Synthesis,EPR, electrochemistry and EXAFS studies of ruthenium(III) complexes with a symmetrical tetradentate N2O2 Schiff base

A series of new hexa-coordinated ruthenium(III) complexes of the type [RuX(Nap-o-phd)(EPh₃)] (where, H₂-Nap-o-phd = N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde) o-phenylene diamine; X = Cl or Br; E = P or As) have been prepared by reacting [RuX₃(EPh₃)₃] and [RuBr₃(PPh₃)₂(MeOH)] (where X = Cl or Br; E = P or As) with tetradentate Schiff base ligand (H₂-Nap-o-phd) in 1:1 molar ratio. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, infra red, electronic, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The coordination geometry and structure of the complexes have been investigated by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and an octahedral structure has been proposed.     

A multifrequency high-field EPR (9–285 GHz) investigation of a series of dichloride mononuclear penta-coordinated Mn(II) complexes

The electronic structure of a series of 11 penta-coordinated dichloride mononuclear Mn(II) complexes [Mn(L)Cl₂] (L = Cl-terpy, Br-terpy, OH-terpy, phenyl-terpy, tolyl-terpy, mesityl-terpy, EtO-terpy, Me₂N-terpy, tBu₃-terpy, py-phen, and dpya) has been investigated by a multifrequency EPR study (9–285 GHz). The X-ray structures of [Mn(Br-terpy)Cl₂], [Mn(EtO-terpy)Cl₂], [Mn(Me₂N-terpy)Cl₂] and [Mn(tolyl-terpy)Cl₂] are described. The spin Hamiltonian parameters have been determined for all complexes and show that the steric and electronic effects of the N-tridentate ligand L do not induce appreciable variations on the zero field splitting parameters. The magnitude of D, close to 0.3 cm⁻¹, is governed by the chloride anion. High-field EPR spectroscopy allows the determination of electronic parameters of mononuclear Mn(II) complexes characterized by relatively large magnitudes of D and the unambiguous interpretation of the X-band spectra of these kinds of complexes.     

Stability constants and multinuclear NMR measurements of phosphonic acid derivatives with aluminum in aqueous solutions

We are reporting the stability constants of the different complexes between phosphonoacetic acid (PAA), phosphonoformic acid (PFA), aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), aminoethylphosphonic acid (AEPA) and methylenediphosphonic acid (MDP) with the aluminum metal ion in aqueous solutions. (In this study the term aluminum is reserved for the 3+ ion.) The affinity of the phosphonic acid derivatives to chelate aluminum has been tested by potentiometric titrations with I = 0.10 M KNO₃ at 25 ± 0.1 °C. The proposed aluminum–ligand complex structures have been confirmed by ³¹P NMR, ¹³C NMR, and ²⁷Al NMR experiments. Both PAA and PFA formed simple one to one complexes. The respective values for PAA are log β₁₁₁ = 13.57, log β₁₁₀ = 10.58, and log β₁₁₋₁ = 5.84. The respective values for PFA are log β₁₁₂ = 15.24, log β₁₁₁ = 13.11, and log β₁₁₀ = 6.88. In contrast to PAA and PFA, the major species formed with AMPA and AEPA consist of a series of dimeric complexes. The ³¹P NMR spectra of these complexes indicate that the amine groups do not co-ordinate to aluminum and remain protonated. In addition to these dimeric complexes, a monoprotonated monomer of Al–AMPA also has been detected. The ²⁷Al NMR experiments indicated that the aluminum is hexacoordinated in all the complexes in this study and the hydroxide ion did not remove aluminium from its complexes. Among the ligands studied, PAA and PFA were able to solubilize aluminum at physiological pH. A comparison between the acidities and the chelating properties of the ligands used is presented.     

Iron and nickel complexes with heterocyclic ligands: Stability,synthesis, spectral characterization,antimicrobial activity,acute and subacute toxicity

The synthesis and characterization by elemental analysis, emission atomic spectroscopy, TG measurements, magnetic measurements, FTIR, ¹H NMR, UV–visible spectra and conductivity of a series of iron (II) and nickel (II) complexes with two heterocyclic ligands (L¹(SMX): sulfamethoxazole and L²(MIZ): metronidazole) used in pharmaceutical field and with a new ligand derived benzoxazole (L³(MPBO): 2-(5-methylpyridine-2-yl)benzoxazole), were reported. The formulae obtained for the complexes are: [M(L¹)₂ Cl₂]·nH₂O, [M(L²)₂Cl₂(H₂O)₂]·H₂O and [M(L³)₂(OH)₂]·nH₂O. Stability constants of these complexes have been determined by potentiometric methods in water–ethanol (90:10, v/v) mixture at a 0.2 mol L^?1 ionic strength (NaCl) and at 25.0 ± 0.1 °C. Sirko program was used to determine the protonation constants as well as the binding constants of three species [ML₂H₂]²⁺, [ML₂] and [ML]²⁺. The antimicrobial activity of the ligands and complexes was evaluated in vitro against different human bacteria and fungi using agar diffusion method.Iron sulfamethoxazole complex showed a remarkable inhibition of bacteria growth especially on Staphylococcus aureus and P. aeruginosa. The iron metronidazole complex is active against yeasts especially on Candida tropicalis strain. Nickel complexes presented different antibacterial and antifungal behavior's against bacteria and fungal.The acute toxicity study revealed that the iron complexes are not toxic at 2000 mg/kg dose orally administrated.LD₅₀ for nickel complexes was determined using graphical method.No significant differences in the body weights between the control and the treated groups of both rat sexes in subacute toxicity study using for iron complexes. Hematological and clinical blood chemistry analysis revealed no toxicity effects of the iron complexes. Pathologically, neither gross abnormalities nor histopathological changes were observed for these complexes.     

Calorimetric and spectroscopic investigations of the binding of metallated porphyrins to G-quadruplex DNA

BackgroundThe human telomere contains tandem repeat of (TTAGG) capable of forming a higher order DNA structure known as G-quadruplex. Porphyrin molecules such as TMPyP4 bind and stabilize G-quadruplex structure.MethodsIsothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), circular dichroism (CD), and mass spectroscopy (ESI/MS), were used to investigate the interactions between TMPyP4 and the Co(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of TMPyP4 (e.g. Co(III)-TMPyP4) and a model human telomere G-quadruplex (hTel22) at or near physiologic ionic strength ([Na⁺] or [K⁺] ≈ 0.15 M).ResultsThe apo-TMPyP4, Ni(II)-TMPyP4, and Cu(II)-TMPyP4 all formed complexes having a saturation stoichiometry of 4:1, moles of ligand per mole of DNA. Binding of apo-TMPyP4, Ni(II)-TMPyP4, and Cu(II)-TMPyP4 is described by a “four-independent-sites model”. The two highest-affinity sites exhibit a K in the range of 10⁸ to 10¹⁰ M^− 1 with the two lower-affinity sites exhibiting a K in the range of 10⁴ to 10⁵ M^− 1. Binding of Co(III)-TMPyP4, and Zn(II)-TMPyP4, is best described by a “two-independent-sites model” in which only the end-stacking binding mode is observed with a K in the range of 10⁴ to 10⁵ M^− 1.ConclusionsIn the case of apo-TMPyP4, Ni(II)-TMPyP4, and Cu(II)-TMPyP4, the thermodynamic signatures for the two binding modes are consistent with an “end stacking” mechanism for the higher affinity binding mode and an “intercalation” mechanism for the lower affinity binding mode. In the case of Co(III)-TMPyP4 and Zn(II)-TMPyP4, both the lower affinity for the “end-stacking” mode and the loss of the intercalative mode for forming the 2:1 complexes with hTel22 are attributed to the preferred metal coordination geometry and the presence of axial ligands.General significanceThe preferred coordination geometry around the metal center strongly influences the energetics of the interactions between the metallated-TMPyP4 and the model human telomeric G-quadruplex. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Microcalorimetry in the BioSciences — Principles and Applications, edited by Fadi Bou-Abdallah.     

Comparative serum albumin interactions and antitumor effects of Au(III) and Ga(III) ions

In the present study, interactions of Au(III) and Ga(III) ions on human serum albumin (HSA) were studied comparatively via spectroscopic and thermal analysis methods: UV–vis absorbance spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The potential antitumor effects of these ions were studied on MCF-7 cells via Alamar blue assay. It was found that both Au(III) and Ga(III) ions can interact with HSA, however; Au(III) ions interact with HSA more favorably and with a higher affinity. FT-IR second derivative analysis results demonstrated that, high concentrations of both metal ions led to a considerable decrease in the α-helix content of HSA; while Au(III) led to around 5% of decrease in the α-helix content at 200 μM, it was around 1% for Ga(III) at the same concentration. Calorimetric analysis gave the binding kinetics of metal–HSA interactions; while the binding affinity (K_a) of Au(III)–HSA binding was around 3.87 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, it was around 9.68 × 10³ M⁻¹ for Ga(III)–HSA binding. Spectroscopy studies overall suggest that both metal ions have significant effects on the chemical structure of HSA, including the secondary structure alterations. Antitumor activity studies on MCF7 tumor cell line with both metal ions revealed that, Au(III) ions have a higher antiproliferative activity compared to Ga(III) ions.     

Magnetic properties of six-coordinated high-spin cobalt(II) complexes: Theoretical background and its application

In this contribution we study and analyse the influence of the different parameters involved in the magnetic susceptibility of six-coordinated high-spin Co(II) complexes. We propose an empirical expression to fit the magnetic susceptibility of polycrystalline samples of mononuclear Co(II) complexes with an axial distortion, the variable parameters being Δ (axial distortion), α (orbital reduction factor) and λ (spin–orbit coupling). This expression avoids solving the 12 × 12 matrix associated to the distortion of the ⁴T_1g term. In order to take into account the magnetic coupling (J) in the polynuclear Co(II) complexes, a perturbational approach is proposed to describe their magnetic susceptibility in the whole temperature range (2–300 K) as a function of J, Δ, α and λ. This approach is valid in the limit of the weak magnetic coupling as compared to the spin–orbit coupling, |J/λ| < 0.1. The model allows the treatment of each cobalt(II) ion in axial symmetry as an effective spin S_eff = 1/2. That causes a drastic reduction of the matrix size of the polynuclear compounds from 12ⁿ × 12ⁿ to 2ⁿ × 2ⁿ, n being the number of Co(II) ions in the complex. The main advantage of the model is to make possible the fit of the magnetic susceptibility data of those polynuclear Co(II) complexes whose high nuclearity involved intractable matrices.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic and redox properties of some ruthenium(II) thiosemicarbazone complexes: Structural description of four of these complexes

Sixteen neutral mixed ligand thiosemicarbazone complexes of ruthenium having general formula [Ru(PPh₃)₂L₂], where LH = 1-(arylidine)4-aryl thiosemicarbazones, have been synthesized and characterized. All complexes are diamagnetic and hence ruthenium is in the +2 oxidation state (low-spin d⁶, S = 0). The complexes show several intense peaks in the visible region due to allowed metal to ligand charge transfer transitions. The structures of four of the complexes have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and they show that thiosemicarbazone ligands coordinate to the ruthenium center through the hydrazinic nitrogen and sulfur forming four-membered chelate rings with ruthenium in N₂S₂P₂ coordination environment. In dichloromethane solution, the complexes show two quasi-reversible oxidative responses corresponding to loss of electron from HOMO and HOMO − 1. The E⁰ values of the above two oxidations shows good linear relationship with Hammett substituents constant (σ) as well as with the HOMO energy of the molecules calculated by the EHMO method. A DFT calculation on one representative complex suggests that there is appreciable contribution of the sulfur p-orbitals to the HOMO and HOMO − 1. Thus, assignment of the oxidation state of the metal in such complexes must be made with caution.     

Synthesis,spectral and magnetical characterization of monomeric [Cu(2-NO2bz)2(3-pyme)2(H2O)2] and polymeric [Cu{3,5-(NO2)2bz}2(3-pyme)2]n

Two new complexes of composition [Cu(2-NO₂bz)₂(3-pyme)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) and/or [Cu{3,5-(NO₂)₂bz}₂(3-pyme)₂] (2) (3-pyme = 3-pyridylmethanol, ronicol or 3-pyridylcarbinol, 2-NO₂bz = 2-nitrobenzoate and 3,5-(NO₂)₂bz = 3,5-dinitrobenzoate) have been prepared and studied by elemental analysis, electronic, infrared and EPR spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements and the structure of both complexes has been solved. Complex (1) shows an unusual molecular type of structure consisting of the [Cu(2-NO₂bz)₂(3-pyme)₂(H₂O)₂] molecules held together by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. Complex (2) exhibits a polymeric chain-like structure [Cu{3,5-(NO₂)₂bz}₂(3-pyme)₂]_n with copper atoms doubly bridged by two 3-pyridylmethanol molecules and the polymeric molecules are held together by van der Waals interactions. Complex (1) exhibits a magnetic moment μ_eff = 1.84 B.M. at 300 K that remains nearly constant within the temperature region (5–300 K). Further cooling results in lowering the magnetic moment to μ_eff = 1.82 B.M. at 1.8 K. The magnetic susceptibility temperature dependence obeys Curie–Weiss law with Curie constant of 0.423 cm³ K mol⁻¹ and with Weiss constant of −0.06 K. The magnetic moment of (2) exhibits a small increase with a decrease in the temperature (μ_eff = 1.80 B.M. at 300 K and μ_eff = 1.85 B.M. at 1.8 K) with Curie constant of 0.409 cm³ K mol⁻¹ and with Weiss constant of +1.1 K, which can indicate a very weak ferromagnetic interaction between the copper atoms within the chain. Applying the molecular field model resulted in obtaining zJ′ values −0.08 cm⁻¹ for complex (1), and −0.07 cm⁻¹ for complex (2), respectively, that could characterize intermolecular and interchain interactions transmitted through π–π stacking.     

Stimuli responsive polymorphism of C12NO/DOPE/DNA complexes: Effect of pH,temperature and composition

N,N-dimethyldodecylamine-N-oxide (C₁₂NO) is a surfactant that may exist either in a neutral or cationic protonated form depending on the pH of aqueous solutions. Using small angle X-ray diffraction (SAXD) we observe the rich structural polymorphism of pH responsive complexes prepared due to DNA interaction with C₁₂NO/dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) vesicles and discuss it in view of utilizing the surfactant for the gene delivery vector of a pH sensitive system. In neutral solutions, the DNA uptake is low, and a lamellar L_α phase formed by C₁₂NO/DOPE is prevailing in the complexes at 0.2 ≤ C₁₂NO/DOPE < 0.6 mol/mol. A maximum of ~ 30% of the total DNA volume in the sample is bound in a condensed lamellar phase L_α^C at C₁₂NO/DOPE = 1 mol/mol and pH 7.2. In acidic conditions, a condensed inverted hexagonal phase H_II^C was observed at C₁₂NO/DOPE = 0.2 mol/mol. Commensurate lattice parameters, a_HC ≈ d_LC, were detected at 0.3 ≤ C₁₂NO/DOPE ≤ 0.4 mol/mol and pH = 4.9–6.4 suggesting that L_α^C and H_II^C phases were epitaxially related. While at the same composition but pH ~ 7, the mixture forms a cubic phase (Pn3m) when the complexes were heated to 80 °C and cooled down to 20 °C. Finally, a large portion of the surfactant (C₁₂NO/DOPE > 0.5) stabilizes the L_α^C phase in C₁₂NO/DOPE/DNA complexes and the distance between DNA strands (d_DNA) is modulated by the pH value. Both the composition and pH affect the DNA binding in the complexes reaching up to ~ 95% of the DNA total amount at acidic conditions.     

Photophysical studies of hetero-bischelated complexes of rhodium(III) containing 2,2′-dipyridylamine

Four mixed-ligand complexes, cis-Rh[(bipy)(HDPA)Cl₂]Cl (1), cis-[Rh(phen)(HDPA)Cl₂]Cl (2), cis-[Rh(bipy)(DPA)Cl₂] (3), and cis-[Rh(phen)(DPA)Cl₂] (4) (where bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenantroline, HDPA = 2,2′-dipyridylamine, and DPA = the deprotonated form of 2,2′-dipyridylamine) have been synthesized and characterized. In slightly acidic solution and at low temperature (77 K), both complexes 1 and 2 show a broad, symmetric and structureless red emission with microsecond lifetime identified as dd* phosphorescence. In slightly basic solution, the deprotonated complexes (3 and 4) exhibit a broad and asymmetric blue emission, showing no vibrational structure with a lifetime in the order of microseconds. Emission of complex 3 reveals a blue shift of 0.81 μm⁻¹ compared to the emission of complex 1 and that of complex 4 shows a blue shift of 0.77 μm⁻¹ with respect to complex 2. Electrochemical data have also been obtained for the four complexes in CH₃CN. There are two reduction peaks observed for both complexes 1 and 2. Each peak is followed by a one-electron reduction at the metal, with an elimination of chloride during each reduction step, which is in consistent with the dd* phosphorescence assignment for the two complexes. For complexes 3 and 4, only a one-electron reduction process occurs at the metal with an elimination of chloride. Based on the luminescence and electrochemical data, the emission of complexes 3 and 4 are assigned as πd* phosphorescence. Results from density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide theoretical evidence in support of this πd* assignments.     

Methyl-palladium(II) complexes of pyridine-bridged bis(nucleophilic heterocyclic carbene) ligands: Substituent effects on structure,stability, and catalytic performance

A series of discrete, mononuclear palladium(II)–methyl complexes, together with several palladium(II)–chloro analogues, of pyridine-functionalised bis-NHC ligands have been prepared via ligand transmetallation from the silver(I)-NHC complexes. The reported complexes comprise examples with both the methylene-bridged 2,6-bis[(3-R-imidazolin-2-yliden-1-yl)methyl]pyridine (_RC^∧N^∧C; R = Mes, dipp, ^tBu) and planar 2,6-bis(3-R-imidazolin-2-yliden-1-yl)pyridine (_RCNC; R = Mes, dipp) ligands and, when combined with the previously reported _MeC^∧N^∧C/_MeCNC examples, cover a broad spectrum of ligand substituent steric and electronic properties, including the bulky Mes and dipp groups frequently used in catalytic applications. The palladium(II) complexes have been characterised by a variety of methods, including single crystal X-ray crystallography, with the shielding of the Pd–Me groups in the proton NMR spectra of some of the N-aryl substituted examples correlated with the proximity of the aryl rings to the methyl group in the solid state structures. The [PdMe(_RC^∧N^∧C/_RCNC)]⁺ complexes undergo thermal degradation via reductive methyl-NHC coupling to give 2-methyl-3-R-imidazolium-1-yl species with relative stabilities in the order of [PdMe(_MesC^∧N^∧C)]BF₄ > [PdMe(_MeC^∧N^∧C)]BF₄ ≈ [PdMe(_MesCNC)]BF₄ > [PdMe(_MeCNC)]BF₄ > [PdMe(_tBuC^∧N^∧C)]BF₄ ≫ [PdMe(_tBuCNC)]BF₄ (not isolable). A comparison of the activity of the complexes as precatalysts in a model Heck coupling reaction shows greatest activity in those species bearing bulkier N-substituents, with complexes bearing _RC^∧N^∧C ligands generally more efficient precatalysts than those bearing _RCNC ligands.     

Hydrolysis of the amide bond in histidine- and methionine-containing dipeptides promoted by pyrazine and pyridazine palladium(II)-aqua dimers: Comparative study with platinum(II) analogues

Two dinuclear palladium(II) complexes, [{Pd(en)Cl}₂(μ-pz)](NO₃)₂ and [{Pd(en)Cl}₂(μ-pydz)](NO₃)₂, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental microanalysis and spectroscopic (¹H and ¹³C NMR, IR and UV–vis) techniques (en is ethylenediamine; pz is pyrazine and pydz is pyridazine). The square planar geometry of palladium(II) metal centers in these complexes has been predicted by DFT calculations. The chlorido complexes were converted into the corresponding aqua complexes, [{Pd(en)(H₂O)}₂(μ-pz)]⁴⁺ and [{Pd(en)(H₂O)}₂(μ-pydz)]⁴⁺, and their reactions with N-acetylated l-histidylglycine (Ac–l–His–Gly) and l-methionylglycine (Ac–l–Met–Gly) were studied by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The palladium(II)-aqua complexes and dipeptides were reacted in 1:1 M ratio, and all reactions performed in the pH range 2.0 < pH < 2.5 in D₂O solvent and at 37 °C. In the reactions of these complexes with Ac–l–His–Gly and Ac–l–Met–Gly dipeptides, the hydrolysis of the amide bonds involving the carboxylic group of both histidine and methionine amino acids occurs. The catalytic activities of the palladium(II)-aqua complexes were compared with those previously reported in the literature for the analogues platinum(II)-aqua complexes, [{Pt(en)(H₂O)}₂(μ-pz)]⁴⁺ and [{Pt(en)(H₂O)}₂(μ-pydz)]⁴⁺.     

Electronic structure of [Ga2(tren)2(CAsq,cat)](BPh4)2(BF4): An EPR,ENDOR, and density functional study

The bimetallic [M₁M₂(tren)₂(CA^n?)]^m+ series, where M = Ga^III or Cr^III and CA is the chloranilate ligand which can take on diamagnetic (CA^cat,cat)^4? or paramagnetic (CA^sq,cat)^3? forms, comprises an electronically diverse series of compounds ranging from the closed-shell [Ga₂(tren)₂(CA^cat,cat)]²⁺ to the S = 5/2 ground state of [Cr₂(tren)₂(CA^sq,cat)]³⁺. This report deals with the interpretation of the EPR and ENDOR spectra of [Ga₂(tren)₂(CA^sq,cat)](BPh₄)₂(BF₄) (2) and the related derivative [Ga₂(tren)₂(DHBQ)](BPh₄)₂(BF₄) (2a) (where DHBQ is the fully deprotonated trianionic form of 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone) in an effort to further characterize the electronic structure of this radical species. The X-band (～9.5 GHz) EPR spectrum of complex 2 acquired in a butyronitrile/propionitrile glass at 4 K reveals a rhombic g-tensor with g_xx = 2.0100, g_yy = 2.0097, and g_zz = 2.0060 with hyperfine interactions due to spin delocalization onto the two Ga nuclei (a_xx = 4.902 G, a_yy = 4.124 G, a_zz = 3.167 G); the origin of the hyperfine coupling was confirmed by analysis of the room temperature spectra of complexes 2 and 2a. The low-temperature spectrum of complex 2 also indicates the presence of a triplet electronic state characterized by a g-value of 2.009 and axial zero-field splitting of D = 150 G (0.012 cm^?1) as determined from measurements carried out at both X- and W-band (～95 GHz) frequencies. This triplet state is believed to arise due to a weak intermolecular Heisenberg exchange interaction between two aggregating complexes. ENDOR measurements on complex 2a at 20 K allowed for a determination of the magnitude of hyperfine coupling to the protons associated with the radical bridge as well as providing a rare example of an ENDOR signal arising from coupling to a gallium nucleus. Finally, these results were combined with literature data on the free semiquinone form of the bridging ligand in order to assess the extent to which density functional theory can predict unpaired spin density distribution in a complex molecule of this type. Although differences between theory and experiment were noted, DFT was able to provide a reasonably accurate picture of the electronic structure of this system as well as provide insight into the spin polarization mechanism(s) responsible for the observed hyperfine interactions.     

Organogold complexes probe a large β-barrel cavity for human serum α1-acid glycoprotein

Human α₁-acid glycoprotein (AAG) is an acute phase component of the plasma, binding numerous drugs and natural compounds with high-affinity. Using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, strong AAG binding of organogold complexes was found, the molecular size and chemical structure of which differ from known AAG binding agents. The 16-membered Au₂P₄C₈O₂ macrocycles interconvert rapidly between two helical forms and produce enantiomeric conformations which are in dynamic equilibrium in solution. AAG binds preferentially one of the chiral conformers as indicated by strong Cotton effects generated by intramolecular exciton coupling between the pairs of hetercyclic chromophores. Lipophilic nature of the guest molecules suggests the dominant contribution of hydrophobic interactions in the AAG binding. Comparison of the main genetic variants of AAG revealed that both the ‘F1/S’ and ‘A’ variants bind with high-affinity the gold(I) macrocycles (K_a ≈ 10⁶ M^- 1). CD/fluorescence displacement, and fluorescence quenching experiments indicated inclusion of the compounds into the central β-barrel cavity of AAG of which exact tertiary structure is yet unknown. Molecular dimensions of the gold(I) macrocycles (13 × 14 × 14 Å) indicate that the principal ligand binding cavity of both the ‘F1/S’ and ‘A’ variants must be larger compared to the models published to date. Based on these findings, a novel homology model of AAG ‘F1’ variant was constructed using the human neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a template. The organogold complexes were successfully docked into the central cavity of this model.     

DNA binding and photocleavage properties and apoptosis-inducing activities of a ruthenium porphyrin complex [(Py-3′)TPP-Ru(phen)2Cl]Cl and its heterometallic derivatives

The interactions of a ruthenium porphyrin complex [(Py-3′)TPP-Ru(phen)₂Cl]Cl (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, (Py-3′)TPP = 5-(3′-pyridyl-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin) (1) and its heterometallic derivatives, [Ni(Py-3′)TPP-Ru(phen)₂Cl][PF₆] (2) and [Cu(Py-3′)TPP-Ru(phen)₂Cl][PF₆] (3), with calf thymus DNA have been investigated by spectroscopic and viscosity measurements in this study. The results showed that these synthetic complexes can bind to double strand helix DNA in groove binding mode, and the intrinsic binding constants of complexes 1, 2 and 3, as calculated according to the decay of the Soret absorption, are (1.35 ± 0.5) ×10⁵ M^?1 (s = 4.2), (1.29 ± 0.5) × 10⁵ M^?1 (s = 5.6) and (1.22 ± 0.5) × 10⁵ M^?1 (s = 6.2) (s is the binding-site size), respectively, which are consistent with those obtained from ethidium bromide-quenching experiments. Further investigations on the photocleavage properties of these complexes on plasmid pBR 322 DNA showed that complexes 1, 2 and 3 could cleave single chain DNA and convert DNA molecules from supercoiled form to the nicked form. As determined by MTT assay, the complexes were also identified as potent antiproliferative agents against A375 human melanoma cells, MCF-7 human breast adrenocarcinoma cells, Colo201 human colon adenocarcinoma cells and HepG2 human liver cancer cells. Complex 1 inhibits the growth of A375 cells through induction of apoptotic cell death and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Further investigation on intracellular mechanisms indicated that Complex 1 induced depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) in A375 cells through regulating the expression of pro-survival and pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members. Our results suggest that ruthenium porphyrin complexes could be candidates for further evaluation as chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents for human cancers.     

The synthesis and structural properties of [M(dippe)(η2-C4H4S)] complexes of Pd and Pt and comparison with their Ni analog

X-ray structural and NMR spectroscopic data for the ring-opened thiophene complexes [Pd(dippe)(T)] (2), and [Pt(dippe)(T)] (3) are now presented. The complex [Ni(dippe)(T)] (1), where T = (η²-C,S-C₄H₄S), was reported by our group, previously.The structural and bonding properties of complexes 2 and 3 were compared with those of complex 1. DFT calculations were carried out to rationalize their relative stabilities and structural properties. Compound 1 loses thiophene at ambient temperature in solution, while compound 2 decomposes rapidly in both acetone-d₆ and THF-d₈ with k_obs = 7.15(9) × 10⁻⁵ and 7.7(3) × 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹, respectively, to give products that varied by solvent. Complex 3 does not lose thiophene at temperatures below 100 °C. The ΔG⁰ values determined from DFT calculations are consistent with the observed stabilities of the complexes. The single crystal X-ray structures of all three complexes contain a disordered thienyl fragment in the asymmetric unit due to the interchange of the position of sulfur in the metal-inserted thiophenic ring. The thiophenic moiety is relatively flat in 1, 2 and 3, which is attributed to the open ligand environment at the M(dippe) fragment. All three complexes possess square-planar geometry around the metal center and have bond-length alternation among the thiophenic carbons, which indicates double bond localization. The calculated bond lengths are in good agreement with experimental data. Molecular orbital (MO) and natural bonding orbital (NBO) analyses were carried out to rationalize the results.     

Purification and biochemical characterization of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) from ostrich lung: The effect of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol on ACE conformation and activity

This work reports the purification and biochemical characterization of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) from ostrich (Struthio camelus) lung. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was approximately evaluated to be 200 kDa and the maximum enzyme activity was observed at pH 7.5. The enzyme activity was increased by detergents of Triton X-100 (0.01%), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) (0.1 and 1 mM) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (0.1 mM), while decreased by Triton X-100 (1% and 10%) and SDS (1 mM and 10 mM). The secondary and tertiary structure and activity of ACE in the absence and presence of trifluoroethanol (TFE) were investigated using circular dichroism, fluorescence quenching and UV–visible spectroscopy, respectively. Our results revealed that TFE stabilizes ACE at low concentrations, while acts as a denaturant at higher concentration (20%). The K_m, K_cat and K_cat/K_m values of ostrich ACE towards FAPGG were 0.8 × 10^?4 M, 59,240 min^?1 and 74 × 10⁷ min^?1 M^?1, respectively. The values of IC₅₀ and K_i for captopril were determined to be 36.5 nM and 16.6 nM, respectively. In conclusion, ostrich lung ACE is a new enzyme which could be employed as a candidate for studying ACE structure and its natural or synthetic inhibitors.     

Two new pseudohalide-bridged Cu(II) complexes with a hydrazone ligand: Syntheses,crystal structures and magnetic studies

Two new pseudohalide-bridged copper(II) complexes [{Cu(PBH)(μ_1,1-CNO)}₂] (1) and {Cu(PBH)(μ_1,5-NCNCN)}_n (2) (where HPBH = 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone) have been synthesised and characterised by elemental analysis, CV, IR and UV–Vis spectral studies. The tridentate hydrazone pro-ligand (HPBH) was obtained by the condensation of benzhydrazide and pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde. Structures of both complexes have been established by X-ray crystallography which shows that 1 is a μ_1,1-CNO^?-bridged dimer whereas 2 is a μ_1,5-dca-bridged (dca = dicyanamide) linear polynuclear structure. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility studies indicate weak antiferromagnetic interactions with J values ?0.50 cm^?1 and ?0.10 cm^?1 for 1 and 2, respectively.     

Metal cations modulate the bacteriochlorophyll–protein interaction in the light-harvesting 1 core complex from Thermochromatium tepidum

The light-harvesting 1 reaction center (LH1-RC) complex from Thermochromatium (Tch.) tepidum exhibits unusual Q_y absorption by LH1 bacteriochlorophyll-a (BChl-a) molecules at 915 nm, and the transition energy is finely modulated by the binding of metal cations to the LH1 polypeptides. Here, we demonstrate the metal-dependent interactions between BChl-a and the polypeptides within the intact LH1-RC complexes by near-infrared Raman spectroscopy. The wild-type LH1-RC (B915) exhibited Raman bands for the C3-acetyl and C13-keto CO stretching modes at 1637 and 1675 cm^? 1, respectively. The corresponding bands appeared at 1643 and 1673 cm^? 1 when Ca^2 + was biosynthetically replaced with Sr^2 + (B888) or at 1647 and 1669 cm^? 1 in the mesophilic counterpart, Allochromatium vinosum. These results indicate the significant difference in the BChl–polypeptide interactions between B915 and B888 and between B915 and the mesophilic counterpart. The removal of the original metal cations from B915 and B888 resulted in marked band shifts of the C3-acetyl/C13-carbonyl νCO modes to ~ 1645/~ 1670 cm^? 1, supporting a model in which the metal cations are involved in the fine-tuning of the hydrogen bonding between the BChl-a and LH1-polypeptides. Interestingly, the interaction modes were almost identical between the Ca^2 +-depleted B915 and Sr^2 +-depleted B888 and between B915 and Ca^2 +-substituted B888, despite the significant differences in their LH1 Q_y peak positions and the denaturing temperatures, as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry. These results suggest that not only the BChl–polypeptide interactions but some structural origin may be involved in the unusual Q_y red-shift and the enhanced thermal stability of the LH1-RC complexes from Tch. tepidum.