Dynamics of tRNAtyr Probed with Long-Lifetime Metal-Ligand Complexes

The metal-ligand complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)]²⁺ (bpy = 2,2??-bipyridine, dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2??,3??-c]phenazine) (RuBD) and [Ru(phen)₂(dppz)]²⁺ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) (RuPD), display favorable photophysical properties including long lifetime, polarized emission, and very little background fluorescence. To check if RuBD and RuPD reflect the overall rotational mobility of small nucleic acid, we measured the intensity and anisotropy decays of RuBD and RuPD when intercalated into tRNA^tyr using pBC SK(+) phagemid as a control. We used frequency-domain fluorometry with a blue light-emitting diode (LED) as the modulated light source. We observed shorter lifetimes for tRNA^tyr than those for the pBC SK(+) phagemid for both probes, however, RuPD showed much larger decrease in the mean lifetime values (64%). The slow rotational correlation time of RuBD (31.3 ns) and the fast rotational correlation time of RuPD (26.0 ns) reflected the overall rotational mobility of tRNA^tyr. In addition, the steady-state anisotropy and time-resolved anisotropy decay data showed a clear difference between tRNA^tyr and pBC SK(+) phagemid. This suggests the possibility of a homogeneous assay for identifying target nucleic acids and/or nucleic acid binding proteins.     

Study of transient luminescence of three kinds of Ru complexes bound to DNA

The transient luminescence of three kinds of ruthenium complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(7-CH₃-dppz)]²⁺, [Ru(bpy)₂(7-F-dppz)]²⁺ and [Ru(phen)₂(7-F-dppz)]²⁺ bound to calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) has been studied by using the time-resolved spectroscopy. The results show that the luminescence is due to the radiative decay from the charge-transfer states to the ground state. By the interaction with DNA, the radiativeless rate of the photoexcited Ru complex molecules decreases, which results in the increase of luminescence lifetime and efficiency. The structure of the Ru complex has an important impact on the interaction with DNA. The [Ru(bpy)₂(7-CH₃-dppz)]²⁺ shows the longest luminescence lifetime (about 382 ns), while the [Ru(bpy)₂(7-F-dppz)]²⁺ shows the shortest lifetime (about 65 ns). The possible origin of the luminescence dynamics is discussed. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 60478013 and 20571089), the Key Program of Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province of China (Grant No. 05101819), the Doctoral Program Foundation of Institutions of Higher Education of China (Grant No. 20040558031) and the Scientific Research Foundation of Maoming College (Grant No. 203346)     

甲基对钌配合物与DNA相互作用的瞬态发光特性的影响

采用时间分辩的发光光谱技术,测量了新合成的钌配合物［Ru(phen)2(7 CH3 dppz)］2+与小牛胸腺DNA相互作用的瞬态发光动力学过程,并与以往研究的配合物［Ru(phen)2(dppz)］2+和［Ru(phen)2(dppx)］2+的瞬态发光特性进行对比,更全面地研究了甲基对钌配合物与DNA相互作用的瞬态发光特性的影响.［Ru(phen)2(7 CH3 dppz)］2+的结构介于［Ru(phen)2(dppz)］2+和［Ru(phen)2(dppx)］2+之间,但发光寿命却比这两种配合物短,表明了甲基的疏水性、空间位阻及推电子能力对配合物的发光寿命均有影响.该结论为进一步研究配合物分子与DNA的相互作用的机理提供了一定的依据.     

钌(Ⅱ)配合物与DNA相互作用的瞬态发光特性

以三种新合成的钌配合物[Ru(bpy)₂(7-CH₃-dppz)]²⁺、[Ru(bpy)₂(7-F-dppz)]²⁺、[Ru(phen)₂(7-F-dppz)]²⁺为研究对象,采用时间分辨的荧光光谱技术分别测量了这三种钌配合物与小牛胸腺DNA相互作用时的瞬态荧光动力学过程。结果表明:[Ru(bpy)₂(7-CH₃-dppz)]²⁺的发光寿命最长(约382 ns),而[Ru(bpy)₂(7-F-dppz)]²⁺的发光寿命最短(约65 ns)。分析表明:钌配合物的发光来源于配合物分子中的电荷转移态到基态的辐射跃迁。通过钌配合物与DNA的相互作用,使得配合物激发态分子的无辐射弛豫几率减小,从而导致发光寿命的增加。配合物的分子与DNA相互作用越强,激发态分子的无辐射弛豫几率越小,发光寿命也越长,最终导致高的发光效率。配合物的分子结构对配合物的分子与DNA的相互作用具有重要的影响。     

The key Cl− ligand for metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer in mononuclear terpyridine ruthenium(II) and binuclear ruthenium(II) tetrapyridylpyrazine complexes

Electronic structures of binuclear ruthenium complexes [Ru₂(terpy)₂(tppz)]⁴⁺ ( 1A ) and [Ru₂Cl₂(L)₂(tppz)]²⁺ {L = bpy ( 2A ), phen ( 3A ), and dpphen ( 4A )} were studied by density functional theory calculations. Abbreviations of the ligands (Ls) are bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline, dpphen = 4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine, and tppz = tetrakis(2‐pyridyl)pyrazine. Their mononuclear reference complexes [Ru(terpy)₂]²⁺ ( 1B ) and [RuClL(terpy)]⁺ {L = bpy ( 2B ), phen ( 3B ), and dpphen ( 4B )} were also examined. Geometries of these mononuclear and binuclear Ru(II) complexes were fully optimized. Their geometric parameters are in good agreement with the experimental data. The binuclear complexes were characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammograms. Hexafluorophosphate salts of binuclear ruthenium complexes of 3A and 4A were newly prepared. The crystal structure of binuclear complex 1A (PF₆)₄ was also determined. Orbital interactions were analyzed to characterize the metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) states in these complexes. The Cl^? ligand works to raise the orbital energy of the metal lone pair, which leads to the low MLCT state. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optical oxygen sensing materials based on trinuclear starburst ruthenium(II) complexes assembled in mesoporous silica

The preparation and oxygen sensing properties of optical materials based on two trinuclear starburst ruthenium(II) complexes: [Ru₃(bpy)₆(TMMB)]⁶⁺ (1) and [Ru₃(phen)₆(TMMB)]⁶⁺ (2) (bpy=2,2′-bpyridine, phen=1,10-phenathroline, TMMB=1,3,5-tris[2-(2′-pyridyl)benzimidazoyl]methylbenzene) assembled in two mesoporous silicate (MS) are described in this paper. The luminescence of Ru complexes/silicate assemble materials can be quenched by molecular oxygen with good sensitivity (I₀/I₁>5 for 2/MS and I₀/I₁>3 for 1/MS), indicating that trinuclear starburst Ru(II) complexes/MS systems are sensitive to oxygen molecules.     

Development of long-lifetime metal-ligand probes for biophysics and cellular imaging

Metal-ligand complexes containing ruthenium, osmium, or rhenium display a high photostability, with polarized emission and decay times from 100 ns to 100 Μs. Such probes have considerable potential in biophysics, clinical chemistry, and fluorescence microscopy. In this review we sumrecent developments from this laboratory on the spectral properties of conjugatable metalligand complexes. We also suggest how improved probes can be developed based on the selection of organic ligands.     

Dynamics of Bacteriophage R17 Probed with a Long-Lifetime Ru(II) Metal-Ligand Complex

The metal-ligand complex, [Ru(2,2′-bipyridine)₂(4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-bipyridine)]²⁺ (RuBDc), was used as a spectroscopic probe for studying macromolecular dynamics. RuBDc is a very photostable probe that possesses favorable photophysical properties including long lifetime, high quantum yield, large Stokes’ shift, and highly polarized emission. To further show the usefulness of this luminophore for probing macromolecular dynamics, we examined the intensity and anisotropy decays of RuBDc when conjugated to R17 bacteriophage using frequency-domain fluorometry with a blue light-emitting diode (LED) as the modulated light source. The intensity decays were best fit by a sum of two exponentials, and we obtained a longer mean lifetime at 4 °C (<τ> = 491.8 ns) as compared to that at 25 °C (<τ> = 435.1 ns). The anisotropy decay data showed a single rotational correlation time, which is typical for a spherical molecule, and the results showed a longer rotational correlation time at 4 °C (2,574.9 ns) than at 25 °C (2,070.1 ns). The use of RuBDc enabled us to measure the rotational correlation time up to several microseconds. These results indicate that RuBDc has significant potential for studying hydrodynamics of biological macromolecules.     

Synthesis,Characterization, DNA Binding Properties,Fluorescence Studies and Toxic Activity of Cobalt(III) and Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes

The new ligand 4-(isopropylbenzaldehyde)imidazo[4,5-f ][1,10]phenanthroline (ippip) and its complexes [Ru(phen)₂(ippip)]²⁺(1),[Co(phen)₂(ippip)]³⁺(2),[Ru(bpy)₂(ippip)]²⁺(3),[Co(bpy)₂(ippip)]³⁺(4)(bpy=2,2-bipyridine) and (phen=1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by ES⁺-MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR. The DNA binding properties of the four complexes were investigated by different spectrophotometric methods and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that complexes bind to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) through intercalation. When irradiated at 365 nm, the complexes promote the photocleavage of pBR322 DNA, and complex 1 cleaves DNA more effectively than 2, 3, 4 complexes under comparable experimental conditions. Furthermore, photocleavage studies reveal that singlet oxygen (¹O₂) plays a significant role in the photocleavage.     

Synthesis, DNA-binding, Cytotoxicity, Photo Cleavage, Antimicrobial and Docking Studies of Ru(II) Polypyridyl Complexes

Three Ruthenium(II) polypyridine complexes, [Ru(phen)₂(mipc)]²⁺(1), [Ru(bpy)₂(mipc)]²⁺ (2) and [Ru(dmb)₂(mipc)]²⁺(3) [mipc?=?2-(6-methyl-3-(1H-imidazo[4, 5-f][1,10]-phenanthroline-2-yl)-4H-chromene-4-one, phen?=?1,10-phenanthroline,bpy?=?2, 2′bipyridine,dmb?=?4, 4′-dimethyl-2, 2′-bipyridine] have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis, ¹H& ¹³C NMR and mass spectra. The DNA-binding properties of the Ruthenium(II) complexes were investigated by spectrophotometric methods, viscosity measurements and light switch studies. These three complexes have been focused on photo activated cleavage studies with pBR-322 and antimicrobial studies. Experimental results indicate that the three complexes intercalate into DNA base pairs and follows the order of 1?>?2?>?3 respectively. Molecular docking studies also support the DNA interactions with complexes through hydrogen bonding and vander Waal’s interactions. Cytotoxicity studies with Hela cell lines has been revealing about anti tumor activity of these complexes.     

带-NH2的嘧啶环对钌配合物与DNA相互作用的瞬态发光特性的影响

采用时间分辨的发光光谱技术,分别测量了两种新合成的钌配合物[Ru(bpy)2 (dpbpd(NH2)2)]2 和[Ru(phen)2(dpbpd(NH2)2)]2 与小牛胸腺脱氧核糖核酸(ctDNA)相互作用时的瞬态发光动力学过程,并与以往对[Ru(phen)2dppz]2 等的研究结果进行对比,从而研究带-NH2的嘧啶环对配合物与DNA作用动力学过程的影响.结果表明:这两种含有带-NH2的嘧啶环的钌配合物与DNA相互作用时的发光按双指数规律衰减,发光寿命为几十纳秒,比dppz类钌配合物与DNA作用时的发光衰变寿命(几百纳秒)小一个数量级.归因于嘧啶环上的N和-NH2可能与水分子、DNA的碱基对或磷酸骨架形成氢键,从而加快激发态的无辐射弛豫,削弱发射光强,缩短发光寿命.该结论为进一步研究配合物分子与DNA的相互作用的机理提供了一定的依据.     

Sonochemical effect on two new Ruthenium(II) complexes with ligand (E)-N-((6-bromopyridin-2-yl)methylene)-4-(methylthio)aniline precursors for synthesis of RuO2 nanoparticles

Two novel Ru(II) complexes [(η⁶-p-cymene)RuCl(L2)]PF₆ (R2) and [(η⁶-C₆H₆)RuCl(L2)]PF₆ (R4), with ligand (E)-N-((6-bromopyridin-2-yl)methylene)-4-(methylthio)aniline (L2), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and IR spectroscopy. Based on X-ray crystallography studies, complexes R2 and R4 have coordination environments with formulated (η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(N₂Cl) and (η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(N₂Cl), respectively. The thermal stabilities of compounds R2 and R4 were studied by thermal gravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Thermal decomposition of these complexes was at 280 °C and 260 °C under air atmosphere respectively. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was explored through electronic absorption spectra, fluorescence and redox behavior studies. The results showed that the complexes bind to CT-DNA with electrostatic interactions. Nanoparticles of RuO₂ were prepared by calcination of R2 and R4. Also the role of the ultrasound waves on the characteristics of the RuO₂ nanoparticles was studied. The nanoparticles were characterized by IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Also size and morphology of nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Conformational differences of oxytocin and vasopressin as observed by fluorescence anisotropy decays and transient effects in collisional quenching of tyrosine fluorescence

We used gigahertz frequency-domain fluorometry to examine the tyrosyl fluorescence intensity and anisotropy decays of the single-tyrosine cyclic peptide hormones oxytocin and vasopressin. Acrylamide quenching and a distance-dependent quenching model for collisional quenching were used to evaluate the extent of tyrosyl exposure to the quencher and to provide increased resolution of the picosecond anisotropy decays. Analysis of the intensity decays using a lifetime distribution model shows different distributions for oxytocin and vasopressin. We found that the tyrosyl fluorescence of lysine-vasopressin, as revealed both by the lifetime Stern-Volmer plots and from the quenching analysis, is quenched more effectively than oxytocin. ForN-acetyltyrosinamide (NATyrA), oxytocin, and lysine-vasopressin, we recovered apparent diffusion coefficients for quenching of 4.7×10^–6, 0.44×10^–6, and 4.3×10^–6 cm²/s, respectively, the lower value for oxytocin suggesting a shielded environment for its tyrosyl residue. Tyrosyl anisotropy decays were recovered by global analysis of progressively quenched samples. Compared with oxytocin, vasopressin displayed a longer correlation time for overall rotational diffusion and a higher amplitude for picosecond segmented motions of its tyrosyl residue. All the data are consistent with a more extended and flexible solution structure for vasopressin than for oxytocin.Dedicated to Professor Alfons Kawski on the occasion of his 65th birthday.     

用SERS研究一种新的钌(Ⅱ)联吡啶配合物及其与DNA的作用机理

着重讨论了用ＳＥＲＳ研究Ｒｕ（ｂｐｙ）２ｄｐｐｚ配合物及其与ＤＮＡ作用的机理。当这种钌配合物与ＤＮＡ发生作用时,只是它的ｄｐｐｚ配体插入了ＤＮＡ双链的碱基对中,与碱基对形成了共轭体系,影响了Ｒｕ配合物的ＭＬＣＴ跃迁,产生了荧光,同时也在拉曼谱图和电子吸收谱图上有所表现。     

Investigation of substitution effects on novel Ru–dppz complexes by Raman spectroscopy in combination with DFT methods

We present a combined Raman–density functional theory (DFT) study of novel dipyridophenazine (dppz) derivatives and their Ru–bipyridine complexes. Our results show that the molecular architecture of dppz and its Ru complexes can be considered to consist of two independent moieties, the structural ground state properties of which can be tuned independently by means of side‐specific substitution. These results are expected to be of importance for the design of highly specific dppz‐based DNA sensors. Methodologically, the results presented in this paper highlight the power of a combined Raman–DFT approach to unravel the details of the structural properties of complex molecules. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Nucleic Acids at Electrodes Modified with Nylon and Nitrocellulose Membranes

Electrocatalytic oxidation of guanine in DNA was detected at tin-doped indium oxide electrodes modified with nylon and nitrocellulose polymers. The catalytic oxidation occurs via oxidation at the electrode of the complex Ru(bpy) ₃ ²⁺ to the 3+ state, which is then reduced back to the 2+ state by guanine in DNA (bpy = 2,2-bipyridine). Catalysis is observed as a current enhancement in the cyclic voltammogram of Ru(bpy) ₃ ²⁺ when DNA is immobilized in the film. As seen in solution, the catalytic enhancement in the nitrocellulose film is lower at 800 mM NaCl than without added salt because electrostatic binding of the Ru(bpy) ₃ ²⁺ to the DNA at low salt increases the catalytic rate constant. The cyclic voltammogram of Os(bpy) ₃ ²⁺ , which does not oxidize guanine, exhibits less current in the presence of DNA because binding to the immobilized DNA precludes communication of the metal complex with the electrode. Electrodes modified with poly[C] gave no enhancement; however, catalytic current was observed upon hybridization to poly[G]. Exposure of the poly[C] electrode to random single-stranded DNA gave no catalytic current. Glassy carbon electrodes modified with the membranes behaved in a manner similar to that of the metal oxide electrodes.     

Converting an Almost Noncytotoxic Ru(II) Complex with Photolabile Ligands into a Highly Efficient PACT Agent

Ru(II) complexes with weak ligand fields may undergo light-induced ligand dissociation, and the resulted Ru(II) aqua complexes may bind with biomolecules such as DNA, showing potential as photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) agents. However, Ru(II) complexes with efficient PACT activity are still rare. Some Ru(II) complexes exhibit efficient photoinduced ligand dissociation but poor cytotoxicity. It is speculated that the low nuclear accumulation levels may account for their low PACT efficacy. In order to confirm this hypothesis, the almost noncytotoxic [Ru(7-OCH₃-dppz)(4-OCH₃-py)₄](PF₆)₂ (Ru1) is loaded on nucleus-targeted C₅N₂ nanoparticles (NPs). Compared with the free Ru1, Ru1–C₅N₂ NPs exhibit significantly increased cellular uptake and nuclear accumulation. Therefore, Ru1–C₅N₂ NPs show efficient PACT activity toward various cancer cell lines (including cisplatin-resistant one) with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 0.18 × 10⁻⁶–0.29 × 10⁻⁶ m and phototoxicity index (IC₅₀^dark/IC₅₀^light) values above 137 under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Moreover, Ru1–C₅N₂ NPs also exhibit efficient PACT activity toward cisplatin-resistant 3D multicellular tumor spheroids upon two-photon irradiation (800 nm). The same strategy is also feasible to greatly improve the PACT activity of [Ru(7-OCH₃-dppz)(py)₄]²⁺, which itself only has a medium effect. The results may provide new sights for developing efficient Ru(II) PACT agents.     

Synthesis,Characterization, DNA Binding Studies,Photocleavage, Cytotoxicity and Docking Studies of Ruthenium(II) Light Switch Complexes

A new ligand 3-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2yl)phenylboronic acid and its (IPPBA) three ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(phen)₂(IPPBA)](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Ru(bpy)₂(IPPBA)](ClO₄)₂ (2) and [Ru(dmb)₂(IPPBA)](ClO₄)₂ (3) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV/VIS, IR, ¹H-NMR,¹³C-NMR and mass spectra. The binding behaviors of the three complexes to calf thymus DNA were investigated by absorption spectra, emission spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, thermal denaturation and photoactivated cleavage. The DNA-binding constants for complexes 1, 2 and 3 have been determined to be 7.9?×?10⁵ M^?1, 6.7?×?10⁵ M^?1 and 2.9?×?10⁵ M^?1. The results suggest that these complexes bound to double-stranded DNA in an intercalation mode. Upon irradiation at 365 nm, three ruthenium complexes were found to promote the cleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA from super coiled form ? to nicked form ??. Further in the presence of Co²⁺, the emission of DNA–Ru(ΙΙ) complexes can be quenched. And when EDTA was added, the emission was recovered. The experimental results show that all three complexes exhibited the “on–off–on” properties of molecular “light switch”. The highest Cytotoxicity potential of the complex1 was observed on the Human alveolar adenocarcinoma (A549) cell line. Good agreement was generally found between the spectroscopic techniques and molecular docked model which provides further evidence of groove binding.     

Study of DNA Light Switch Ru(II) Complexes : Synthesis,Characterization, Photocleavage and Antimicrobial Activity

The three Ru(II) complexes of [Ru(phen)₂dppca]²⁺ (1) [Ru(bpy)₂dppca]²⁺ (2) and [Ru(dmb)₂dppca]²⁺ (3) (where phen = 1,10 phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2-bipyridine, dmb = 2 ,2-dimethyl 2′,2′-bipyridine and polypyridyl ligand containing a single carboxylate functionality dppca ligand (dipyridophenazine-11-carboxylic acid) have been synthesized and characterized. These complexes have been shown to act as promising calf thymus DNA intercalators and a new class of DNA light switches, as evidenced by UV-visible and luminescence titrations with Co²⁺ and EDTA, steady-state emission quenching by [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ and KI, DNA competitive binding with ethidium bromide, viscosity measurements, and DNA melting experiments. The results suggest that 1, 2, and 3 complexes bind to CT-DNA through intercalation and follows the order 1 > 2 > 3. Under irradiation at 365 nm, the three complexes have also been found to promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA.     

Spectroscopy and photophysics of chloro-bis-bipyridyl complexes of ruthenium(II) with pyridine ligands

The absorption, luminescence, and luminescence excitation spectra of ruthenium(II) complexes cis-[Ru(bpy)₂(L)Cl]⁺[bpy=2,2′-bipyridyl; L=NH₃, pyrazine, pyridine, 4-aminopyridine, 4-picoline, isonicotinamide, 4-cyanopyridine, 4,4′-bipyridyl, or trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene] in alcoholic (4: 1 EtOH-MeOH) solutions are studied. At 77 K, the quantum yields and decay times of the luminescence of the complexes are measured and the deactivation rate constants of the lowest electronically excited metal-to-ligand charge transfer state (³MLCT) are determined. The linear correlation between the energy of the lowest state ³MLCT d _π(Ru)>π*(bpy) of the cis-[Ru(bpy)₂(L)Cl]⁺ complexes and the parameter pK_a of the free 4-substituted pyridines and pyrazine used as ligands is established.