New ferrocene-based 2-thio-imidazol-4-ones and their copper complexes. Synthesis and cytotoxicity

Area of Science:

• Organometallic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Biophysical Chemistry

Background:

• Ferrocene derivatives are explored for their unique redox properties and biological activities.
• Thiohydantoin scaffolds are recognized for their diverse pharmacological applications.
• Copper complexes often exhibit enhanced biological effects compared to their metal-free counterparts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel ferrocene-incorporated thiohydantoin derivatives and their copper complexes.
• To investigate the redox behavior and intermolecular interactions of these organometallic compounds.
• To evaluate the in vitro biological activity, including cytotoxicity, DNA binding, and apoptosis induction.

Main Methods:

• Copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition for synthesis.
• Advanced characterization techniques: HRMS, NMR, EPR, XANES, UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrochemistry.
• In vitro assays for cytotoxicity (MCF-7, A-549, Hek-293), DNA binding, BSA interaction, and apoptosis induction.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of two new ferrocene-thiohydantoin derivatives (5 and 6) and their copper complexes.
• Detailed characterization confirming the structures and redox properties.
• Compounds demonstrated modest in vitro cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines, comparable to cisplatin, and induced DNA degradation and apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized ferrocene-containing compounds and their copper complexes possess interesting redox and biological properties.
• These compounds show potential as cytotoxic agents and inducers of DNA damage and apoptosis.
• Further research is warranted to optimize their therapeutic potential.