New ruthenium(II) mixed metallocene derived complexes: Synthesis, characterization by X-ray diffraction and evaluation on DNA interaction by atomic force microscopy

A new family of Ru(II) mixed metallocene complexes of the type [Ru(η5-C5H5)(η6-arene)][PF6] has been synthesized and fully characterized by NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. X-ray analysis of single crystal was achieved for all the complexes and revealed the presence of two enantiomers expected for planar chirality originated by the η6 coordination of the arene prochiral ligands. Studies of interaction of the new complexes with pBR322 DNA by atomic force microscopy showed very strong and different types of interaction. Antiproliferative tests were examined on human leukemia cancer cells (HL-60) using the MTT assay, and the IC50 values revealed low antiproliferative activity compared to cisplatin.

Graphical abstractX-ray structures complement the spectroscopic characterization of six new ruthenium(II) mixed metallocene complexes, synthesized for evaluation of their anti-tumor potentialities. Images obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) illustrate their interaction with DNA. Antiproliferative assays on human leukemia cancer cells (HL-60) are reported and the IC50 values are compared to cisplatin.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide