Binding Behaviors for Different Types of DNA G‐Quadruplexes: Enantiomers of [Ru(bpy)2(L)]2+ (L=dppz,dppz‐idzo)

Polymorphic DNA G‐quadruplex recognition has attracted great interest in recent years. The strong binding affinity and potential enantioselectivity of chiral [Ru(bpy)₂(L)]²⁺ (L=dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine, dppz‐10,11‐imidazolone; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) prompted this investigation as to whether the two enantiomers, Δ and Λ, can show different effects on diverse structures with a range of parallel, antiparallel and mixed parallel/antiparallel G‐quadruplexes. These studies provide a striking example of chiral‐selective recognition of DNA G‐quadruplexes. As for antiparallel (tel‐Na⁺) basket G‐quadruplex, the Λ enantiomers bind stronger than the Δ enantiomers. Moreover, the behavior reported here for both enantiomers stands in sharp contrast to B‐DNA binding. The chiral selectivity toward mixed parallel/antiparallel (tel‐K⁺) G‐quadruplex of both compounds is weak. Different loop arrangements can change chiral complex selectivity for both antiparallel and mixed parallel/antiparallel G‐quadruplex. Whereas both Δ and Λ isomers bind to parallel G‐quadruplexes with comparable affinity, no appreciable stereoselective G‐quadruplex binding of the isomers was observed. In addition, different binding stoichiometries and binding modes for Δ and Λ enantiomers were confirmed. The results presented here indicate that chiral selective G‐quadruplex binding is not only related to G‐quadruplex topology, but also to the sequence and the loop constitution.     

Structural Studies Reveal Enantiospecific Recognition of a DNA G‐Quadruplex by a Ruthenium Polypyridyl Complex

By using X‐ray crystallography, we show that the complexes Λ/Δ‐[Ru(TAP)₂(11‐CN‐dppz)]²⁺ (TAP=1,4,5,8‐tetraazaphenanthrene, dppz=dipyridophenazine) bind DNA G‐quadruplex in an enantiospecific manner that parallels the specificity of these complexes with duplex DNA. The Λ complex crystallises with the normally parallel stranded d(TAGGGTTA) tetraplex to give the first such antiparallel strand assembly in which syn‐guanosine is adjacent to the complex at the 5′ end of the quadruplex core. SRCD measurements confirm that the same conformational switch occurs in solution. The Δ enantiomer, by contrast, is present in the structure but stacked at the ends of the assembly. In addition, we report the structure of Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(11‐CN‐dppz)]²⁺ bound to d(TCGGCGCCGA), a duplex‐forming sequence, and use both structural models to provide insight into the motif‐specific luminescence response of the isostructural phen analogue enantiomers.     

Photophysical Properties of Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl DNA Intercalators: Effects of the Molecular Surroundings Investigated by Theory

The environmental effects on the structural and photophysical properties of [Ru(L)₂(dppz)]²⁺ complexes (L=bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline, tap=1,4,5,8‐tetraazaphenanthrene; dppz=dipyrido[3,3‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine), used as DNA intercalators, have been studied by means of DFT, time‐dependent DFT, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations. The electronic characteristics of the low‐lying triplet excited states in water, acetonitrile, and DNA have been investigated to decipher the influence of the environment on the luminescent behavior of this class of molecules. The lowest triplet intra‐ligand (IL) excited state calculated at λ≈800 nm for the three complexes and localized on the dppz ligand is not very sensitive to the environment and is available for electron transfer from a guanine nucleobase. Whereas the lowest triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (³MLCT) states remain localized on the ancillary ligand (tap) in [Ru(tap)₂(dppz)]²⁺, regardless of the environment, their character is drastically modified in the other complexes [Ru(phen)₂(dppz)]²⁺ and [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)]²⁺ upon going from acetonitrile (MLCT_dppz/phen or MLCT_dppz/bpy) to water (MLCT_dppz) and DNA (MLCT_phen and MLCT_bpy). The change in the character of the low‐lying ³MLCT states accompanying nuclear relaxation in the excited state controls the emissive properties of the complexes in water, acetonitrile, and DNA. The light‐switching effect has been rationalized on the basis of environment‐induced control of the electronic density distributed in the lowest triplet excited states.     

Structure of the Complex of [Ru(tpm)(dppz)py]2+ with a B‐DNA Oligonucleotide—A Single‐Substituent Binding Switch for a Metallo‐Intercalator

We report the synthesis of three new complexes related to the achiral [Ru(tpm)(dppz)py]²⁺ cation (tpm=tripyridazole methane, dppz=dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine, py=pyridine) that contain an additional single functional group on the monodentate ancillary pyridyl ligand. Computational calculations indicate that the coordinated pyridyl rings are in a fixed orientation parallel to the dppz axis, and that the electrostatic properties of the complexes are very similar. DNA binding studies on the new complexes reveal that the nature and positioning of the functional group has a profound effect on the binding mode and affinity of these complexes. To explore the molecular and structural basis of these effects, circular dichroism and NMR studies on [Ru(tpm)(dppz)py]Cl₂ with the octanucleotides d(AGAGCTCT)₂ and d(CGAGCTCG)₂, were carried out. These studies demonstrate that the dppz ligand intercalates into the G²–A³ step, with {Ru(tpm)py} in the minor groove. They also reveal that the complex intercalates into the binding site in two possible orientations with the pyridyl ligand of the major conformer making close contact with terminal base pairs. We conclude that substitution at the 2‐ or 3‐position of the pyridine ring has little effect on binding, but that substitution at the 4‐position drastically disrupts intercalative binding, particularly with a 4‐amino substituent, because of steric and electronic interactions with the DNA. These results indicate that complexes derived from these systems have the potential to function as sequence‐specific light‐switch systems.     

DNA Interactions of the Functionalized (Mixed Polypyridine)ruthenium(II) Complex Bis(2,2′‐bipyridine‐κN1,κN1′)(methyl dipyrido[3,2‐a : 2′,3′‐c]phenazine‐11‐carboxylate‐κN4,κN5)ruthenium(2+) ([Ru(bpy)2(dppz‐11‐CO2Me)]2+)

A novel polypyridine ligand, dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine‐11‐carboxylic acid methyl ester (=dppz‐11‐CO₂Me), and its ruthenium(II) complex, [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz‐11‐CO₂Me)]²⁺ ( 1 ), were synthesized and characterized. The binding properties of this complex to calf‐thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) were investigated by different spectrophotometric methods and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that the complex binds to DNA in an intercalative mode and serves as a molecular ‘light switch’ for DNA. When irradiated at 365 nm, the complex 1 promoted the photocleavage of plasmid pBR‐322 DNA.     

Photodriven Multi‐electron Storage in Disubstituted RuII Dppz Analogues

Four derivatives of the laminate acceptor ligand dipyrido‐[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine (dppz) and their corresponding ruthenium complexes, [Ru(phen)₂(dppzX₂)]²⁺, were prepared and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, ESI‐MS, and elemental analysis. The new ligands, generically denoted dppzX₂, were symmetrically disubstituted on the distal benzene ring to give 10,13‐dibromodppz (dppz‐p‐Br), 11,12‐dibromodppz (dppz‐o‐Br), 10,13‐dicyanodppz (dppz‐p‐CN), 11,12‐dicyanodppz (dppz‐o‐CN). Solvated ground state MO calculations of the ruthenium complexes reveal that these electron‐withdrawing substituents not only lower the LUMO of the dppz ligand (dppz(CN)₂<dppzBr₂<dppz), but that the para disubstitution results in a lower LUMO than the ortho disubstitution (dppz‐p‐CN<(dppz‐o‐CN), and dppz‐p‐Br<dppz‐o‐Br). The validity of the calculations was confirmed experimentally using cyclic voltammetry. Of the complexes evaluated in this study, only the dicyanodppz complexes showed multiple dppz‐based reductions prior to reduction of the phen ligands. The capacity to form singly and doubly reduced dppz‐based anions at modest reduction potentials was confirmed using a combination of spectroelectrochemical and chemical titration methods. When subjected to photolysis with visible light in the presence of a sacrificial donor, such as triethylamine, both cyano complexes showed multi‐electron reduction. The other complexes only show a single reduction.     

“Off‐on‐off” Fluorescence pH Switch of Three Trinuclear RuII Complexes Containing Imidazole Rings

Three tripodal ligands H₃L^1–3 containing imidazole rings were synthesized by the reaction of 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione with 1,3,5‐tris[(3‐formylphenoxy)methyl]benzene, 1,3,5‐tris[(3‐formylphenoxy)methyl]‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene, and 2,2′,2"‐tris[(3‐formylphenoxy)ethyl]amine, respectively. Trinuclear Ru^II polypyridyl complexes [(bpy)₆Ru₃H₃L^1–3](PF₆)₆ were prepared by the condensation of Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂ · 2H₂O with ligands H₃L^1–3. The pH effects on the UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectra of the three complexes were studied, and ground‐ and excited‐state ionization constants of the three complexes were derived. The three complexes act as “off‐on‐off” fluorescence pH switch through protonation and deprotonation of imidazole ring with a maximum on‐off ratio of 5 in buffer solution at room temperature.     

Experimental and Theoretical Studies on DNA‐Binding and Spectral Properties of ‘Light Switch’ Complexes [Ru(L)2(ppn)]2+ (L=2,2′‐Bipyridine and 1,10‐Phenanthroline; ppn=Pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13‐diamine)

The ligand pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13‐diamine (ppn) and its Ru^II complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(ppn)]²⁺ ( 1 ; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) and [Ru(phen)₂(ppn)]²⁺ ( 2 ; phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electrospray MS, ¹H‐NMR, and cyclic voltammetry. The DNA‐binding behaviors of 1 and 2 were studied by spectroscopic and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that both complexes strongly bind to calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode, with DNA‐binding constants K_b of (1.7±0.4)?10⁶ M ^?1 and (2.6±0.2)?10⁶ M ^?1, respectively. The complexes 1 and 2 exhibit excellent DNA‐‘light switch’ performances, i.e., they do not (or extremely weakly) show luminescence in aqueous solution at room temperature but are strongly luminescent in the presence of DNA. In particular, the experimental results suggest that the ancillary ligands bpy and phen not only have a significant effect on the DNA‐binding affinities of 1 and 2 but also have a certain effect on their spectral properties. [Ru(phen)₂(ppn)]²⁺( 2 ) might be developed into a very prospective DNA‐‘light switch’ complex. To explain the DNA‐binding and spectral properties of 1 and 2 , theoretical calculations were also carried out applying the DFT/TDDFT method.     

Tuning the Electronic Properties in Ruthenium–Quinone Complexes through Metal Coordination and Substitution at the Bridge

A rare example of a mononuclear complex [(bpy)₂Ru(L¹_?H)](ClO₄), 1 (ClO₄) and dinuclear complexes [(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐L¹_?2H)Ru(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂, 2 (ClO₄)₂, [(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐L²_?2H)Ru(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂, 3 (ClO₄)₂, and [(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐L³_?2H)Ru(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂, 4 (ClO₄)₂ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, L¹=2,5‐di‐(isopropyl‐amino)‐1,4‐benzoquinone, L²=2,5‐di‐(benzyl‐amino)‐1,4‐benzoquinone, and L³=2,5‐di‐[2,4,6‐(trimethyl)‐anilino]‐1,4‐benzoquinone) with the symmetrically substituted p‐quinone ligands, L, are reported. Bond‐length analysis within the potentially bridging ligands in both the mono‐ and dinuclear complexes shows a localization of bonds, and binding to the metal centers through a phenolate‐type “O^?” and an immine/imminium‐type neutral “N” donor. For the mononuclear complex 1 (ClO₄), this facilitates strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding and leads to the imminium‐type character of the noncoordinated nitrogen atom. The dinuclear complexes display two oxidation and several reduction steps in acetonitrile solutions. In contrast, the mononuclear complex 1 ⁺ exhibits just one oxidation and several reduction steps. The redox processes of 1 ¹⁺ are strongly dependent on the solvent. The one‐electron oxidized forms 2 ³⁺, 3 ³⁺, and 4 ³⁺ of the dinuclear complexes exhibit strong absorptions in the NIR region. Weak NIR absorption bands are observed for the one‐electron reduced forms of all complexes. A combination of structural data, electrochemistry, UV/Vis/NIR/EPR spectroelectrochemistry, and DFT calculations is used to elucidate the electronic structures of the complexes. Our DFT results indicate that the electronic natures of the various redox states of the complexes in vacuum differ greatly from those in a solvent continuum. We show here the tuning possibilities that arise upon substituting [O] for the isoelectronic [NR] groups in such quinone ligands.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and DNA‐Binding Properties of the Chiral Ruthenium(II) Complexes Δ‐ and Λ‐[Ru(bpy)2(dmppd)]2+ (dmppd = 10,12‐Dimethylpteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione; bpy = 2,2′‐Bipyridine)

Two novel chiral ruthenium(II) complexes, Δ‐[Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ and Λ‐[Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ (dmppd = 10,12‐dimethylpteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H‐NMR and ES‐MS. The DNA‐binding behaviors of both complexes were studied by UV/VIS absorption titration, competitive binding experiments, viscosity measurements, thermal DNA denaturation, and circular‐dichroism spectra. The results indicate that both chiral complexes bind to calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode, and the Δ enantiomer shows larger DNA affinity than the Λ enantiomer does. Theoretical‐calculation studies for the DNA‐binding behaviors of these complexes were carried out by the density‐functional‐theory method. The mechanism involved in the regulating and controlling of the DNA‐binding abilities of the complexes was further explored by the comparative studies of [Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ and of its parent complex [Ru(bpy)₂(ppd)]²⁺ (ppd = pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13 (10H,12H)‐dione).     

Stabilization of G‐Quadruplex DNA,Inhibition of Telomerase Activity and Live Cell Imaging Studies of Chiral Ruthenium(II) Complexes

Telomerase inhibition is an attractive strategy for cancer chemotherapy. In the current study, we have synthesized and characterized two chiral ruthenium(II) complexes, namely, Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ and Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺, where phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline and p‐MOPIP is 2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐imidazo[4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline. The chiral selectivity of the compounds and their ability to discriminate quadruplex DNA were investigated by using UV/Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer melting assay, polymerase chain reaction stop assay and telomerase repeat amplification protocol. The results indicate that the two chiral compounds could induce and stabilize the formation of antiparallel G‐quadruplexes of telomeric DNA in the presence or absence of metal cations. We report the remarkable ability of the two complexes Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ and Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ to stabilize selectively G‐quadruplex DNA; the former is a better G‐quadruplex binder than the latter. The anticancer activities of these complexes were evaluated by using the MTT assay. Interestingly, the antiproliferative activity of Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ was higher than that of Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺, and Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ showed a significant antitumor activity in HepG2 cells. The status of the nuclei in Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺‐treated HepG2 cells was investigated by using real‐time living cell microscopy to determine the effects of Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ on intracellular accumulation. The results show that Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ can be taken up by HepG2 cells and can enter into the cytoplasm as well as accumulate in the nuclei; this suggests that the nuclei were the cellular targets of Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺.     

Two‐Photon Chemistry in Ruthenium 2,2′‐Bipyridyl‐Functionalized Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes are widely used as light harvesters in dye‐sensitized solar cells. Since one of the potential applications of single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and their derived materials is their use as active components in organic and hybrid solar cells, the study of the photochemistry of SWCNTs with tethered ruthenium polypyridyl complexes is important. A water‐soluble ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) complex linked through peptidic bonds to SWCNTs (Ru‐SWCNTs) was prepared by radical addition of thiol‐terminated SWCNT to a terminal C?C double bond of a bipyridyl ligand of the ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) complex. The resulting macromolecular Ru‐SWCNT (≈500 nm, 15.6 % ruthenium complex content) was water‐soluble and was characterized by using TEM, thermogravimetric analysis, chemical analysis, and optical spectroscopy. The emission of Ru‐SWCNT is 1.6 times weaker than that of a mixture of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and SWCNT of similar concentration. Time‐resolved absorption optical spectroscopy allows the detection of the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺‐excited triplet and [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺. The laser flash studies reveal that Ru‐SWCNT exhibits an unprecedented two‐photon process that is enabled by the semiconducting properties of the SWCNT. Thus, the effect of the excitation wavelength and laser power on the transient spectra indicate that upon excitation of two [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ complexes of Ru‐SWCNT, a disproportionation process occurs leading to delayed formation of [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺ and the performance of the SWCNT as a semiconductor. This two‐photon delayed [Ru(bpy)₃]⁺ generation is not observed in the photolysis of [Ru(bpy)₃]³⁺; SWCNT acts as an electron wire or electron relay in the disproportionation of two [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ triplets in a process that illustrates that the SWCNT plays a key role in the process. We propose a mechanism for this two‐photon disproportionation compatible with i) the need for high laser flux, ii) the long lifetime of the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ triplets, iii) the semiconducting properties of the SWNT, and iv) the energy of the HOMO/LUMO levels involved.     

A bis(2,2′-Bipyridine) (Dipyrido[3, 2-a:2′ 3′-c]Phenazine-N4N5) Ruthenium(II)-Based Electrochemiluminescence Biosensor for Evaluation of DNA Damage

The electrochemiluminescence of bis(2, 2′-bipyridine) (dipyrido[3, 2-a:2′ 3′-c]phenazine-N₄N₅) ruthenium(II) ([Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)]²⁺) was used to monitor deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) charge transfer with tri-n-propylamine as a coreactant. This system was used to measure damage to DNA induced by perfluorooctanoic acid. Fifteen-base pairs of double-stranded DNA with a thiol group at the 5′ end position were covalently bonded to a gold electrode. An electrochemiluminescence sensor was then constructed by incubating the modified gold electrode in [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)]²⁺ solution for 30 min. For comparison, single-stranded DNA, well-matched double-stranded DNA, and single base-mismatched double-stranded DNA were assembled on the gold surface. The results showed that the electrochemiluminescence behavior of the DNA sensors were unique. The electrochemiluminescence decreased when the [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)]²⁺-DNA ECL sensor was incubated in a perfluorooctanoic acid solution. The damage to DNA caused by perfluorooctanoic acid was monitored using a combination of DNA charge transfer theory and the interaction between DNA and [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)]²⁺. The detection limit for perfluorooctanoic acid was 1 × 10^?12 mol/L. [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)]²⁺ was shown to be a sensitive electrochemiluminescence sensor for the determination of DNA damage.     

Effect of the Ancillary Ligands on the Spectral Properties and G‐Quadruplexes DNA Binding Behavior: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

In an effort to explore the effect of ancillary ligands on the spectral properties and overall G‐quadruplex DNA binding behavior, two new ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(phen)₂(dppzi)]²⁺ ( 1 ) and [Ru(dmp)₂(dppzi)]²⁺ ( 2 ) (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline, dmp=2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, dppzi=dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine‐10,11‐imidazole) were prepared. Complex 1 can emit luminescence in the absence and presence of G‐quadruplexes DNA. However, with ?CH₃ substituent on the 2‐ and 9‐positions of the phen ancillary ligand, no detectable luminescence is observed for complex 2 in any organic solvent or in the absence and/or presence of G‐quadruplex DNA. Experimental and molecular docking studies indicated that both complexes interacted with the human telomeric repeat AG3(T2AG3)3 (22AG) G‐quadruplex with the stoichiometric ratio of 1:1, but the two complexes showed different G‐quadruplex DNA binding affinity. Complex 1 binds to the G‐quadruplexes DNA more tightly than complex 2 does. Our results demonstrate that methyl groups on the phen ancillary ligand significantly affect the spectral properties and the overall DNA binding behavior of the complexes. Such difference in spectral properties and DNA binding affinities of these two complexes can be reasonably explained by DFT/TD‐DFT calculations. This work provides guidance not only on exploring the G‐quadruplexes DNA binding behavior of complexes, but also understanding the unique luminescence mechanism.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Trisheteroleptic RuII‐Based Molecular Switch

The synthesis of a trisheteroleptic ruthenium complex [Ru(tb)(dppz)(tmbiH₂)][PF₆]₂ (tb=4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine, dppz=dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazin, tmbiH₂=5,6,5′,6′‐tetramethyl‐2,2′‐bibenzimidazole) is described. In addition, the structural characterisation by means of 1D, 2D ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, along with determination of the solid‐state structure of the important precursor Ru(tb)(dppz)Cl₂, supports the proposed octahedral coordination geometry. The capability of tmbiH₂ to form hydrogen bonds is corroborated by the solid‐state structure. The photochemical characteristics of this complex can be described as a combination of the “light switch” effects, which are either attributed to the dppz or to the tmbiH₂ ligand. To illustrate the molecule’s double switchable features, steady‐state absorption and emission measurements were performed, which include the determination of the quantum yield and the pK_a values of the acidic protons of the tmbiH₂ ligand. Notably, the emission lifetimes are sensitive to the solvents used. This phenomenon is due to a proton‐coupled deactivation of the excited metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) state of the complex.     

Design and spectroscopic study of new ruthenium(II) complexes containing ligands derived from terpyridine and dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine: {Ru(4′‐Rph‐tpy) [dppz(COOH)]Cl}PF6 with R = NO2, Br,Cl

A series of polypyridine ruthenium complexes of the general formula {Ru(Rph‐tpy)[dppz(COOH)]Cl} PF₆ with R = Br ( 1 ), Cl ( 2 ), NO₂ ( 3 ) where Rph‐tpy is 4′‐(4‐Rphenyl‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine and dppz(COOH) is dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine‐2‐carboxylic acid were prepared and characterized. These complexes display intense metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) bands centered about 500 nm. The effect of pH on the absorption spectra of these complexes consisting of protonatable ligands has been investigated in water solution by spectrophotometric titration. The electrochemistry shows oxidation potentials for the Ru(II)–Ru(III) couple at +0.881 ( 1 ), +0.907 ( 2 ) and +0.447 V ( 3 ), respectively. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Efficient DNA Condensation Induced by Ruthenium(II) Complexes of a Bipyridine‐Functionalized Molecular Clip Ligand

Complexes of the type [Ru(bxbg)₂(N‐N)]²⁺, where N‐N denotes 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) ( 1 ), 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) ( 2 ), dipyrido[3,2‐d:2′,3‐f] quinoxaline (dpq) ( 3 ), and dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine (dppz) ( 4 ), incorporating bis(o‐xylene)bipyridine‐glycoluril (bxbg) as an ancillary “molecular clip” ligand, have been synthesized and characterized. These ruthenium(II) complexes of bis(o‐xylene)bipyridine‐glycoluril self‐associate in water through specific molecular recognition processes to form polycationic arrays. These arrays containing electrostatic binders as well as intercalator ligands at micromolar doses rapidly condense free DNA into globular nanoparticles of various sizes. The DNA condensation induced by these complexes has been investigated by electrophoretic mobility assay, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The cellular uptake of complex–DNA condensates and the low cytotoxicity of these complexes satisfy the requirements of a gene vector.     

DNA-Targeting RuII-Polypyridyl Complex with a Long-Lived Intraligand Excited State as a Potential Photodynamic Therapy Agent

Subtle ligand modifications on Ru^II-polypyridyl complexes may result in different excited-state characteristics, which provides the opportunity to tune their photo-physicochemical properties and subsequently change their biological functions. Here, a DNA-targeting Ru^II-polypyridyl complex (named Ru1 ) with highly photosensitizing ³IL (intraligand) excited state was designed based on a classical DNA-intercalator [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)] ⋅ 2 PF₆ by incorporation of the dppz (dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine) ligand tethered with a pyrenyl group, which has four orders of magnitude higher potency than the model complex [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)] ⋅ 2 PF₆ upon light irradiation. This study provides a facile strategy for the design of organelle-targeting Ru^II-polypyridyl complexes with dramatically improved photobiological activity.     

Thread Insertion of a Bis(dipyridophenazine) Diruthenium Complex into the DNA Double Helix by the Extrusion of AT Base Pairs and Cross‐Linking of DNA Duplexes

The crystal structure of the Δ,Δ enantiomer of the binuclear “light‐switch” ruthenium complex [μ‐(11,11′‐bidppz)(1,10‐phenanthroline)₄ Ru₂]⁴⁺ bound to the oligonucleotide d(CGTACG) shows that one dppz moiety of the dumbbell‐like compound inserts into the DNA stack through the extrusion of an AT base pair. The second dppz moiety recruits a neighboring DNA molecule, and the complex thus cross‐links two adjacent duplexes by bridging their major grooves.     

Homo‐ and Heteroleptic Phototoxic Dinuclear Metallo‐Intercalators Based on RuII(dppn) Intercalating Moieties: Synthesis,Optical, and Biological Studies

Using a new mononuclear “building block,” for the first time, a dinuclear Ru^II(dppn) complex and a heteroleptic system containing both Ru^II(dppz) and Ru^II(dppn) moieties are reported. The complexes, including the mixed dppz/dppn system, are ¹O₂ sensitizers. However, unlike the homoleptic dppn systems, the mixed dppz/dppn complex also displays a luminescence “switch on” DNA light‐switch effect. In both cisplatin sensitive and resistant human ovarian carcinoma lines the dinuclear complexes show enhanced uptake compared to their mononuclear analogue. Thanks to a favorable combination of singlet oxygen generation and cellular uptake properties all three of the new complexes are phototoxic and display potent activity against chemotherapeutically resistant cells.