Boron clusters as breast cancer therapeutics

Since the foundation of small molecule-based therapeutics over 100 years ago, their design has been dominated by organic based components. This has also been apparent in anti-cancer therapeutics in a broad range of strategies; from the older DNA chelating drugs, to the more recent molecular-targeted therapies. The main challenges facing current treatments; multidrug resistance and low therapeutic index, can potentially be alleviated by the incorporation of boron clusters. While retaining the versatility of their organic counterparts, these compounds offer a unique set of molecular interactions, which are a useful tool in targeted therapies and can improve many organic formulations with their incorporation. This review will discuss the potential of boron clusters in medicine while focusing on their activity in the breast cancer setting.

Solid-State, Thermal Synthesis of Peptide/Protein-Boron Cluster Conjugates

Anionic boron clusters can be used to increase the pharmaceutical properties of the peptides. Here, we describe the method of synthesis of peptide/protein-boron cluster conjugates using solid-state, thermal reaction on two different peptides: thymosin β4 (Tβ4) and lysozyme. 1,4-dioxane oxonium derivatives of anionic boron clusters are used as donors of boron clusters. This procedure allows to conjugate anionic boron clusters to native peptides without loss of the activity of the peptides.