Synthesis, cellular uptake, apopotosis, cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, interaction with DNA and antioxidant activity of ruthenium(II) complexes

A new ligand and two ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(bpy)2(DNPIP)](ClO4)21 and [Ru(bpy)2(DAPIP)](ClO4)22 were synthesized and characterized. The DNA-binding constants for complexes 1 and 2 were determined to be 2.24 (±0.30) × 105 M−1 (s = 1.29) and 6.34 (±0.32) × 104 M−1 (s = 2.84). The photocleavage of pBR322 DNA by Ru(II) complexes was investigated. The cytotoxicity of complexes 1 and 2 were assessed against three tumor cell lines. The apoptosis and cellular uptake were studied. The retardation assay of pGL 3 plasmid DNA was explored. The cell cycle arrest was analysized by flow cytometry. The antioxidant activities of the ligand and complexes were also investigated.

Ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(bpy)2(DNPIP)]2+ (1) and [Ru(bpy)2(DAPIP)]2+ (2) were synthesized. The DNA-binding behaviors were investigated. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT method. The apoptosis and cellular uptake were also studied.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Two new ruthenium (II) complexes [Ru(bpy)2(DNPIP)](ClO4)2 and [Ru(bpy)2(DAPIP)](ClO4)2 were synthesized.
► The cytotoxicity of these complexes has been evaluated by MTT assay.
► The apoptosis assay was carried out with AO/EB staining methods.
► The cellular uptake was observed under fluorescence microscopy.
► The antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radical (OH) was also studied.