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Carbon monoxide, the "silent killer" gas, is increasingly recognised as an important signalling molecule in human physiology, which has beneficial biological properties. A particular way of achieving controlled CO administration is based on the use of biocompatible molecules that only release CO when triggered by internal or external factors. These approaches include the development of pharmacologically effective prodrugs known as CO releasing molecules (CORMs), which can supply biological systems with CO in well-regulated doses. An overview of transition metal-based CORMs with cytotoxic properties is here reported. The mechanisms at the basis of the biological activities of these molecules and their potential therapeutical applications with respect to their stability and CO releasing properties have been discussed. The activation of metal-based CORMs is determined by the type of metal and by the nature and features of the auxiliary ligands, which affect the metal core electronic density and therefore the prodrug resistance towards oxidation and CO release ability. A major role in regulating the cytotoxic properties of these CORMs is played by CO and/or CO-depleted species. However, several mysteries concerning the cytotoxicity of CORMs remain as intriguing questions for scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Pd(II) complexes of the general formula [PdX(NNS)] (X = Cl, Br, I, NCS and phenyl-tetrazole-thiolato; NNS = 2-quinolinecarboxyaldehyde-N4-phenylthiosemicarbazone) was tested against four malignant cell lines for their antiproliferative properties and the outcomes were compared to those seen in normal mouse splenocytes. Various auxiliary ligands were substituted in order to investigate the impact of the character of the ligand on the cytotoxicity of this class of Pd(II) complexes. The iodo complex was the most cytotoxic compound towards the Caco-2 cell line in this study. The improved apoptosis and necrosis cell modes were in accordance with the fragmentation results of DNA, which revealed increased fragmentation terminals, especially in isothiocyanate and tetrazole-thiolato complexes. After 24 hours, at half the IC50 of each complex, the complex-treated cells exhibited considerable genotoxicity when compared to the corresponding non-treated control especially in the case of isothiocyanate and tetrazole-thiolato complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human acute monocytic leukaemia cells were tested under both dark and light conditions for their susceptibility to Mn(I) and Ru(II) carbonyl complexes with a diphenyl pyridyl phosphine coligand. The Ru(II) complex (IC50 = 7.13 ± 0.8 μM) displayed higher outstanding potency against leukaemia than the Mn(I) analogue (54.58 ± 4.1 μM) in the dark and both complexes were completely harmless to healthy mouse bone marrow cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cytotoxicity of two tricarbonyl Mn(I) complexes of the general formula fac-[MnBr(CO)3L] (L = quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde (A) and 8-amino quinoline (B)) towards triple negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) was reported. Complexes A and B released CO when exposed to 468 nm light. Compound B has a dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 19.62 μM and 11.43 μM before and after illumination, respectively. Co-treatment of MDA-MB-231 with paclitaxel (30 nM) and complex B (10 μM) resulted in a 50% reduction in cell viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction between [RuCl2(CO)2]n and 1H-benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl-(N-phenyl)amine ligands (LR) functionalized with various electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents on the phenyl ring (R = H, 4-CH3, 4-Cl, 4-COOCH3, and 3-COOCH3) afforded the dark-stable photoactivatable carbon monoxide prodrugs of the general formula [RuCl2(CO)2LR]. Release of the CO molecules from the Ru(II) compounds was examined by monitoring the electronic and IR spectra upon illumination at 365 nm. A noticeable decrease in the intensities of the two characteristic ν(C≡O) modes for Ru(CO) II2 species, and the growth of two new bands for the mono-carbonyl species and free CO, were the main features of the photolysis profiles. The cytotoxicity of the complexes towards breast cancer (MCF-7) cells was assessed with and without illumination at 365 nm. All the complexes except that with a 4-COOCH3 group (IC50 = 45.08 ± 3.5 μM) are nontoxic under dark conditions. Upon illumination, all the compounds acquired cytotoxicity in the following order: H > 4-COOCH3 > 4-CH3 > 4-Cl > 3-COOCH3. Investigation of the cytotoxicity of the CO-depleted fragments showed that the light-induced cytotoxicity can be attributed to the liberated CO and CO-depleted metal fragments, including the liberated benzimidazole ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of the propyl-sulfonic acid group at N1 of the coordinated 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole ligand (L) in [RhCl(η5-C5Me5)L](CF3SO3) gives rise to a water-soluble complex, which can bind to the model protein lysozyme via non-covalent interactions. The complex shows selective moderate toxicity against Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC = 21.6–43.3 μM) and exhibits no cytotoxicity to healthy HEK293 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lysozyme binding affinity and the electronic properties of [ReX(CO)3(terpy-κ2N1,N2)] (X = Br− and triazolateCOOCH2CH3,CF3) were reported. The triazolate complex was prepared in a [3 + 2] cycloaddition click reaction. The bromo compound reacted with lysozyme affording adducts with Re(CO)3+ fragments, while the triazolate compound persisted. A red shift of the MLCT band of the triazolate compound in progressively less polar solvents may be due to the negative solvatochromism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two series of photoinduced tricarbonyl manganese(I) compounds were prepared from the reaction of [MnBr(CO)3(2-C(H)＝O)] (2-C(H)＝O: quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde and pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde) and para-substituted aniline derivatives (X = OH, OCH3, Cl and NO2). Different electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents were introduced in the para-position of the phenyl ring to investigate their influence on the stability of the compounds in the dark and the photophysical properties upon illumination at 525 nm. When kept in the dark, the aerated solutions of the complexes in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and CH2Cl2 were stable. In the solution, the complexes bearing electron-withdrawing substituents, exchange their bromo ligands with DMSO solvent molecules, as evidenced from infrared and UV/Vis studies as well as time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The complexes were assessed for their cytotoxicity, both in the dark and upon exposure to a 525 nm LED, against the human hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2). A marked reduction in the viability of HepG2 cells treated with the complex functionalized with quinoline and methoxy substituent was observed after illumination in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 7.1 μM, making it the most phototoxic compound in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction between 2-(2′-pyridyl)benzimidazole derivatives and [{IrCl(η5-C5Me5)}2(μ-Cl)2] afforded mono- and binuclear "piano-stool" Ir(III) compounds of type [IrnCln(η5-C5Me5)n(L)]Cln (n = 1, L = LET (1) and LSO3H (2); n = 2, L = LBN (3)), which were fully characterized, including the X-ray crystallographic analysis of 1. While the free ligands and compound 3 exhibited no toxicity to the tested microbes, compound 1 was highly potent against bacteria (MIC = 12.9–25.8 nM) and fungi (MIC < 0.40 nM). However, complex 1 induced damage to non-malignant cell lines (human embryonic kidney (HEK293), CC50 = 0.995 μg mL−1) and human RBCs (HC10 = 10.9 μg mL−1 and HC50 > 32 μg mL−1). Interestingly, complex 2, bearing the benzimidazole ligand with an alkylated sulfonate side chain (LSO3H), was selectively potent against C. neoformans with MIC value of 11.2 nM and was non-toxic to HEK293. According to DNA binding studies, compounds 1–3 could be considered as moderate metallo intercalators with a binding constant of 5.0 × 104–1.0 × 105 M−1. Alternatively, evidence was obtained, from ESI-MS measurements, for the non-covalent mode of binding of 2 to hen egg white lysozyme, while compounds 1 and 3 decomposed during the interaction with that protein. This may be attributed to the electrostatic and H-bonding interactions between the polar sulfonate group and charged protein side-chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Au(III) compounds bearing N,N-pyridylbenzimidazole derivatives with the ethyl (1) or propyl sulfonate (2) appendage react with the model protein hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL), forming adducts with different gold-containing fragments. The conformation of the enzyme, the exact gold binding sites and the oxidation state of Au in the adducts are unknown. Here we report a structural study on the reaction of 1 and 2 with HEWL in solution and solid state. In agreement with previously reported electrospray ionization mass spectra, the compounds degrade in their interaction with the protein. In the structure derived from HEWL crystals exposed to 1 for less than one day, three Au binding sites were identified: Au(I) ions are bound to the side chain of His15 and to the side chains of His15 and Asn93. The third gold centre is buried in the hydrophobic pocket of the protein via the binding to the side chain of Met105 and the trapping between the side chains of Trp28, Trp108 and Trp111. In a second crystal fished three hours later from the same drop, only one Au ion, probably in the +1 oxidation state, is observed; it binds the protein close to the side chains of Asn93 and His15. After three days of soaking, the colour of HEWL crystals obtained in the presence of 1 turned violet. In these crystals, anomalous signals attributable to Au are found on the protein surface; gold atoms are not directly coordinated to residue side chains. Longer exposure of HEWL crystals to 1 produces gold-free crystals. In the adduct of HEWL exposed to 2 for one day, three Au(I) ions are detected close to the side chains of both Asn93 and His15, the side chain of His15 and that of Met105. Longer exposure of HEWL crystals to 2 affords gold-free crystals. These structural data and those of the other protein/gold adducts available at the Protein Data Bank suggest that the reduction of Au(III) into Au(I) is the basis of the mechanism of action of the biologically active gold(III) compounds. Besides, Au(I) ions can undergo disproportionation into Au(III) and Au(0) that can diffuse away from the protein crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mono- and binuclear blue-light-induced CO-releasing molecules based on a fac-MnBr(CO)3 moiety and bearing benzimidazole ligands furnished with either a sulfonate or phosphonium group were synthesized. The effect of the ancillary ligand (Br− and NCS−) on the CO releasing properties was studied and compared with that of the triazolate complex synthesized by the free catalyst [3+2] cycloaddition iClick reaction. An extension of the iClick reaction to the binuclear complex was successful. The assignment of electronic transitions was done by TDDFT. The photoprocess of the binuclear complexes was faster than that of the mononuclear complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) compounds bearing N,N-pyridylbenzimidazole derivatives with an alkylated sulfonate or phosphonium side chain are able to bind the model protein lysozyme both covalently and non-covalently as an entire compound or as a product of a hydrolysis reaction. The interactions with the protein and the origin of the different behaviors of these complexes were unknown hitherto. Here, we present four crystal structures of their adducts with lysozyme. Pt- and Pd-containing fragments bind the protein with different stoichiometries close to the side chains of His15, Asp87, Asp101 and Asn77. The compounds bearing a phosphonium side chain degrade during the reaction with lysozyme. Data show the origin of the non-covalent mode of binding of Pd and Pt compounds bearing a sulfonate side chain, which drives the recognition process by forming a series of H-bonds and coulombic interactions with positively charged residue side chains. In a separate experiment, the structure of the adduct that is formed when the Pd(ii) compound containing an alkylated sulfonate group reacts with ribonuclease A was also determined. In this structure, the sulfonate-Pd(ii) complex binds the side chain of His105 on the surface of the protein and the side chain of the catalytically important His119 residue. Altogether, our data provide a structural basis for understanding the behavior of the analyzed Pd(ii)- and Pt(ii)-based cisplatin analogues in their reactions with proteins and show the first structural characterization of an adduct comprising a cisplatin analogue that is non-covalently bound to a protein. The results suggest that functionalization of a ligand system with a sulfonate group can significantly alter the protein-binding activity and thus the overall pharmacological profile of Pd(ii)- and Pt(ii)-based drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New cisplatin analogue Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) complexes bearing charged pyridylbenzimidazole derivatives furnished with either an alkylated sulfonate or a phosphonium side chain were synthesized, fully characterized and tested for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities against noncancerous human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293). The interactions with CT-DNA were investigated using UV/vis spectroscopy. Assignment of the electronic transitions was performed with the aid of TDDFT. The complexes showed interesting antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. The Pd(ii) complex conjugated with alkylated triphenylphosphonium exhibited higher cytotoxicity (CC50 = 8.932 μg mL−1, equivalent to 12 nM) than the others. The reactivity towards hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) was investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The formation of DNA- and HEWL-adducts was achieved via the noncovalent and covalent interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction of analgin (NaL) with Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) salts in ethanol affords complexes of the type [ML2], which were characterized by elemental analysis, FT IR, UV-Vis, EPR, TG/DTA, magnetic susceptibility and conductance measurements. The copper(II) complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pbca space group. Analgin behaves as a mono-negatively tridentate ligand via pyrazolone O, sulfonate O and tertiary amino groups. The interaction of the tertiary nitrogen with Mn+ ions is the main factor which determines the stability of complexes as revealed from natural bond orbital analysis data, where the binding energy of [ML2] decreases with an increase in the bond length of the M-N bond. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations were applied in order to realize the electronic structures and to explain the related experimental observations. The anti-bacterial activity was studied on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Coordination of analgin to Ni(II) and Cu(II) leads to a significant increase in its antibacterial activity as compared with the Co(II) complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction between 1 H -benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl-( N -aryl)amine derivatives (L R ) and [ReBr(CO) 5 ] afforded octahedral Re(i) complexes of the general formula of [ReBr(CO) 3 L R ] (R = 4-Cl and 4-COOCH 3 ). The Re(i) complexes were screened for their potential cytotoxicity against three malignant cell lines and one normal cell line of different origins. The solvatochromic characteristics of the complexes were examined by UV/vis. spectroscopy with the aid of time-dependent density functional theory calculations. Strong autofluorescence emission can be seen in the two Re(i) complexes between 460 and 488 nm. They appeared to accumulate inside intercellular connections and surrounding cellular membranes. The substances gathered also, along the cell membrane, waiting for their entry. The mode of cell death staining and the DNA fragmentation analysis revealed that the 4-Cl complex showed increased apoptotic changes in the MCF-7, and the Caco-2 cell line, while the HepG2 cell line showed little apoptotic changes., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

The cytotoxicity of two tricarbonyl Mn(I) complexes of the general formula fac -[MnBr(CO) 3 L] (L = quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde (A) and 8-amino quinoline (B)) towards triple negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) was reported. Complexes A and B released CO when exposed to 468 nm light. Compound B has a dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 19.62 μM and 11.43 μM before and after illumination, respectively. Co-treatment of MDA-MB-231 with paclitaxel (30 nM) and complex B (10 μM) resulted in a 50% reduction in cell viability.

Reaction between [RuCl 2 (CO) 2 ] n and 1 H -benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl-( N -phenyl)amine ligands (L R ) functionalized with various electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents on the phenyl ring (R = H, 4-CH 3 , 4-Cl, 4-COOCH 3 , and 3-COOCH 3 ) afforded the dark-stable photoactivatable carbon monoxide prodrugs of the general formula [RuCl 2 (CO) 2 L R ]. Release of the CO molecules from the Ru(II) compounds was examined by monitoring the electronic and IR spectra upon illumination at 365 nm. A noticeable decrease in the intensities of the two characteristic ν (CO) modes for Ru(CO)II2 species, and the growth of two new bands for the mono-carbonyl species and free CO, were the main features of the photolysis profiles. The cytotoxicity of the complexes towards breast cancer (MCF-7) cells was assessed with and without illumination at 365 nm. All the complexes except that with a 4-COOCH 3 group (IC 50 = 45.08 ± 3.5 μM) are nontoxic under dark conditions. Upon illumination, all the compounds acquired cytotoxicity in the following order: H > 4-COOCH 3 > 4-CH 3 > 4-Cl > 3-COOCH 3 . Investigation of the cytotoxicity of the CO-depleted fragments showed that the light-induced cytotoxicity can be attributed to the liberated CO and CO-depleted metal fragments, including the liberated benzimidazole ligands.

The lysozyme binding affinity and the electronic properties of [ReX(CO)3(terpy-κ2N1,N2)] (X = Br- and triazolateCOOCH2CH3,CF3) were reported. The triazolate complex was prepared in a [3 + 2] cycloaddition click reaction. The bromo compound reacted with lysozyme affording adducts with Re(CO)3+ fragments, while the triazolate compound persisted. A red shift of the MLCT band of the triazolate compound in progressively less polar solvents may be due to the negative solvatochromism.

Two series of photoinduced tricarbonyl manganese(i) compounds were prepared from the reaction of [MnBr(CO)3(2-C(H)[double bond, length as m-dash]O)] (2-C(H)[double bond, length as m-dash]O: quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde and pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde) and para-substituted aniline derivatives (X = OH, OCH3, Cl and NO2). Different electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents were introduced in the para-position of the phenyl ring to investigate their influence on the stability of the compounds in the dark and the photophysical properties upon illumination at 525 nm. When kept in the dark, the aerated solutions of the complexes in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and CH2Cl2 were stable. In the solution, the complexes bearing electron-withdrawing substituents, exchange their bromo ligands with DMSO solvent molecules, as evidenced from infrared and UV/Vis studies as well as time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The complexes were assessed for their cytotoxicity, both in the dark and upon exposure to a 525 nm LED, against the human hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2). A marked reduction in the viability of HepG2 cells treated with the complex functionalized with quinoline and methoxy substituent was observed after illumination in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 7.1 μM, making it the most phototoxic compound in our study.

Au(iii) compounds bearing N,N-pyridylbenzimidazole derivatives with the ethyl (1) or propyl sulfonate (2) appendage react with the model protein hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL), forming adducts with different gold-containing fragments. The conformation of the enzyme, the exact gold binding sites and the oxidation state of Au in the adducts are unknown. Here we report a structural study on the reaction of 1 and 2 with HEWL in solution and solid state. In agreement with previously reported electrospray ionization mass spectra, the compounds degrade in their interaction with the protein. In the structure derived from HEWL crystals exposed to 1 for less than one day, three Au binding sites were identified: Au(i) ions are bound to the side chain of His15 and to the side chains of His15 and Asn93. The third gold centre is buried in the hydrophobic pocket of the protein via the binding to the side chain of Met105 and the trapping between the side chains of Trp28, Trp108 and Trp111. In a second crystal fished three hours later from the same drop, only one Au ion, probably in the +1 oxidation state, is observed; it binds the protein close to the side chains of Asn93 and His15. After three days of soaking, the colour of HEWL crystals obtained in the presence of 1 turned violet. In these crystals, anomalous signals attributable to Au are found on the protein surface; gold atoms are not directly coordinated to residue side chains. Longer exposure of HEWL crystals to 1 produces gold-free crystals. In the adduct of HEWL exposed to 2 for one day, three Au(i) ions are detected close to the side chains of both Asn93 and His15, the side chain of His15 and that of Met105. Longer exposure of HEWL crystals to 2 affords gold-free crystals. These structural data and those of the other protein/gold adducts available at the Protein Data Bank suggest that the reduction of Au(iii) into Au(i) is the basis of the mechanism of action of the biologically active gold(iii) compounds. Besides, Au(i) ions can undergo disproportionation into Au(iii) and Au(0) that can diffuse away from the protein crystals.

fac -[ReBr(CO) 3 (L 1,2 )] L 1 = 1-ethyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)benzimidazole (1) and L 2 = 1-[(pyridin-2-yl) benzimidazole]-propyl-sulfonic acid (2), fac -[Re 2 Br 2 (CO) 6 L 3 ] (3) L 3 = 1,1'-(hexane-1,6-diyl)bis[2-(pyridin-2-yl)1 H -benzimidazole] and fac -[ReBr(CO) 3 (L 4,5 -κ 2 N 1 N 2 )] (L 4 = 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2'-yl)pyridine (4) and L 5 = 2,6-bis(1-ethyl-benzimidazol-2'-yl)pyridine (5) were synthesized and fully characterized using different spectrocopic and analytical tools. The spectrocopic data showed coordination of L 1-3 to fac -ReBr(CO) 3 via the benzimidazole and pyridine N-atoms. For 4 and 5, the absence of a two-fold axis of symmetry for L 4,5 in the 1 H NMR spectra reflect the κ 2 N 1 ,N 2 mode of coordination. The electronic properties of 1-5 were investigated by time-dependent density functional theory calculations in the singlet and triplet states. The ligands and their Re(i) complexes were assessed for their potential antimicrobial activity. Compound 5 was screened against non-malignant cell line (noncancerous human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293)) as well as evaluated for its blood compatibility., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)