Acid-base properties and copper(II) complexes of dipeptides containing histidine and additional chelating bis(imidazol-2-yl) residues

Copper(II) complexes of dipeptides of histidine containing additional chelating bis(imidazol-2-yl) agent at the C-termini (PheHis-BIMA [N-phenylalanyl-histidyl-bis(imidazol-2-yl)methylamine] and HisPhe-BIMA [N-histidyl-phenylalanyl-bis(imidazol-2-yl)methylamine]) were studied by potentiometric, UV-Visible and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) techniques. The imidazole nitrogen donor atoms of the bis(imidazol-2-yl)methyl group are described as the primary metal binding sites forming stable mono- and bis(ligand) complexes at acidic pH. The formation of a ligand-bridged dinuclear complex [Cu2L2]4+ is detected in equimolar solutions of copper(II) and HisPhe-BIMA. The coordination isomers of the dinuclear complex are described via the metal binding of the bis(imidazol-2-yl)methyl, amino-carbonyl and amino-imidazole(His) functions. In the case of the copper(II)-PheHis-BIMA system the [NH2, N-(amide), N(Im)] tridentate coordination of the ligand is favoured and results in the formation of di- and trinuclear complexes [Cu2H(-1)L]3+ and [Cu3H(-2)L2]4+ in equimolar solutions. The presence of these coordination modes shifts the formation of "tripeptide-like" ([NH2, N-, N-, N(Im)]-coordinated) [CuH(-2)L] complexes into alkaline pH range as compared to other dipeptide derivatives of bis(imidazol-2-yl) ligands. Although there are different types of imidazoles in these ligands, the deprotonation and coordination of the pyrrole-type N(1)H groups does not occur below pH 10.     

Copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of the peptides Ac-HisValHis-NH2 and Ac-HisValGlyAsp-NH2 related to the active site of the enzyme CuZnSOD

Copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of the peptides Ac-HisValHis-NH2 and Ac-HisValGlyAsp-NH2 related to the active site of the enzyme CuZnSOD were studied by potentiometric and spectroscopic (UV-Vis, CD and EPR) techniques. The results reveal that both ligands have effective metal binding sites, but the tripeptide is a much stronger complexing agent than the tetrapeptide. The formation of a macrochelate via the coordination of the imidazolyl residues is suggested in the copper(II)-Ac-HisValHis-NH2 system in the acidic pH range, while a 4N complex predominates at physiological pH. The interaction of Ac-HisValHis-NH2 with zinc(II) results in the formation of a precipitate indicating polynuclear complex formation. Both copper(II)-Ac-HisValHis-NH2 and copper(II)-HisValHis systems exhibit catalytic activity toward the dismutation of superoxide anion at physiological pH, but the saturated coordination sphere of the metal ions in both systems results in low reactivity as compared to the native enzyme.     

Copper(II) complexes of some N-substituted bis(aminomethyl)phosphinate ligands. An integrated EPR study of microspeciation and coordination modes by the two-dimensional simulation method

Copper(II) complexes of bis(aminomethyl)phosphinic acid (L1), bis(N-glycino-N-methyl)phosphinic acid (L2), bis(N-benzylglycino-N-methyl)phosphinic acid (L3), bis(l-prolino-N-methyl)phosphinic acid (L4) and bis(iminodicarboxymethyl-N-methyl)phosphinic acid (L5) were studied in aqueous solution by pH-potentiometric and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic methods. The EPR spectrum packages recorded at various ligand-to-metal concentration ratios and pH's were analyzed (after matrix rank analysis by the method of residual intensities as a complementary method) by the two-dimensional computer simulation method, which simultaneously determines the formation constants and the EPR parameters of the various (micro)species. L1 forms mono and bis complexes in different protonation states; for the other ligands, the mono complexes are always prevalent. For steric reasons, the formation of CuL is shifted to increasingly higher pH regions in the sequence L2, L3 and L4. CuLH was identified for L3, L4 and L5, and also CuLH(2) for L4 and L5. Cu(2)L(2) was found in small amounts for L3 and L4, while it predominates at pH>4 for L5. For L5, Cu(2)L(2)H(2) was also detected. For the ligands that form dimeric metal complexes in equimolar solution or at a ligand excess, Cu(2)L is formed at a metal ion excess. Ligation of the phosphinate O was suggested by indirect proofs in the protonated complexes of L1. For the ligands L2, L3 and L4, the copper(II) coordination in various species in different protonation states is reminiscent of that in the mono and bis complexes of simple amino acids. For the bis(aminomethyl)phosphinates, however, the cis positions of the amino groups in CuL are ensured by the structure of the ligand, and the isomers differ from each other in the (equatorial or axial) position of the second carboxylate group.     

The effect of histidyl residues on the complexation of bis(imidazolyl) containing tripeptides with copper(II) ion

Copper(II) complexes of tripeptide derivatives of bis(imidazol-2-yl) group have been studied by potentiometric, UV-visible and EPR spectroscopic methods. The peptide molecules correspond to the amino acid sequence of collagen containing histidyl residues in different locations and were connected to the bis(imidazol-2-yl) group either on the C-termini (BOC-Pro-Leu-His-BIMA, BOC-His-Leu-Gly-BIMA) or on the N-termini (BIP-His-Ala-Gly-OEt, BIP-Ile-Ala-His-OMe). It was concluded that the imidazole nitrogen donor atoms of the bis(imidazol-2-yl) moiety are the primary metal binding sites, but the histidyl imidazole nitrogens in the side chains have also some effect on the stability and the coordination mode of the complexes. All ligands can coordinate tridentately to copper(II) ion forming a six-membered chelate and a macrochelate in the [CuL]2+ complexes, which results in a slight distortion in the coordination geometry of [CuL2]2+ complexes. The deprotonation and coordination of amide nitrogens, however, were not observed in any cases.     

N-Carboxyalkyl derivatives of 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinones: synthesis,complexation with Fe(III), Al(III) and Ga(III) and in vivo evaluation

A set of three N-carboxyalkyl 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinones has been studied as bidentate M(III) chelators (M=Fe, Al, Ga), with potential for oral administration. After preparation of the ligands, their protonation constants (log K(i)) and the stability constants of their metal complexes have been determined. The distribution coefficients of these compounds, between 1-octanol and Tris buffer pH 7.4, were measured. The effect of these compounds on the biodistribution of 67Ga-citrate loaded rats was investigated and compared with that of the administered 67Ga-complexes. Results indicated that, among these chelating agents, the N-carboxyethyl derivative has the highest affinity towards this set of metal ions, irrespective of the metal, and that it could even compete with transferrin, the main Fe-plasma protein. The binding affinity and the hydrophilic character decrease with the increase in the size of the alkylic chain. The biological assays indicate that the complex formation in vivo is characterized by a high kinetics and thermodynamic stability, suggesting a competition with the transferrin. All the ligands were found to enhance the excretion of the gallium. Noteworthy is the observed Ga bone fixation, mostly with the ethyl derivative, thus suggesting the potential use of the complex as a bone seeking agent.     

Mixed ligation to vanadium(III): Synthesis,spectra and structures of bis(acetylacetonato)(o-phenanthroline)vanadium(III) fluoroborate and bis(acetylacetonato)(o-phenanthroline)vanadium(III) perchlorate

Two mixed ligand vanadium(III) complexes bis(acetylacetonato)(phenanthroline)vanadium(III) fluoroborate (1) and bis(acetylacetonato)(phenanthroline)vanadium(III) perchorate (2) have been prepared and characterized by UV–Vis, IR, ¹H NMR spectroscopic techniques and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The electronic spectra are as expected for V(III) in an octahedral environment. The ¹H NMR spectra are typical of paramagnetic V(III) species. The complexes have crystallized with dichloromethane solvate and are isomorphous. The coordination sphere is composed of vanadium in a distorted octahedral environment, ligated to two bidentate chelating acetylacetonate ligands through the oxygen atoms and two phenanthroline nitrogens.     

Synthesis and characterization of metal binding pseudotripeptides.

Metal complexes with peptide or pseudopeptide type ligands can serve as good model compounds for a deeper understanding of enzymatic catalysis, but ligands with a high selectivity for different transition metal cations are hard to find due to the rather flexible nature of peptides. Since such ligands would be the sine qua non condition for the synthesis of heterodinuclear peptide metal complexes with catalytic activity, the search for small, affine and selective metal chelating sequences is of interest. Using four different amino acids (His, Lys, Asp, Glu) a set of 16 pseudotripeptides of the common structure Bz-AS1-Sar-AS2-NH2 has been synthesized, purified and characterized by mass spectrometry and 1H-NMR. Their ability to form metal complexes has been investigated leading to short motifs capable of selectively binding only one or two transition metal cations with high affinity. As expected, the complexation of transition metal cations by pseudotripeptides is strongly dependent not only on the amino acid composition, but also on the sequence with regard to the stability of the resulting complexes, as well as the selectivity of the ligands towards Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+ and Mn2+.     

Equilibrium studies on the binding of cadmium(II) to human serum transferrin

The binding of cadmium(II) to human serum transferrin in 0.01 M N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-piperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid with 5 mM bicarbonate at 25 degrees C has been evaluated by difference ultraviolet spectroscopy. Equilibrium constants were determined by competition versus three different low molecular weight chelating agents: nitrilotriacetic acid, ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid, and triethylenetetramine. Conditional equilibrium constants for the sequential binding of two cadmium ions to transferrin under the stated experimental conditions are log K1 = 5.95 +/- 0.10 and log K2 = 4.86 +/- 0.13. A linear free energy relationship for the complexation of cadmium and zinc has been prepared by using equilibrium data on 243 complexes of these metal ions with low molecular weight ligands. The transferrin binding constants for cadmium and zinc are in good agreement with this linear free energy relationship. This indicates that the larger size of the cadmium(II) ion does not significantly hinder its binding to the protein.     

Oxindole-Schiff base copper(II) complexes interactions with human serum albumin: Spectroscopic, oxidative damage, and computational studies

CD and EPR were used to characterize interactions of oxindole-Schiff base copper(II) complexes with human serum albumin (HSA). These imine ligands form very stable complexes with copper, and can efficiently compete for this metal ion towards the specific N-terminal binding site of the protein, consisting of the amino acid sequence Asp-Ala-His. Relative stability constants for the corresponding complexes were estimated from CD data, using the protein as competitive ligand, with values of log K_CuL in the range 15.7-18.1, very close to that of [Cu(HSA)] itself, with log K_CuHSA 16.2. Some of the complexes are also able to interfere in the α-helix structure of the protein, while others seem not to affect it. EPR spectra corroborate those results, indicating at least two different metal species in solution, depending on the imine ligand. Oxidative damage to the protein after incubation with these copper(II) complexes, particularly in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, was monitored by carbonyl groups formation, and was observed to be more severe when conformational features of the protein were modified. Complementary EPR spin-trapping data indicated significant formation of hydroxyl and carbon centered radicals, consistent with an oxidative mechanism. Theoretical calculations at density functional theory (DFT) level were employed to evaluate Cu(II)-L binding energies, L → Cu(II) donation, and Cu(II) → L back-donation, by considering the Schiff bases and the N-terminal site of HSA as ligands. These results complement previous studies on cytotoxicity, nuclease and pro-apoptotic properties of this kind of copper(II) complexes, providing additional information about their possibilities of transport and disposition in blood plasma.     

Bis-bidentate bridging ligands containing two N,O-chelating pyrazolyl-phenolate units; double helical complexes with Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)

Two ligands have been prepared in which N,O-bidentate chelating pyrazolyl-phenolate units, based on 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)pyrazole, are connected via methylene linkages to aromatic (1,4-phenylene or 3,3′-biphenylene) spacers. In each case the two N,O-donor units are too far apart to chelate to a single metal ion. Complexes of both ligands with Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) were prepared and structurally characterised; in all cases the complexes are dinuclear double helicates M₂L₂, with each four-coordinate metal ion bound by a chelating unit from each of the two ligands in the complex. For Co(II) and Zn(II) the two M(NO) planes at each metal are close to perpendicular, indicative of a geometry which may be described as approximately distorted tetrahedral; for the Cu(II) complexes the angle between the two Cu(NO) planes is less, indicative of a distortion towards a more planar coordination geometry.     

Antimicrobial and mutagenic activity of some carbono- and thiocarbonohydrazone ligands and their copper(II), iron(II) and zinc(II) complexes.

Several mono- and bis- carbono- and thiocarbonohydrazone ligands have been synthesised and characterised; the X-ray diffraction analysis of bis(phenyl 2-pyridyl ketone) thiocarbonohydrazone is reported. The coordinating properties of the ligands have been studied towards Cu(II), Fe(II), and Zn(II) salts. The ligands and the metal complexes were tested in vitro against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, yeasts and moulds. In general, the bisthiocarbonohydrazones possess the best antimicrobial properties and Gram positive bacteria are the most sensitive microorganisms. Bis(ethyl 2-pyridyl ketone) thiocarbonohydrazone, bis(butyl 2-pyridyl ketone)thiocarbonohydrazone and Cu(H2nft)Cl2 (H2nft, bis(5-nitrofuraldehyde)thiocarbonohydrazone) reveal a strong activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.7 microgram ml-1 against Bacillus subtilis and of 3 micrograms ml-1 against Staphylococcus aureus. Cu(II) complexes are more effective than Fe(II) and Zn(II) ones. All bisthiocarbono- and carbonohydrazones are devoid of mutagenic properties, with the exception of the compounds derived from 5-nitrofuraldehyde. On the contrary a weak mutagenicity, that disappears in the copper complexes, is exhibited by monosubstituted thiocarbonohydrazones.     

Bis-N-heterocyclic carbene ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes: Synthesis, structural characterization and catalytic activities in transfer hydrogenation of ketones

In this contribution, the synthesis and characterization of eight ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes supported by chelating alkane-bridged bis-N-heterocyclic carbene ligands are reported. The products obtained are analyzed using infrared and NMR spectroscopies. The molecular structures of four metal complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography, which exhibit the six-coordinate octahedral geometry with two carbene carbon atoms from the bidentate Bi-NHCs, two carbonyl groups and two chlorine atoms in the trans(Cl)-cis(CO) configuration. All these complexes show catalytic activities in transfer hydrogenation of ketones.     

Thermodynamic and spectroscopic studies of copper (II) complexes with three bis(amide) ligands derived from L-tartaric acid

The interactions of three bis(amide) ligands derived from tartaric acid with copper (II) were investigated in aqueous solution by a combination of potentiometry, UV-vis spectrophotometry, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and mass spectrometry. The formation constants of the complexes were measured and their relative structures were reported. The sites of complexation of these ligands are investigated based mostly on their electronic and EPR spectra and on the comparison with the behaviour of some analog compounds.     

Fluorescence quenching and bonding properties of some hydroxamic acid derivatives by iron(III) and manganese(II)

Spectrophotometric investigations of highly fluorescent metal chelating molecules are of relevance due to their potential application in novel, selective fluorescence‐based sensors. Benzene and naphthalene chromophores are highly fluorescent while hydroxamic acids are widely used as ligands for complexation of transition metals. In order to develop fluorescence probes, several phenyl derivatives of N‐phenylbenzohydroxamic acid and an aminodihydroxamic acid linked with a naphthalene chromophore were synthesized and their selective ionophoric properties towards iron(III) and manganese(II) ions were investigated using fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. Both methods confirm the formation of 1:1 and 1:2 complexes for iron(III) and a 1:1 complex for manganese(II). The complex that is formed depends on the concentration of the ligand and pH of the medium. The amino dihydroxamic acid exhibits a prominent selectivity towards iron(III) with a two‐step 1:1 and 1:2 quenching mechanism at pH 3 and towards manganese(II) with a 1:1 quenching mechanism at a probe concentration of 1 × 10^?5 mol dm^?3 at pH 9.5 The logarithm of overall formation constants of 1:1 and 1:2 complexes of iron(III) were estimated as 3.30 and 9.05, respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

DNA cleavage, binding and intercalation studies of drug-based oxovanadium(IV) complexes

The complexes of oxovanadium(IV) with ciprofloxacin and various uni-negative bidentate ligands have been prepared and their structure investigated using spectral, physicochemical and elemental analyses. The viscosity measurement suggest that the complexes bind to DNA by intercalation. The DNA binding efficacy was determined using absorption titration to obtain the binding constant (K(b)). The DNA cleavage efficacy was determined using gel electrophoresis. The DNA binding and cleavage efficacy were increased in the complexes relative to the parental ligands and metal salts. Antibacterial activity has been assayed against two Gram((- ve)) i.e. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and three Gram((+ ve)) Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Serratia marcescens microorganisms using the doubling dilution technique. The results show a significant increase in antibacterial activity in the complexes compared with parental ligands and metal salts.     

Synthesis, spectral and crystallographic characterization of manganese(II) coordination polymers based on aliphatic dicarboxylate and flexible bis(imidazolyl) derivatives

Two structurally related flexible imidazolyl ligands, bis(N-imidazolyl)methane (L₁) and 1,4-bis(N-imidazolyl)butane (L₂) reacted with Mn(II) salts of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids resulted in the formation of a number of novel metal-organic coordination architectures. All complexes have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The different coordination modes of dicarboxylate anions due to their chain length, rigidity and diimidazolyl functionality lead to a range of different coordination structures. The coordination polymers exhibit 1D single chain, 2D sheet and 3D network structures. The aliphatic dicarboxylates can adopt chelating μ₂, bridging μ₂, and chelating-bridging μ₃ coordination modes, or act as uncoordinated counter anions. The central metal ions are coordinated in N₂O₄ and N₄O₂ fashions depending on the ancillary ligands. The topology of [Mn(male)(L₁)(H₂O)₂] (1, male = maleate) gives rise to singly bridged 1D chains, whereas compound [Mn(mal)(L₁)(H₂O)] · H₂O (2, mal = malonate) exhibits 2D sheets in which the metal centers are bridged by both imidazolyl ligands and dicarboxylates. Compounds [Mn(L₁)₂(H₂O)₂](suc) · 6H₂O (3, suc = succinate) and [Mn(L₁)₂(H₂O)₂](fum) · 6H₂O (4, fum = fumarate) show doubly bridged 1D chains, and the dicarboxylate groups are not coordinated but form 2D corrugated sheets with water molecules intercalated between the cationic layers. Compound [Mn(suc)(L₂)(H₂O)₂] (5, suc = succinate) was built from very flexible succinate and 1,4-bis(N-imidazolyl)butane which yielded three-dimensional interpenetrate networks, both succinate anion and the imidazolyl ligand act as bidentate bridging.     

Vanadium(IV/V) speciation of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and 4-hydroxy-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid complexes: potentiometry,EPR spectroscopy and comparison across oxidation states

Evaluation of stability of vanadium(IV) and (V) complexes under similar conditions is critical for the interpretation and assessment of bioactivity of various vanadium species. Detailed understanding of the chemical properties of these complexes is necessary to explain differences observed their activity in biological systems. These studies are carried out to link the chemistry of both vanadium(IV) and (V) complexes of two ligands, 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (dipicolinic acid, H(2)dipic) and 4-hydroxy-2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (H(2)dipic-OH). Solution speciation of the two 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acids with vanadium(IV) and vanadium(V) ions was determined by pH-potentiometry at I=0.2 M (KCl) ionic strength and at T=298 K. The stability and the metal affinities of the ligands were compared. Vanadium(V) complexes were found to form only tridentate coordinated 1:1 complexes, while vanadium(IV) formed complexes with both 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometries. The formation constant reflects hindered coordination of a second ligand molecule, presumably because of the relatively small size of the metal ion. The most probable binding mode of the complexes was further explored using ambient and low temperature EPR spectroscopy for vanadium(IV) and 51V NMR spectroscopy for vanadium(V) systems. Upon complex formation the pyridinol-OH in position 4 deprotonates with pK approximately 3.7-4.1, which is approximately 6 orders of magnitude lower than that of the free ligand. The deprotonation enhances the ligand metal ion affinity compared to the parent ligand dipicolinic acid. In the light of the speciation and stability data of the metal complexes, the efficiency of the two ligands in transporting the metal ion in the two different oxidation states are assessed and discussed.     

A study of the coordination shell of aluminum(III) and magnesium(II) in model protein environments: thermodynamics of the complex formation and metal exchange reactions

Al(III) toxicity in living organisms is based on competition with other metal cations. Mg(II) is one of the most affected cations, since the size similarity dominates over the charge identity. The slow ligand exchange rates for Al(III) render the ion useless as a metal ion at the active sites of enzymes and provide a mechanism by which Al(III) inhibits Mg(II) dependent biochemical processes. Al(III) cation interactions with relevant bioligands have been studied in a protein-model environment in gas and aqueous phases using density functional theory methods. The protein model consists of the metal cation bound to two chosen bioligands (functional groups of the amino acid side chains, one of them being always an acetate) and water molecules interacting with the cation to complete its first coordination shell. Analogous Mg(II) complexes are calculated and compared with the Al(III) ones. Formation energies of the complexes are calculated in both phases and magnesium/aluminum exchange energies evaluated. The effect of different dielectric media is also analyzed. The presence of an acetate ligand in the binding site is found to promote both, complex formation and metal exchange reactions. In addition, buried binding sites (with low dielectric constant) of the protein favor metal exchange, whereas fully solvated environments of high dielectric constant require the presence of two anionic ligands for metal exchange to occur.     

Nickel-quinolones interaction. Part 4. Structure and biological evaluation of nickel(II)-enrofloxacin complexes compared to zinc(II) analogues

The nickel(II) complexes with the second-generation quinolone antibacterial agent enrofloxacin in the presence or absence of the nitrogen-donor heterocyclic ligands 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2′-bipyridine or pyridine have been synthesized and characterized. Enrofloxacin acts as bidentate ligand coordinated to Ni(II) ion through the ketone oxygen and a carboxylato oxygen. The crystal structure of (1,10-phenanthroline)bis(enrofloxacinato)nickel(II) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. UV study of the interaction of the complexes with calf-thymus DNA (CT DNA) has shown that they bind to CT DNA and bis(pyridine)bis(enrofloxacinato)nickel(II) exhibits the highest binding constant to CT DNA. The cyclic voltammograms of the complexes have shown that in the presence of CT DNA the complexes can bind to CT DNA by the intercalative binding mode which has also been verified by DNA solution viscosity measurements. Competitive study with ethidium bromide (EB) has shown that the complexes can displace the DNA-bound EB indicating that they bind to DNA in strong competition with EB. The complexes exhibit good binding propensity to human or bovine serum albumin protein having relatively high binding constant values. The biological properties of the complexes have been evaluated in comparison to the corresponding Zn(II) enrofloxacinato complexes as well as Ni(II) complexes with the first-generation quinolone oxolinic acid.     

Synthesis, molecular structure determination, and antitumor activity of platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes of 2-substituted benzimidazole

The complexes of 2-aminomethyl benzimidazole, 2-(beta-aminoethyl)benzimidazole, and 2-(alpha-aminoethy-l)benzimidazole with Pt(II) and Pd(II) have been prepared. The molecular structure of the free ligands and their complexes were studied by IR and 1H NMR. It was concluded that the substituted benzimidazole derivatives behave as bidentate ligands, being bound to the metal atoms via the nitrogen of the -N = group and the amino group of the side chain of the benzimidazole ring. The metal complexes were tested for antineoplastic activity both in cultures of neoplastic cells (MEL-745, K-562, Colon 205, IMP-32, SK-N-SH) and in vivo in rodents bearing L-1210 leukemia. The antiproliferative activity of these agents was compared to that of cis-platin.