Synthesis, visible light photocleavage, antiproliferative and cellular uptake properties of ruthenium complex [Ru(phen)2(mitatp)]2+

A new ruthenium complex [Ru(phen)2(mitatp)]2+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, mitatp = 5-methoxy-isatino[1,2-b]-1,4,8,9-tetraazatriphenylene) has been synthesized and characterized. The interaction of the complex with DNA has been studied and the results indicate that [Ru(phen)2(mitatp)]2+ could efficiently photocleave pBR322 DNA under irradiation at visible light and the singlet oxygen 1O2 was proved to be reactive species in the photocleavage process. The cytotoxicity has also been evaluated by MTT method, and [Ru(phen)2(mitatp)]2+ shows prominent anticancer activity against various cancer cells. Live cell imaging study and flow cytometric analysis demonstrate that the complex could cross cell membrane accumulating in the nucleus and inducing cell death by induction of G0/G1 cells cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Graphical abstractA new ruthenium complex has been synthesized and characterized. The complex could effectively promote DNA cleavage and induce G0/G1 cells cycle arrest and apoptosis of cancer cells.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A new ruthenium complex has been synthesized and characterized. ► The complex could promote DNA cleavage under irradiation at visible light. ► The complex shows prominent anticancer activity against various cancer cells. ► The reasons causing cells death are G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.