Two-Photon Active Organotin(IV) Carboxylate Complexes for Visualization of Anticancer Action

Area of Science:

• Organometallic Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Developing organotin(IV) carboxylate complexes for cancer therapy with high two-photon activity remains a challenge.
• Two-photon activity is crucial for advanced bioimaging and targeted cancer treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize novel organotin(IV) carboxylate complexes (LSn1 and LSn2) with coumarin moieties.
• To evaluate their potential for two-photon fluorescent imaging and anticancer applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of organotin(IV) carboxylate complexes.
• Measurement of two-photon action cross-sections and quantum yields.
• In vitro evaluation in living cells using femtosecond laser excitation.
• Investigation of antitumor mechanisms, including mitochondrial function and ROS levels.

Main Results:

• LSn1 and LSn2 exhibited large two-photon action cross-sections and high quantum yields.
• The complexes demonstrated good biocompatibility and deep-tissue penetration in living cells.
• Antitumor activity was confirmed, inducing apoptotic cell death.
• Mechanism involves mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation.

Conclusions:

• LSn1 and LSn2 are promising candidates for two-photon imaging and cancer therapy.
• The study provides a strategy for designing organotin(IV) complexes with dual functionalities.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS elevation are key pathways for their anticancer effects.