery techniques, such as niosomes, polymeric/solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nano-emulsions. The advantages of encapsulation in targeted, synergistic, and supportive therapies are emphasized, along with current progress in its application. Additionally, a revised collection of studies was given, focusing on improving the effectiveness of anticancer medications and addressing the problem of antimicrobial resistance. To sum up, this paper conducted a thorough analysis to determine the efficacy of encapsulation technology in the field of drug discovery and development.

Nanomedicine facilitated cell signaling blockade: difficulties and strategies to overcome glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive and lethal type of brain tumor with complex and diverse molecular signaling pathways involved that are in its development and progression. Despite numerous attempts to develop effective treatments, the survival rate remains low. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of these pathways can aid in the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of glioblastoma. Nanomedicines have shown potential in targeting and blocking signaling pathways involved in glioblastoma. Nanomedicines can be engineered to specifically target tumor sites, bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and release drugs over an extended period. However, current nanomedicine strategies also face limitations, including poor stability, toxicity, and low therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, novel and advanced nanomedicine-based strategies must be developed for enhanced drug delivery. In this review, we highlight risk factors and chemotherapeutics for the treatment of glioblastoma. Further, we discuss different nanoformulations fabricated using synthetic and natural materials for treatment and diagnosis to selectively target signaling pathways involved in GBM. Furthermore, we discuss current clinical strategies and the role of artificial intelligence in the field of nanomedicine for targeting GBM.

An update on strategies for optimizing polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery: exploiting transformability and bioactivity of PLN and harnessing intracellular lipid transport mechanism

INTRODUCTION

Polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticle (PLN) is an emerging nanoplatform with distinct properties and functionalities from other nanocarrier systems. PLN can be optimized to overcome various levels of drug delivery barriers to achieve desired therapeutic outcomes via rational selection of polymer and lipid combinations based on a thorough understanding of their properties and interactions with therapeutic agents and biological systems.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides an overview of PLN including the motive and history of PLN development, types of PLN, preparation methods, attestations of their versatility, and design strategies to circumvent various barriers for increasing drug delivery accuracy and efficiency. It also highlights recent advances in PLN design including: rationale selection of polymer and lipid components to achieve spatiotemporal drug targeting and multi-targeted cascade drug delivery; utilizing the intracellular lipid transport mechanism for active targeting to desired organelles; and harnessing bioreactive lipids and polymers to magnify therapeutic effects.

EXPERT OPINION

A thorough understanding of properties of PLN components and their biofate is important for enhancing disease site targeting, deep tumor tissue penetration, cellular uptake, and intracellular trafficking of PLN. For futuristic PLN development, active lipid transport and dual functions of lipids and polymers as both nanocarrier material and pharmacological agents can be further explored.

A Diruthenium Metallodrug as a Potent Inhibitor of Amyloid-β Aggregation: Synergism of Mechanisms of Action

The physical and chemical properties of paddlewheel diruthenium compounds are highly dependent on the nature of the ligands surrounding the bimetallic core. Herein, we compare the ability of two diruthenium compounds, [Ru2Cl(D-p-FPhF)(O2CCH3)3]·H2O (1) (D-p-FPhF- = N,N'-bis(4-fluorophenyl)formamidinate) and K3[Ru2(O2CO)4]·3H2O (2), to act as inhibitors of amyloid aggregation of the Aβ1-42 peptide and its peculiar fragments, Aβ1-16 and Aβ21-40. A wide range of biophysical techniques has been used to determine the inhibition capacity against aggregation and the possible mechanism of action of these compounds (Thioflavin T fluorescence and autofluorescence assays, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and electron scanning microscopy). Data show that the most effective inhibitory effect is shown for compound 1. This compound inhibits fiber formation and completely abolishes the cytotoxicity of Aβ1-42. The antiaggregatory capacity of this complex can be explained by a binding mechanism of the dimetallic units to the peptide chain along with π-π interactions between the formamidinate ligand and the aromatic side chains. The results suggest the potential use of paddlewheel diruthenium complexes as neurodrugs and confirm the importance of the steric and charge effects on the properties of diruthenium compounds.

Steric hindrance and charge influence on the cytotoxic activity and protein binding properties of diruthenium complexes

Paddlewheel diruthenium complexes are being used as metal-based drugs. It has been proposed that their charge and steric properties determine their selectivity towards proteins. Here, we explore these parameters using the first water-soluble diruthenium complex bearing two formamidinate ligands, [Ru2Cl(DPhF)2(O2CCH3)2], and two derivatives, [Ru2Cl(DPhF)(O2CCH3)3] and K2[Ru2(DPhF)(CO3)3] (DPhF- = N,N'-diphenylformamidinate), with one formamidinate. Their protein binding properties have been assessed employing hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL). The results confirm the relationship between the type of interaction (coordinate/non-coordinate bonds) and the charge of diruthenium complexes. The crystallization medium is also a key factor. In all cases, diruthenium species maintain the M-M bond and produce stable adducts. The antiproliferative properties of these diruthenium complexes have been evaluated on an eukaryotic cell-based model. Our data show a correlation between the number of the formamidinate ligands and the anticancer activity of the diruthenium derivatives against human epithelial carcinoma cells. Increased cytotoxicity may be related to increased steric hindrance and Ru25+ core electronic density. However, the effect of increasing the lipophilicity of diruthenium species by introducing a second N,N'-diphenylformamidinate must be also considered. This work illustrates a systematic approach to shed light on the relevant properties of diruthenium compounds to design metal-based metallodrugs and diruthenium metalloenzymes.

Diruthenium(II-III)-ibuprofen-loaded chitosan-based microparticles and nanoparticles systems: encapsulation, characterisation, anticancer activity of the nanoformulations against U87MG human glioma cells

The aim of this work was to investigate novel formulations containing diruthenium(II-III)-ibuprofen (RuIbp) metallodrug encapsulated into the chitosan (CT) biopolymer. Microparticles (RuIbp/CT MPs, ∼ 1 µm) were prepared by spray-drying, and RuIbp/CT-crosslinked nanoparticles (NPs) by ionic gelation (RuIbp/CT-TPP, TPP = tripolyphosphate (1), RuIbp/CT-TPP-PEG, PEG = poly(ethyleneglycol (2)) or pre-gel/polyelectrolyte complex method (RuIbp/CT-ALG, ALG = alginate (3)). Ru analysis was conducted by energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence or inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and physicochemical characterisation by powder x-ray diffraction, electronic absorption and FTIR spectroscopies, electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, scanning electron, transition electron and atomic force microscopies, and dynamic light scattering. The RuIbp-loaded nanosystems exhibited encapsulation efficiency ∼ 20-37%, drug loading∼ 10-20% (w/w), hydrodynamic diameter (nm): 103.2 ± 7.9 (1), 91.7 ± 12.6 (2), 270.2 ± 58.4 (3), zeta potential (mV): +(47.7 ± 2.8) (1), +(49.2 ± 3.6) (2), -(28.2 ± 2.0) (3). Nanoformulation (1) showed the highest cytotoxicity with increased efficacy in relation to the RuIbp free metallodrug against U87MG human glioma cells.

From the Discovery of Targets to Delivery Systems: How to Decipher and Improve the Metallodrugs' Actions at a Molecular Level

Metals are indispensable for the life of all organisms, and their dysregulation leads to various disorders due to the disruption of their homeostasis. Nowadays, various transition metals are used in pharmaceutical products as diagnostic and therapeutic agents because their electronic structure allows them to adjust the properties of molecules differently from organic molecules. Therefore, interest in the study of metal-drug complexes from different aspects has been aroused, and numerous approaches have been developed to characterize, activate, deliver, and clarify molecular mechanisms. The integration of these different approaches, ranging from chemoproteomics to nanoparticle systems and various activation strategies, enables the understanding of the cellular responses to metal drugs, which may form the basis for the development of new drugs and/or the modification of currently used drugs. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize the recent advances in this field by describing the technological platforms and their potential applications for identifying protein targets for discovering the mechanisms of action of metallodrugs and improving their efficiency during delivery.

Poly(lactic acid)/β-cyclodextrin based nanoparticles bearing ruthenium(II)-arene naproxen complex: preparation and characterisation. Analytical validation for metal determination by microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry

The objectives of this work are to develop nanocarrier systems for the Ru(II)-p-cymene naproxen antitumor metallodrug, [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(npx)Cl] or Rupcy, based on polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) composed by the biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and the hydrophilic polymerised β-cyclodextrin (PolyCD); to validate an analytical method for determination of Ru incorporated into the metallodrug loaded-NPs. The PolyCD was prepared by single step condensation and polymerisation reaction and incorporated as a polymer blend during the fabrication of PLA/PolyCD blends NPs and also as a core/shell structure built by adsorption of the PolyCD onto the surface of PLA NPs to give PLA(core)/PolyCD(shell) NPs. Three different loaded-systems incorporating the metallodrug (Rupcy-PLA NPs (1), Rupcy-PLA/PolyCD blends (2), and Rupcy-PLA(core)/PolyCD(shell) NPs (3)) were prepared by nanoprecipitation. The characterisation was performed by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight, Fourier-Transform Infra-red and UV-VIS Electronic Absorption Spectroscopies, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Dynamic Light Scattering, and Electrophoretic Light Scattering. Ru was determined by Microwave Induced Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (MIP-OES) with validation of the method. The metallodrug entrapment efficiency was around 90% (w/w) and drug loading was at 3-4% (w/w). The characterised metallodrug-loaded systems exhibited monomodal size distributions and appropriate hydrodynamic diameters [218.3 ± 13.5 (1), 205.4 ± 14.4 (2), 231.5 ± 22.0 (3) nm] and zeta potential values [-31.5 ± 2.2 (1), -26.1 ± 4.5 (2), -28.8 ± 6.1 (3) mV]. The validation of the MIP-OES method by evaluating selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and limits of detection and quantification succeeded. The NPs parameters are compatible with colloidally stable systems. The MIP-OES method showed to be simple, reliable, and feasible to quantify indirectly the amount of the metallodrug-loaded into the PLA NPs.

Polymeric Nanosystems Applied for Metal-Based Drugs and Photosensitizers Delivery: The State of the Art and Recent Advancements

Nanotechnology-based approaches for targeting the delivery and controlled release of metal-based therapeutic agents have revealed significant potential as tools for enhancing the therapeutic effect of metal-based agents and minimizing their systemic toxicities. In this context, a series of polymer-based nanosized systems designed to physically load or covalently conjugate metal-based therapeutic agents have been remarkably improving their bioavailability and anticancer efficacy. Initially, the polymeric nanocarriers were applied for platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents resulting in some nanoformulations currently in clinical tests and even in medical applications. At present, these nanoassemblies have been slowly expanding for nonplatinum-containing metal-based chemotherapeutic agents. Interestingly, for metal-based photosensitizers (PS) applied in photodynamic therapy (PDT), especially for cancer treatment, strategies employing polymeric nanocarriers have been investigated for almost 30 years. In this review, we address the polymeric nanocarrier-assisted metal-based therapeutics agent delivery systems with a specific focus on non-platinum systems; we explore some biological and physicochemical aspects of the polymer–metallodrug assembly. Finally, we summarize some recent advances in polymeric nanosystems coupled with metal-based compounds that present potential for successful clinical applications as chemotherapeutic or photosensitizing agents. We hope this review can provide a fertile ground for the innovative design of polymeric nanosystems for targeting the delivery and controlled release of metal-containing therapeutic agents.

New insights into progressive ligand replacement from [Ru2Cl(O2CCH3)4]: synthetic strategies and variation in redox potentials and paramagnetic shifts

The complete series of [Ru₂Cl(Dp-FPhF)_x(O₂CCH₃)_4-x] (x = 1-4; Dp-FPhF^- = N,N'-bis(4-fluorophenyl)formamidinate) compounds, has been prepared and characterized by a multi-technique approach, including single crystal X-ray diffraction. A careful study of the different methodologies has allowed us to prepare four compounds with good yields and without an inert atmosphere or further purification. Specifically, [Ru₂Cl(Dp-FPhF)(O₂CCH₃)₃] (1) was obtained using an ultrasound-assisted (USS) method, while [Ru₂Cl(Dp-FPhF)₄] (4) was prepared by microwave assisted solvothermal synthesis (MWS). The intermediate substitution products cis-[Ru₂Cl(Dp-FPhF)₂(O₂CCH₃)₂] (2) and [Ru₂Cl(Dp-FPhF)₃(O₂CCH₃)] (3) have been prepared by conventional heating, controlling the molar ratio of the starting materials. ESI-MS and infrared spectroscopy were used to follow all the reactions and permitted a qualitative evaluation of the axial reactivity in this series. Magnetic and absorption measurements confirmed a high spin σ²π⁴δ²(π*δ*)³ electronic configuration in all cases. However, the effect of the gradual modification of the electronic density in the diruthenium core markedly affects other properties. The cyclic voltammograms of the compounds show a strong decrease in the one electron oxidation potential and an increase in the reduction potential in the series from 1 to 4. Furthermore, despite their paramagnetic nature, ¹H- and ¹⁹F-NMR spectra were recorded, and a correlation between the paramagnetic shift of the signals and the substitution degree of the diruthenium species was observed. These results provide a comprehensive guide to synthesise and understand the effects of equatorial ligand substitution on the properties of Ru₂⁵⁺ compounds.

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.

Advances in Nanomedicine Design: Multidisciplinary Strategies for Unmet Medical Needs

Globally, a rising burden of complex diseases takes a heavy toll on human lives and poses substantial clinical and economic challenges. This review covers nanomedicine and nanotechnology-enabled advanced drug delivery systems (DDS) designed to address various unmet medical needs. Key nanomedicine and DDSs, currently employed in the clinic to tackle some of these diseases, are discussed focusing on their versatility in diagnostics, anticancer therapy, and diabetes management. First-hand experiences from our own laboratory and the work of others are presented to provide insights into strategies to design and optimize nanomedicine- and nanotechnology-enabled DDS for enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Computational analysis is also briefly reviewed as a technology for rational design of controlled release DDS. Further explorations of DDS have illuminated the interplay of physiological barriers and their impact on DDS. It is demonstrated how such delivery systems can overcome these barriers for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and how new perspectives of next-generation DDS can be applied clinically.

Interactions of Analgesics with Cisplatin: Modulation of Anticancer Efficacy and Potential Organ Toxicity

Cisplatin (CDDP), one of the most eminent cancer chemotherapeutic agents, has been successfully used to treat more than half of all known cancers worldwide. Despite its effectiveness, CDDP might cause severe toxic adverse effects on multiple body organs during cancer chemotherapy, including the kidneys, heart, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and auditory system, as well as peripheral nerves causing severely painful neuropathy. The latter, among other pains patients feel during chemotherapy, is an indication for the use of analgesics during treatment with CDDP. Different types of analgesics, such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and narcotic analgesics, could be used according to the severity of pain. Administered analgesics might modulate CDDP’s efficacy as an anticancer drug. NSAIDS, on one hand, might have cytotoxic effects on their own and few of them can potentiate CDDP’s anticancer effects via inhibiting the CDDP-induced cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, or through COX-independent mechanisms. On the other hand, some narcotic analgesics might ameliorate CDDP’s anti-neoplastic effects, causing chemotherapy to fail. Concerning safety, some analgesics share the same adverse effects on normal tissues as CDDP, augmenting its potentially hazardous effects on organ impairment. This article offers an overview of the reported literature on the interactions between analgesics and CDDP, paying special attention to possible mechanisms that modulate CDDP’s cytotoxic efficacy and potential adverse reactions.

NSAIDs: Old Acquaintance in the Pipeline for Cancer Treatment and Prevention─Structural Modulation, Mechanisms of Action, and Bright Future

The limitations of current chemotherapeutic drugs are still a major issue in cancer treatment. Thus, targeted multimodal therapeutic approaches need to be strategically developed to successfully control tumor growth and prevent metastatic burden. Inflammation has long been recognized as a hallmark of cancer and plays a key role in the tumorigenesis and progression of the disease. Several epidemiological, clinical, and preclinical studies have shown that traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exhibit anticancer activities. This Perspective reports the most recent outcomes for the treatment and prevention of different types of cancers for several NSAIDs alone or in combination with current chemotherapeutic drugs. Furthermore, an extensive review of the most promising structural modifications is reported, such as phospho, H₂S, and NO releasing-, selenium-, metal complex-, and natural product-NSAIDs, among others. We also provide a perspective about the new strategies used to obtain more efficient NSAID- or NSAID derivative- formulations for targeted delivery.

A novel μ-oxo-diruthenium(III,III)-ibuprofen-(4-aminopyridine) chloride derived from the diruthenium(II,III)-ibuprofen paddlewheel metallodrug shows anticancer properties

Diruthenium(II,III) metal-metal multiply bonded paddlewheel complexes bearing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are promising anticancer metallodrugs. The [Ru₂(Ibp)₄Cl] (Ibp, ibuprofenate anion from HIbp ibuprofen drug), free or encapsulated, shows anticancer activity against glioblastoma (in vitro, in vivo), and against human breast and prostate cancer cells. Herein we report the interaction of [Ru₂(Ibp)₄Cl] and of [Ru₂(Ac)₄(H₂O)₂]PF₆ (Ac, acetate) with the 4-aminopyridine (4Apy) drug. The N-ligand was capable of cleaving the paddlewheel unit with oxidation of Ru₂(II,III) to Ru₂(III,III)O μ-oxo core in the ibuprofen complex while the acetate complex underwent axial substitution of water by 4Apy. Carefully designed synthetic and chromatographic methods succeeded in giving the novel [Ru₂O(Ibp)₂(4Apy)₆]Cl₂ metallodrug, the first diruthenium(III,III) μ-oxo having chloride as counterion. Characterization was performed by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, electronic absorption and vibrational spectroscopies, molar conductivity and cyclic voltammetry. Kinetic studies for the μ-oxo complex (in 50:50 v/v ethanol:water) suggested an aquation/complexation equilibrium in consecutive step reactions with the exchange of the two 4Apy trans to the μ-oxo bridge by water (aquation) and the back coordination of 4Apy in excess of the N-ligand (complexation). Trypan blue assays for the novel compound showed time- and dose- dependent antiproliferative effects (at 5-50 μmol L^-1) and cytotoxicity (> 20 μmol L^-1), and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assays gave IC₅₀ value of 7.6 ± 1.5 μmol L^-1 (at 48 h, 1-20 μmol L^-1) against U87MG human glioblastoma cells (aggressive brain glioma cancer) pointing the metallodrug as potential candidate for novel therapies in gliomas.

Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities of Naproxen and Naproxen Derivatives

This review explains the effects of naproxen and the naproxen moiety in important biological activities. Naproxen, 2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)propionic acid, is one of the most utilized propionic acid derivatives to the cure of many injuries or pains. Naproxen is a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), which is generally used among the NSAIDs. Even though it has gastrointestinal side effects, naproxen has been safely used for many years because of the good cardiovascular sight. In the past years, except for anti-inflammatory effects, other pharmacological activities of naproxen, especially anticancer and antimicrobial activities, gain the attention of researchers. Naproxen shows its activity by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme. There is significant interest in the possibility that COX-2 inhibitors might retard or prevent the development of various cancer types, which is often characterized by COX-2 expression. The activities of both naproxen and new molecules derived from naproxen were frequently investigated.

Synthesis, crystal structure, the Hirshfeld surface analysis, and antimicrobial activity of a three-dimensional Cu(II) complex with N-substituted biguanide

A new antibacterial complex C4H15CuN5O7S, which is derived from the non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus drug metformin hydrochloride (MH) and cupric sulfate pentahydrate, is prepared and characterized. The complex shows that a three-dimensional supramolecular structure and the intermolecular interactions are analyzed by the Hirshfeld surface analysis. More importantly, compared with the MH free ligand, the present complex shows excellent antimicrobial activity, especially for Gram-negative bacteria.

Nanoparticles for Stem Cell Therapy Bioengineering in Glioma

Gliomas are a dismal disease associated with poor survival and high morbidity. Current standard treatments have reached a therapeutic plateau even after combining maximal safe resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. In this setting, stem cells (SCs) have risen as a promising therapeutic armamentarium, given their intrinsic tumor homing as well as their natural or bioengineered antitumor properties. The interplay between stem cells and other therapeutic approaches such as nanoparticles holds the potential to synergize the advantages from the combined therapeutic strategies. Nanoparticles represent a broad spectrum of synthetic and natural biomaterials that have been proven effective in expanding diagnostic and therapeutic efforts, either used alone or in combination with immune, genetic, or cellular therapies. Stem cells have been bioengineered using these biomaterials to enhance their natural properties as well as to act as their vehicle when anticancer nanoparticles need to be delivered into the tumor microenvironment in a very precise manner. Here, we describe the recent developments of this new paradigm in the treatment of malignant gliomas.