A polyoxomolybdate-based hybrid nano capsule as an antineoplastic agent

Area of Science:

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Research

Background:

• Polyoxometalates (POMs) are anionic clusters with growing biomedical applications.
• Developing new chemotherapeutics is crucial to overcome cancer cell resistance and reduce treatment toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel polyoxomolybdate (POMo)-based organic-inorganic hybrid solid.
• To investigate the antitumoral activities and DNA-binding properties of the synthesized POMo solid.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and structural characterization of the POMo hybrid solid.
• Evaluation of antitumoral activity against A549, HepG2, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines.
• DNA-binding studies using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• The synthesized POMo solid, (C6H16N)(C6H15N)2[Mo8O26]·3H2O, showed potent antitumoral activity with IC50 values ranging from 55.2 to 57.3 μmol L-1.
• Structural analysis revealed an octa molybdate cluster linked by triethylamine via hydrogen bonds.
• Electron microscopy indicated a nanocapsule-like morphology (50-70 nm) and UV-vis spectra confirmed groove binding to calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) with a binding constant of 2.246 × 10^3.

Conclusions:

• The novel POMo hybrid solid possesses significant antitumoral properties.
• The nanostructure and DNA-binding capability of the POMo solid suggest its potential as a novel chemotherapeutic agent.