Synthesis, characterization and biological properties of a photosensitizing ruthenium mononuclear complex with a bulky ligand and a DNA intercalator with photoinduced release of NO

• Grant number: 20/15607-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: June 01, 2021
• End date: August 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Sofia Nikolaou
• Grantee: Renan Ribeiro Bertoloni
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/08085-4 - Studies of excited state dynamics and DNA photocleavage of a photosensitizer coordination complex with an intercalator ligand, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

This project proposes the synthesis, characterization and investigation of biological properties of interest for an unprecedented complex of molecular formula [Ru (terpy) (dppz) NO] (PF6) 3 (terpy = 2,2 ': 6'2 "-terpiridine and dppz = dipyride [3,2-a: 22,32-c] phenazine). The choice of the metallic center and each ligand was made based on their individual properties, aiming at a synergy that makes the compound an excellent candidate for a metallodrug. The photoinduced release of NO is expected to have a high quantum yield, since the biological properties of this molecule are of extreme interest, and the introduction of the dppz, planar and hydrophobic ligand, intends to make the compound interact with the DNA and / or HSA with a high binding constant, which can lead to anti-cancer activities of interest. Finally, ruthenium compounds are great candidates for photosensitizers, so the quantum yield measurement of the compound's singlet oxygen generation is also a property of interest to be studied. Since the title compound is unprecedented, the synthetic and purification route will be developed within this project. The characterization will be carried out using the techniques of spectroscopy in the region of UV-Vis, IR, cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry, NMR, elemental analysis and mass spectrometry. The biological properties will be investigated through spectrophotometric monitoring of NO photolysis and the generation of singlet oxygen, titration of the complex with DNA and suppression of fluorescence with HSA. Characterization data, singlet oxygen production capacity and interaction with biomolecules of the [Ru (terpy) (dppz) Cl] PF6 complex will be used for comparison. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

BERTOLONI, Renan Ribeiro. Design and development of a new ruthenium metallodrug candidate with synergistic ligands. 2023. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC) Ribeirão Preto.