Association of Ruthenium complex with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and MOFs for future application as a NO release system

• Grant number: 23/13840-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: January 04, 2024
• End date: February 23, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Sidney José Lima Ribeiro
• Grantee: Alexandre Lima Fernandes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Multifunctional nanoparticles have great potential for optimizing anticancer treatment. In particular, MOFs (metal-organic frameworks) are among the most innovative platforms as drug carriers for controlled release, possessing crystallinity, high porosity and an easily modified structure. Among the materials used for bioimaging, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) stand out because they are capable of converting near infrared (NIR) to visible light, providing unique optical characteristics such as high luminescence properties with potential application in deep tissues. Therefore, the development of a new theranostic platform for the formation of a carrier of an active antitumor molecule using distinct advantages of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and MOF structures is promising. As an active molecule, the Ru complex ([Ru(bpy)2(NO)SO3](PF6)) presents relevant properties for antitumor application. Unlike what was observed for other complexes, this complex allows the release of NO instead of the production of N2O, which may be indicative of the formation of HNO, as an intermediate. This result reinforces the promising application of these compounds in physiological environments, where biological thiol reducers promote the release of NO. In this sense, this project's main objective is to prepare nanoparticles, using the association of UCNP (NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+) and the MOF ZIF-8, forming a system capable of carrying the Ru complex, used as an active molecule. The materials developed in this work will be characterized by XRD, IR, NMR, luminescence analysis, porosity analysis, thermal analysis (TG) and SEM-EDS. The experience of the Fotônicos group in developing these materials and mastering characterization techniques can add scientific knowledge to the student, in addition to academic and personal development. (AU)