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Photoactivable Ruthenium-Based Coordination Polymer Nanoparticles for Light-Induced Chemotherapy
Junda Zhang1, Vadde Ramu2, Xue-Quan Zhou2
1Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Green light-activated ruthenium coordination polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) show enhanced cancer cell uptake and light-triggered cytotoxicity. This photoactivated chemotherapy offers a targeted approach, avoiding photodynamic effects for selective cell death.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Coordination Chemistry
Background:
- Development of novel nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery.
- Ruthenium-based complexes as potential therapeutic agents.
- Need for light-responsive systems in cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- Synthesize and characterize green light-photoactive ruthenium coordination polymer nanoparticles (CPNs).
- Investigate the photoactivation mechanism and drug release kinetics.
- Evaluate the in vitro efficacy and cellular uptake of CPNs compared to monomeric complexes.
Main Methods:
- Polymerization of a trans-[Ru(biqbpy)(dmso)Cl]Cl complex with bis bridging ligands.
- Characterization of CPNs using UV-Vis spectroscopy and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays on A431 and A549 cancer cell lines after green light irradiation.
Main Results:
- As-synthesized CPNs (50 ± 12 nm) exhibited high colloidal and chemical stability.
- Photo-substitution of axial ligands by water upon irradiation confirmed photoactivation.
- CPNs showed an 11-fold increased cellular uptake compared to monomeric ruthenium complexes.
- Irradiated CPNs demonstrated a two-fold increase in cytotoxicity, indicating light-selective action.
Conclusions:
- Ruthenium CPNs are effectively synthesized and stable in physiological conditions.
- Green light irradiation triggers the release and activation of ruthenium complexes from CPNs.
- The CPNs exhibit enhanced, light-selective cytotoxicity through photoactivated chemotherapy, not photodynamic effects.
