Functionalization of PAMAM dendrimers with [Ru(III)(edta)(H2O)](-)

The anchoring of K[Ru(III)(edta)(Cl)] on poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAM of three generations G(x)/Ru (x=0, 2 and 3)) through a peptide type bond yielded the aquo species, [Ru(III)(edta)(H2O)] on dendrimer surface, and upon NO exposure, yielded their nitrosyl analogues, G(x)/RuNO. Characterization of these compounds by elemental analysis, and a UV-vis, IR and 13C NMR spectroscopies indicated the immobilization of 4, 12 and 29 molecules of [Ru(III)(edta)(H2O)] or of the nitrosyl complex [Ru(II)(edta)NO] on the dendrimer surface for G(X)=0, 2 and 3, respectively. For each complex the electrochemical spectrum presented only one redox process with redox potential values of -0.20 and -0.32 V(vs SCE) attributed to the Ru(III)/Ru(II) and NO+/NO(0) couples in G(x)/Ru and G(x)/RuNO, respectively. The one-electron reduction of G(x)/RuNO+ generates G(x)/RuNO(0), which undergoes aquation with a k(-NO) of 2.1+/-0.7 x 10(-3)s(-1) (pH 1.0, mu=0.2 mol/L, CF3COOH/NaCF3COO, 25 degrees C). The G(x)/RuNO species induced a relaxing effect in aortic rings denuded of endothelium and exhibited in vitro assay trypanocidal activity.