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Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxic Activity, and Metabolic Studies of Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Containing Flavonoid Ligands.

PMID: 32191449
pubs.acs.org/IC Article Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxic Activity, and Metabolic Studies of Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Containing Flavonoid Ligands Alexandra-Cristina Munteanu,# Anna Notaro,# Marta Jakubaszek, Joseph Cowell, Mickaël Tharaud, Bruno Goud, Valentina Uivarosi, and Gilles Gasser* Downloaded via NATL UNIV OF SINGAPORE on March 19, 2020 at 19:02:13 (UTC). See https://pubs.acs.org/sharingguidelines for options on how to legitimately share published articles. Cite This: https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03562 ACCESS Metrics & More Read Online Article Recommendations sı Supporting Information * ABSTRACT: Four novel monocationic Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes were synthesized with the general formula [Ru(DIP)2flv]X, where DIP is 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, flv stands for the flavonoid ligand (5-hydroxyflavone in [Ru(DIP)2(5OHF)](PF6), genistein in [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6), chrysin in [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf), and morin in [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf)), and X is the counterion, PF−6 , and OTf ̅ (triflate, CF3SO3̅), respectively. Following the chemical characterization of the complexes by 1H and 13C NMR, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis, their cytotoxicity was tested against several cancer cell lines. The most promising complex, [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6), was further investigated for its biological activity. Metabolic studies revealed that this complex severely impaired mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis processes, contrary to its precursor, Ru(DIP)2Cl2, which showed a prominent effect only on the mitochondrial respiration. In addition, its preferential accumulation in MDA-MB-435S cells (a human melanoma cell line previously described as mammary gland/breast; derived from metastatic site: pleural effusion), which are used for the study of metastasis, explained the better activity in this cell line compared to MCF-7 (human, ductal carcinoma). ■ INTRODUCTION Cancer, listed as a chronic degenerative noncommunicable disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a leading cause of death worldwide.1 Despite the clinical success of several platinum-based drugs (e.g., cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin),2 their efficacy is impeded by intrinsic and acquired resistance and dose-limiting toxicity.3 Therefore, the search for more effective therapeutic strategies has led to the development of other metal complexes with anticancer properties.4 Ruthenium (Ru)-based compounds have emerged as potential anticancer drug candidates due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties,5−8 generally lower systemic toxicity (in animal models), and higher cellular uptake compared to platinum complexes.5 NAMI-A,9,10 KP1019,11,12 and its water-soluble sodium salt IT-139 (formerly KP1339)13 are Ru complexes that have been evaluated in clinical trials as chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. NAMI-A is an antimetastatic drug candidate with diverse mechanisms of action.14−17 Unfortunately, during a phase I/II study, its clinical activity was found to be disappointing, which led to the discontinuation of the trials. These poor results were mainly attributed to dose-limiting adverse events associated with the treatments.10 © XXXX American Chemical Society Therefore, current trends in the development of novel Rubased anticancer drug candidates aim to meet the need for more efficient treatments and improved toxicological profiles for the emergent drugs. For instance, Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes have shown great potential,18,19 finding applications in tumor diagnosis,20 as antineoplastic agents,19,21 and as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT).22,23 The most successful compound bearing a Ru(II) polypyridyl scaffold, TLD-1433,24 has recently entered phase II clinical studies as a photosensitizer for intravesical PDT against bladder cancer.25,26 Moreover, very interesting results have been found for heteroleptic complexes of Ru(II), bearing an O,O-chelating ligand. For instance, RAPTA complexes with curcuminoid ligands (IC50 values ≤1 μM) displayed novel binding modes with biomolecular targets and high cancer cell selective Received: December 6, 2019 A https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03562 Inorg. Chem. XXXX, XXX, XXX−XXX Inorganic Chemistry pubs.acs.org/IC Article Figure 1. Chemical structures of flavonoids 5-hydroxyflavone, chrysin, genistein, and morin. Scheme 1. Synthesis of Complexes of the Type [Ru(DIP)2(flv)]Xa a Where flv = flavonoid and X = counterion. (I) DIP, LiCl, DMF, reflux, 24 h, 78%. (II) (i) NaOH, 5-hydroxyflavone, ethanol, reflux, 2 h; (ii) NH4PF6, ethanol/H2O (1:10), 25%. (III) (i) silver triflate, ethanol, RT, 1h. (IV) sodium ethoxide, genistein, ethanol, reflux, 2 h; (ii) NH4PF6, ethanol/H2O (1:10), 13%. (V) sodium ethoxide, chrysin, ethanol, reflux, 2 h, 16%. (VI) NEt3, TMSBr, THF, RT, 1h. VII) sodium ethoxide, Ru(DIP)2(OTf)2, ethanol, reflux, 2 h, 35%. with the flavonoids shown in Figure 1 as O,O-chelating ligands. Flavonoids are a naturally occurring subclass of polyphenols with high structural versatility.29 They have been extensively studied in the design of novel anticancer drug candidates. As a result, two derivatives of the flavonoid chrysin (Figure 1), namely flavopiridol and P276-00, have entered clinical activity.27 In addition, RuII(η6-p-cymene) complexes with flavonol-derived ligands were found to have potent cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines with IC50 values in the low micromolar range.28 These recent discoveries have prompted us toward the study of the therapeutic potential of Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes B https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03562 Inorg. Chem. XXXX, XXX, XXX−XXX Inorganic Chemistry pubs.acs.org/IC Article Table 1. IC50 Values for Flavonoid Ligands, Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, [Ru(DIP)2(5-OHF)](PF6), [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6), [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf), [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf), and Ru(DIP)2Cl2 in Different Cell Linesa IC50 (μM) compound MCF-7 FaDU MDA-MB-435S U87 RPE-1 HEK293 5-hydroxyflavone genistein chrysin morin cisplatin doxorubicin Ru(DIP)2Cl2 [Ru(DIP)2(5-OHF)](PF6) [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf) [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf) >100 >100 62.59 ± 3.23 >100 19.69 ± 1.63 9.39 ± 1.37 >50 >50 16.67 ± 3.93 >50 >50 >100 >100 95.06 ± 11.55 >100 5.17 ± 0.21 1.55 ± 0.18 >50 38.21 ± 5.22 5.21 ± 0.73 >50 >50 >100 >100 79.37 ± 8.13 >100 17.62 ± 0.54 5.55 ± 1.37 27.73 ± 5.33 24.48 ± 1.92 2.64 ± 0.43 27.73 ± 5.33 >50 >100 >100 91.14 ± 13.76 >100 6.94 ± 0.46 0.59 ± 0.03 25.59 ± 0.29 30.72 ± 1.48 5.21 ± 1.74 25.59 ± 0.29 >50 >100 >100 >100 >100 39.9 ± 9.14 14.9 ± 1.31 3.13 ± 0.28 19.72 ± 8.23 2.36 ± 0.77 23.21 ± 8.08 >50 >100 75.85 ± 0.84 26.80 ± 2.79 >100 2.27 ± 0.67 0.21 ± 0.03 12.11 ± 1.30 26.46 ± 3.20 0.72 ± 0.10 33.02 ± 3.25 >50 a 48 h treatment. trials.30,31 Although not yet fully understood, the cytotoxic activity of flavonoids is believed to rely upon the modulation of cellular processes that include proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metastasis, and oxidative stress.29,32,33 Moreover, naturally occurring flavonoid aglycons display exceptionally low, if any, systemic toxicity. It should be noted, however, that the absence of acute toxic effects is related to their low water solubility and bioavailability.34,35 The present work focuses on the synthesis of four novel monocationic Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes with the general formula [Ru(DIP)2flv]X, where DIP is 4,7-diphenyl-1,10phenanthroline, flv stands for the flavonoid ligand (5hydroxyflavone in [Ru(DIP)2(5-OHF)](PF6), genistein in [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6), chrysin in [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf), and morin in [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf)), and X is the counterion (PF6̅ or OTf ̅ (triflate)). Following the successful synthesis and characterization, the antiproliferative activity of the complexes was tested against different cell lines. For the most potent compound of the series, metabolic studies were performed and compared with the Ru(DIP)2Cl2 precursor. complexes of 5-OHF, genistein, and chrysin, where the flavonoids coordinate via the 4,5-O,O site, the selective protection of the oxygen atoms at the 3, 7, 2′, and 4′ positions was necessary. Therefore, the synthesis of [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf) involved an additional protection step shown in Scheme 1. Following a similar procedure to Qi et al.,42 the selective protection at the 2′, 4′, 3, and 7 positions with trimethylsilyl (TMS) protecting group was achieved. The protection step was performed in the presence of triethylamine and TMS-Br in THF and, following an aqueous workup, the protected morin was used in the complexation step without any further purification. The complexation reaction was performed as described above. Interestingly, during the course of the complexation reaction, the TMS protecting groups were hydrolyzed, negating the need for a deprotection step. Following the successful synthesis of [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf), coordination at the 4, 5-O,O site was confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR studies. It was noticed during the course of the NMR experiments that [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf) exists as a mixture of two isomers in solution. The second isomer is presumed to be the result of the morin binding via the 3,4-O,O site. The rate of isomerization between the two isomers, however, is slow, with approximately 25% of the 3,4-O,O complex being visible by 1H NMR after 5 days in solution (Figure S5). It should be noted that [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf) is stable for over 6 months if stored as a powder at −20 °C. The identity of the compounds was confirmed by ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopy (Figures S1−S9), and their purity was confirmed by microanalysis. All complexes are chiral and were isolated as a racemic mixture of Δ and Λ enantiomers. No attempt to obtain enantiopure complexes was made in this work. All four complexes are stable in the solid state and soluble in methanol, DCM, DMSO, and DMF and moderately soluble in acetone and acetonitrile. Because the stability and aggregation of metal-based drug candidates is an important parameter, stability studies were undertaken.43−45 Preliminary studies (Figures S10−S13) showed that [Ru(DIP)2(5-OHF)](PF6), [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6), and [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf) are stable in DMSO over 5 days. The stability of [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf), on the other hand, was tested in DMF due to the slower isomerization rate when compared to that in DMSO. Taking this into account, NMR analysis in DMF over 5 days shows no degradation of the product (Figure S13). ■ RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Synthesis and Characterization of the Ru(II) Complexes. The synthesis of the Ru(II) complexes was achieved in a 2-step process for [Ru(DIP)2(5-OHF)](PF6), a 3-step process for [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) and [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf), and a 4-step process for [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf) (Scheme 1). Briefly, RuCl2(dmso)4,36 DIP, and LiCl were refluxed in DMF to afford Ru(DIP)2Cl2 in a 72% yield after precipitation with acetone.37 Ru(DIP)2Cl2 was then refluxed in a nitrogen atmosphere for 1.5−2 h with the appropriate flavonoid in the presence of sodium ethoxide in dry ethanol. Complexes [Ru(DIP)2(5-OHF)](PF6) and [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) (25 and 13%, respectively) were obtained after precipitation with a large excess of NH4PF6 and further purification. Complexes [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf) and [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf) (16 and 35%, respectively) were obtained via a ruthenium triflate intermediate. Briefly, Ru(DIP)2Cl2 and silver triflate were stirred to afford [Ru(DIP)2(OTf)2], and the appropriate flavonoid was added after filtration of AgCl in the presence of sodium ethoxide. It is noteworthy that morin bears three possible coordination sites (Figure 1), and literature data suggest that the preferred binding site of metal ions to morin is the 3,4-O,O site.38−41 Therefore, to allow for comparison to the Ru(II) C https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03562 Inorg. Chem. XXXX, XXX, XXX−XXX Inorganic Chemistry pubs.acs.org/IC Article Figure 2. ICP-MS data of cellular uptake of tested compounds in MDA-MB-435S and MCF-7 cell lines. (a) Total cellular accumulation (2 h treatment, 5 μM). (b) Time-dependent cellular accumulation in MDA-MB-435S cell line. (c) Time-dependent cellular accumulation in the MCF-7 cell line. (d) Mechanism of cellular uptake of Ru(DIP)2Cl2 in tested cell lines (2 h treatment, 5 μM). (e) Mechanism of cellular uptake of [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) in tested cell lines (2 h treatment, 5 μM). Data of (a), (d), and (e) are presented as the mean ± SD of at least 3 technical replicates. Data of (b) and (c) are presented as the mean ± SD of at least 3 biological replicates. Cytotoxicity, Cellular Uptake, and Metabolic Studies. The biological activity of the complexes was tested on MDAMB-435S (human, melanoma), FaDU (human, pharynx carcinoma), MCF-7 (human, ductal carcinoma), U87 (human, glioblastoma), RPE-1 (human, normal retinal pigmented epithelium), and HEK 293 (human embryonic kidney) cell lines using a fluorometric cell viability assay.46 Cisplatin and doxorubicin were tested in the same conditions as positive controls.47,48 Ru(DIP)2Cl2 as well as the flavonoids 5-hydroxyflavone, genistein, chrysin, and morin were used as additional controls. The IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values obtained in this study are reported in Table 1 (all cytotoxicity graphs are available in Figure S14). The literature cites good to excellent cytotoxic activity for other 5-hydroxyflavone, chrysin, and morin metal complexes,41,49−52 results that prompted us to the design of these compounds. It is noteworthy that complexes of morin (bound via the 3,4-O,O site) and chrysin bearing a Ru(II) polypyridyl scaffold have been previously reported. Their cytotoxic activity was studied on HeLa (cervical carcinoma), SW620 (colorectal adenocarcinoma, metastatic), HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), and MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 7.64 to >100 μM.41 [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf), however, was found to be essentially nontoxic, with IC50 values above 50 μM in all cell lines tested, while [Ru(DIP)2(5-OHF)](PF6) and [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf) exerted moderate toxicity toward some of the cell lines tested. Interestingly, the most promising complex identified in this study is the complex bearing the flavonoid genistein, ([Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6)), with IC50 values comparable to those of both cisplatin and doxorubicin. Genistein is considered a suitable lead for anticancer drug development, and derivatives have been synthesized to enhance its cytotoxic activity.53−57 It should be stated that among all chemical D https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03562 Inorg. Chem. XXXX, XXX, XXX−XXX Inorganic Chemistry pubs.acs.org/IC Article Figure 3. (a) Mito stress test profile in MDA-MB-435S cells after 24 h treatment. Oxygen consumption rate changes after treatment with specific electron transport chain inhibitors. Oligomycin (inhibitor of ATP synthase (complex V)), FCCP (uncoupling agent), antimycin-A (complex III inhibitor), and rotenone (complex I inhibitor). (b) Glycolysis stress test profile in MDA-MB-435S cells after 24 h treatment. Extracellular acidification rate that corresponds to the glycolysis process changes after treatment with glucose (basal level of glycolysis in cells), oligomycin (inhibitor of ATP synthase (complex V), mitochondria inhibition), 2-deoxyglucose (analogue of glucose that inhibits glycolytic pathway). cellular accumulation in the two cell lines tested. The obtained results confirm previous conclusions that all tested compounds accumulate more in the MDA-MB-435S cell line than in MCF7 cells. After 24 h incubation time, a similar uptake of Ru(DIP)2Cl2 and [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) was found in MDAMB-435S (∼30 ng of metal in 106 cells) in comparison with cisplatin (∼4 ng of metal in 106 cells). On the other hand, [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) accumulates much more in MCF-7 cells than the two other compounds after 24 h (∼2 ng of metal in 106 cells as compared to ∼1 ng) and 48 h (∼5 ng of metal in 106 cells compared to ∼1 ng). Notably, there is a discrepancy between the amount of metal detected in the total accumulation and the time dependent accumulation experiments in both cell lines at the 2 h time point (shown in Figures 2a−c). This can be explained by the different mechanisms of uptake of the Ru complexes (see below) and the availability of the complexes in cellular media (5 times lower concentration of the compounds in the time dependent experiments). To understand the nature of the mechanism of uptake (passive or active) of the tested complexes, cells were pretreated with various inhibitors or kept at different temperatures. A temperature of 4 °C was used to slow passive diffusion, as well as active transportation. To block cellular metabolism, pretreatments with ATP production inhibitors 2deoxy-D-glucose and oligomycin were performed. Chloroquine or ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) impede endocytic pathways, and tetraethylammonium chloride stops the cation transporters. Following pretreatments, cells were incubated with [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) or Ru(DIP)2Cl2 (2 h, 5 μM) and subsequently analyzed via ICP-MS (Figures 2d and 2e). Inhibition of active uptake mechanisms did not significantly perturb accumulation of [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) in both cell lines tested, demonstrating that the mechanism responsible for its accumulation is energy independent (passive). On the other hand, Ru(DIP)2Cl2 is taken up via a passive mechanism by the MCF-7 cell line and an active mechanism by the MDA-MB435S cell line. As shown for other similar ruthenium complexes, this observation indicates that slight changes in lipophilic properties and structure play a decisive role in the cellular uptake of Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes.61−63 To better understand the effect of the flavonoid complex of interest on the cellular metabolism of MDA-MB-435S cells, a Seahorse XF Analyzer was used. This device allows for the real time measurement of the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in cells. First, the derivatives of genistein, scarce data exist regarding its metal complexes. For instance, a homoleptic copper(II) genistein complex was reported to enhance the cytotoxic activity of the ligand against four cancer cell lines, including 518A2 melanoma and MCF-7/Topo breast carcinoma cell lines.52 Unfortunately, [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) exerted no selectivity between cancerous and noncancerous cell lines with comparable IC50 values. However, this drawback is commonly faced in medicinal chemistry and could be improved by the introduction of a targeting moiety. [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) showed good activity toward the MDA-MB-435S cell line, with an IC50 of 2.64 μM. Currently, this cell line is identified as a melanoma cell line, which derives from the pleural effusion of a 31-year-old female with metastatic, ductal adenocarcinoma of the breast and considered still valuable for the study of metastasis.58,59 The lower activity expressed by the complex toward the MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 16.67 μM) led us to study the cellular uptake and mechanism of uptake of this complex in two different cell lines derived from breast tissue. In these experiments, cells were treated with 5 μM of [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) for 2 h, and the metal content was analyzed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Cisplatin and Ru(DIP)2Cl2 were tested in the same conditions as controls. The viability of the cells after the 2 h treatment was additionally tested, confirming that the acquired results were obtained from living cells (Figure S14). Figure 2a shows that the cellular uptake is much lower for the MCF-7 cell line when compared to MDAMB-435S for all the tested compounds. Interestingly, Ru(DIP)2Cl2 accumulates more in MDA-MB-435S compared to [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6), in the same cell line, but shows lower cytotoxicity than the flavonoid complex. This observation can be rationalized by the explanation provided by Policar et al. in 2014 where they state that IC50 is a resultant value of cellular uptake, interaction with cellular target, and its intrinsic toxicity.60 Therefore, one could argue that the higher activity expressed by [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) toward MDA-MB-435S when compared to MCF-7 cells comes as a consequence of its higher cellular uptake. To understand the kinetics of the tested compounds in the chosen cell lines, we performed timedependent accumulation experiments. Ruthenium and platinum contents in treated cells were measured by ICP-MS after 2, 12, 24, and 48 h. In this analysis, the concentration of the tested compounds was decreased to 1 μM to reduce cell loss during the experiment. Figures 2b and 2c show the changes in E https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03562 Inorg. Chem. XXXX, XXX, XXX−XXX Inorganic Chemistry pubs.acs.org/IC Article studies, which will aim to identify the cellular targets of the complex and possible interactions with protein transporters. Because the current treatment of advanced melanoma provides modest results, this work may open new opportunities in the search for chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic agents for human cancers, especially melanoma. influence on the oxidative phosphorylation was measured. As shown in Figures 3a and S15, 24 h treatment with flavonoid complex [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) and its precursor Ru(DIP)2Cl2 strongly inhibit mitochondrial respiration. Cells do not respond to the oligomycin injection, which inhibits ATP synthase,64 nor to the FCCP, which will interfere with the mitochondrial membrane proton gradient.65 ATP production, as well as spare respiratory capacity (calculated as the difference between maximal and basal respiration), are extremely low, further confirming nonfunctioning mitochondria in treated MDA-MB-435S cells. Next, the effect on the glycolysis process was investigated. Figures 2b and S16 show interesting differences between the modes of action of [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) and Ru(DIP)2Cl2. During the glycolysis stress test, the first injection is made with a saturated solution of glucose. This treatment should trigger the glycolysis process in cells and consequently lead to higher ECAR. Surprisingly, MDA-MB-435S cells treated with [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) showed no increase in ECAR values following injection of the saturated glucose solution. This observation is a clear indication of the impaired glycolytic process. On the other hand, cells treated with Ru(DIP)2Cl2 showed similar glycolysis levels when compared to those of the untreated cells. This suggests that the cytosolic process of ATP production is impaired in [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) treated cells but not in those treated with Ru(DIP)2Cl2. Furthermore, the lack of response to the oligomycin injection in cells treated with both complexes agrees with the results obtained via the mito stress test, which suggests nonfunctioning mitochondria after both treatments. Interestingly, the complexes [Ru(DIP) 2 (sq)](PF 6 ), [Ru(DIP) 2 (mal)](PF 6 ), and [Ru(DIP)2(3-methoxysq)](PF6), recently reported by our group, also showed impaired mitochondrial function but did not show any effect on the glycolysis process.66−68 This illustrates how subtle structural changes in the complexes bearing the same Ru(DIP)2 core but different dioxo ligands can result in significantly different behavior of the complexes in living cells. ■ EXPERIMENTAL SECTION Materials. All chemicals were either of reagent or analytical grade and used as purchased from commercial sources without additional purification. Ruthenium trichloride hydrate was provided by I2CNS, and 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, lithium chloride (anhydrous, 99%), the flavonoids, and tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate were provided by Sigma-Aldrich. All solvents were purchased of analytical or HPLC grade. When necessary, solvents were degassed by purging with dry, oxygen-free nitrogen for at least 30 min before use. Preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) glass plates were used (Analtech, Sigma-Aldrich, Steinheim, Germany, 20 × 20 cm; 1500 μm thickness). Instrumentation and Methods. Amber glass or clear glassware wrapped in tin foil were used when protection from the light was necessary. Schlenk glassware and a vacuum line were employed when reactions sensitive to moisture/oxygen had to be performed under a nitrogen atmosphere. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed using silica gel 60 F-254 (Merck) plates with detection of spots being achieved by exposure to UV light. Eluent mixtures are expressed as volume to volume (v/v) ratios. 1H and 13C NMR spectra were measured on Bruker Avance III HD 400 MHz or Bruker Avance Neo 500 MHz spectrometers using the signal of the deuterated solvent as an internal standard.69 The chemical shifts δ are reported in ppm (parts per million) relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS) or signals from the residual protons of deuterated solvents. The following abbreviations were used to designate multiplicities: s = singlet, d = doublet, app t = apparent triplet, m = multiplet, dd = double−doublet, br = broad. Chemical shifts were expressed in ppm. ESI experiments were carried out using a 6470 Triple Quad (Agilent Technologies). Elemental analysis was performed at Science Centre, London Metropolitan University using Thermo Fisher (Carlo Erba) Flash 2000 Elemental Analyzer, configured for %CHN. IR spectra were recorded with a SpectrumTwo FTIR Spectrometer (Perkin−Elmer) equipped with a Specac Golden GateTM ATR (attenuated total reflection) accessory; applied as neat samples; 1/λ in cm−1. Synthesis and Characterization. RuCl2(dmso)4. RuCl2(dmso)4 was synthesized following an adapted literature procedure.36 Spectroscopic data were in agreement with the literature.36 Ru(DIP)2Cl2. Ru(DIP)2Cl2 was synthesized following an adapted literature procedure.36 Spectroscopic data were in agreement with the literature.37,66 [Ru(DIP)2(5-OHF)](PF6). Ru(DIP)2Cl2 (0.20 g, 0.24 mmol) and aq. NaOH (0.38 mL, 1 M) were dissolved in ethanol (20 mL). The solution was degassed for 20 min, and 5-hydroxyflavone (0.09 g, 0.38 mmol) was added. The resulting mixture was heated to reflux for 1.5 h under a N2 atmosphere and protected from light. The mixture was cooled to RT while still protected from light, and the solvent was removed under vacuum. The residual solid was redissolved in ethanol (10 mL), and H2O (100 mL) and NH4PF6 (1.00 g, 6.13 mmol) were added. The precipitate formed was filtered, washed with H2O (3 × 50 mL) and Et2O (3 × 50 mL), and collected. The solid with Et2O (10 mL) and then heptane (10 mL) was sonicated for 10 min and then centrifuged. This procedure was repeated three times for each solvent. The solid was collected with DCM and dried under vacuum to deliver [Ru(DIP)2(5-OHF)](PF6) (0.07 g, 0.061 mmol, 25% yield) as a purple solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CD2Cl2): δ/ppm = 9.54 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 9.38 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.21− 8.16 (m, 3H), 8.11 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (dd, J = 9.4, 5.5 Hz, 2H), 7.92−7.89 (m, 2H), 7.78−7.50 (m, 23H), 7.42 (dd, J = 10.5, 5.5 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (app t, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.74 (s, 1H), 6.65 (dd, J = 11.6, 8.3 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, CD2Cl2): δ/ppm = 179.9, 168.1, 160.0, 158.1, 153.5, 153.1, 151.6, 151.1, 151.0, 150.2, 149.8, 149.6, ■ CONCLUSIONS Briefly, four monocationic Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes with the general formula [Ru(DIP)2flv]X were synthesized. The cytotoxicity of these complexes was tested against different cancerous and healthy cell lines, and the most promising compound identified was [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) with cytotoxicity comparable to that of cisplatin and doxorubicin. The complex displayed good activity toward the MDA-MB-435S cell line (IC50 = 2.64 μM), a melanoma cell line derived from the pleural effusion of a female with metastatic breast adenocarcinoma, used for the study of metastasis. Interestingly, genistein was not cytotoxic (IC50 > 100 μM), and the precursor, Ru(DIP)2Cl2, was only moderately active (IC50 = 27.73 μM). [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) was found to be taken up more efficiently by MDA-MB-435S cell lines than MCF-7, a commonly used breast cancer cell line, in both cases via a passive transportation mechanism. Further metabolic studies in the MDA-MB-435S cell line revealed that [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) not only inhibits mitochondrial respiration but also interferes with the cytosolic glycolysis process in comparison to Ru(DIP)2Cl2. This result suggests that addition of the flavonoid moiety changes the behavior of the complex in living cells and allows for a more complex mode of action, leading to cell death. Therefore, we consider [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) to be a suitable candidate for further F https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03562 Inorg. Chem. XXXX, XXX, XXX−XXX Inorganic Chemistry pubs.acs.org/IC 148.0, 147.7, 146.3, 146.2, 136.2, 136.2, 136.0, 136.0, 134.3, 131.8, 131.0, 129.9, 129.9, 129.7, 129.7, 129.6, 129.5, 129.5, 129.4, 129.2, 129.1, 128.6, 128.6, 128.4, 126.0, 125.9, 125.8, 125.7, 125.6, 125.4, 124.7, 124.5, 118.3, 113.0, 105.9, 100.3. MS (ESI+): m/z 1003.22 [M]+. Elemental Analysis: calcd for C63H41F6N4O3PRu = C, 65.91; H, 3.60; N, 4.88. Found = C, 65.70; H, 3.58; N, 4.55. [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6). Ru(DIP)2Cl2 (0.20 g, 0.24 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (20 mL). The solution was degassed for 20 min, and silver triflate (0.13 g, 0.52 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h, protected from light, under a N2 atmosphere. The crude reaction mixture was filtered, and the filtrate was degassed for 20 min. To the degassed solution, genistein (0.10 g, 0.38 mmol) and an ethanolic solution of sodium ethoxide (21%, 285 μL) were added. The mixture was heated to reflux for 2 h under N2 atmosphere while protected from light. The mixture was cooled to RT, and the solvent was removed under vacuum. The residual solid was dissolved in ethanol (10 mL), and H2O (100 mL) and NH4PF6 (1.00 g, 6.13 mmol) were added. The precipitate which formed was filtered and washed with H2O (3 × 50 mL), heptane (3 × 50 mL), and Et2O (2 × 50 mL). The solid was collected with DCM and dried under vacuum to deliver the crude product. Purification was achieved via preparative TLC (DCM/ethyl acetate/methanol 79/20/1). The product was collected from the prep TLC with methanol, and the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. The solid with Et2O (10 mL) and then heptane (10 mL) was sonicated for 10 min and then centrifuged. This procedure was repeated three times for each solvent. The solid was collected with DCM and dried under vacuum to deliver [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) (0.04 g, 0.033 mmol, 14%) as a deep purple solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CD3OD): δ/ppm = 9.59 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 9.21 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.42 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.28 (dd, J = 9.4, 1.4 Hz, 2H), 8.20 (dd, J = 9.4, 3.7 Hz, 2H), 8.10 (dd, J = 5.5, 2.3 Hz, 2H), 8.00 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.82−7.73 (m, 5H), 7.72−7.53 (m, 18H), 7.50 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 6.50 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.26 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.10 (s, 1H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, CD3OD): δ/ppm = 178.2, 169.5, 165.5, 160.9, 158.1, 155.2, 155.1, 153.0, 152.7, 152.6, 152.1, 151.2, 150.9, 150.9, 149.6, 149.1, 147.8, 147.5, 137.7, 137.6, 137.6, 137.5 131.1, 131.1, 131.0, 130.8, 130.5, 130.4, 130.3, 130.2, 130.1, 130.1, 130.1, 129.7, 129.7, 129.6, 129.5, 126.9, 126.8, 126.7, 126.7, 126.6 125.9, 125.8, 124.2, 123.6, 115.3, 109.3, 92.4, 58.3. MS (ESI+): m/z 1035.5 [M]+. Elemental Analysis: calcd for C63H41F6N4O5PRu = C, 64.12; H, 3.50; N, 4.75. Found = C, 64.51; H, 3.45; N, 4.48. [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf)·4H2O. Ru(DIP)2Cl2 (0.50 g, 0.60 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (30 mL). The solution was degassed for 20 min and silver triflate (0.34 g, 1.32 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h protected from light, under a N2 atmosphere. The crude reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was degassed for 20 min before chrysin (0.24 g, 0.96 mmol) and an ethanolic solution of sodium ethoxide (21%, 717 μL) were added. The mixture was heated to reflux for 2 h under N2 atmosphere and protected from light. The mixture was cooled to RT while still protected from light, and the solvent was removed under vacuum. The residual solid was collected in DCM (20 mL) and filtered through Celite. The solvent was removed under vacuum to deliver the crude product. Purification was achieved via preparative TLC (DCM/ethyl acetate/methanol 79/ 20/1). The product was collected from the prep TLC with methanol, and the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. The solid with Et2O (10 mL) and then heptane (10 mL), was sonicated for 10 min and then centrifuged. This procedure was repeated three times for each solvent. The solid was collected with DCM and dried under vacuum to afford [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf) (0.12 g, 0.09 mmol, 16% yield) as a deep purple solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CD2Cl2-d2): δ/ppm = 9.56 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 9.32 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.20−8.09 (m, 4H), 8.09−7.99 (m, 2H), 7.84−7.80 (m, 2H), 7.76 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 7.69−7.36 (m, 24H), 7.34 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 6.48 (s, 1H), 6.17 (br d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.04 (br d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, CD2Cl2): δ/ ppm = 178.2, 169.1, 160.0, 159.4, 153.7, 153.4, 152.3, 152.0, 151.6, 150.7, 150.2, 150.2, 147.9, 147.7, 146.3, 146.2, 136.9, 136.8, 136.7, 136.6, 131.8, 131.7, 130.4, 130.4, 130.2, 130.1, 129.9, 129.8, 129.7, Article 129.6, 129.6, 129.5, 129.0, 129.0, 128.8, 126.3, 126.2, 126.1, 125.8, 125.1, 107.7, 105.5, 104.6, 92.3. MS (ESI+): m/z 1019.6 [M]+, (ESI): m/z 149.2 [OTf]̅. Elemental Analysis: calcd for C64H49F3N4O11RuS = C, 61.97; H, 3.99; N, 4.51. Found = C, 62.09; H, 3.93; N, 4.28. [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf). A: Morin (0.56 g, 1.85 mmol) was suspended in dry tetrahydrofuran (50 mL) and triethylamine (1.55 mL, 11.1 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at RT under a N2 atmosphere for 15 min before TMS-Br (1.47 mL, 11.1 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at RT under a N2 atmosphere for 2.5 h before being added to a separating funnel. H2O (50 mL) was added, and the product was extracted in DCM and dried on Na2SO4. The solvent was removed under vacuum to yield the crude product A. B: Ru(DIP)2Cl2 (0.83 g, 1.00 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (50 mL). The solution was degassed for 20 min, and silver triflate (0.56 g, 2.20 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h protected from light, under a N2 atmosphere. The crude reaction mixture was filtered, and the filtrate was degassed for 20 min before product A and an ethanolic solution of sodium ethoxide (21%, 750 μL) were added. The mixture was heated to reflux for 2 h under N2 atmosphere and protected from light. The mixture was cooled to RT while still protected from light, and the solvent was removed under vacuum. The residual solid was collected in DCM (20 mL) and filtered through Celite. The solvent was removed under vacuum to deliver the crude product. Purification was achieved via preparative TLC (DCM/ethyl acetate/methanol 79/20/1). The product was collected from the prep TLC with methanol, and the solvent was subsequently removed under reduced pressure. The solid with Et2O (10 mL) and then heptane (10 mL) was sonicated for 10 min and then centrifuged. This procedure was repeated three times for each solvent. The solid was collected with DCM and dried under vacuum to afford [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf) (0.42 g, 0.35 mmol, 35% yield) as a deep purple solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMF-d7): δ/ppm = 11.85 (s, 1H), 9.73 (dd, J = 10.1, 5.5 Hz, 2H), 8.53 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.45 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.42−8.20 (m, 7H), 7.93−7.49 (m, 25H), 6.45 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.06 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 5.99 (s, 1H), 5.76 (s, 1H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMF-d7): δ/ppm = 158.9, 158.0, 155.0, 154.7, 151.9, 151.8, 151.8, 151.5, 149.7, 149.6, 147.3, 147.0, 145.7, 145.5, 143.3, 136.4, 136.1, 136.0, 130.3, 130.2, 130.0, 129.4, 129.3, 129.2, 129.1, 128.8, 128.2, 128.0, 126.4, 126.3, 125.9, 125.9, 125.8, 125.7, 125.1, 125.0, 112.5, 108.0, 104.9, 95.7. MS (ESI+): m/z 1067.9 [M]+, (ESI-): m/z 149.3 [OTf]̅. Elemental Analysis: calcd for C64H41F3N4O10RuS = C, 63.20; H, 3.40; N, 4.60. Found = C, 62.77; H, 3.33; N, 4.45. Stability Studies. The stability in DMSO-d6 or DMF-d7 at room temperature was assessed by 1H NMR over 96 h. Cytotoxicity Assay Using a 2D Cellular Model. Cytotoxicity of [Ru(DIP) 2 (5-OHF)](PF 6 ), [Ru(DIP) 2 (gen)](PF 6 ), [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf), [Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf), Ru(DIP)2Cl2, cisplatin, and doxorubicin was assessed by a fluorometric cell viability assay using Resazurin (ACROS Organics). Briefly, cells were seeded in triplicate in 96-well plates at a density of 4 × 103 cells/well in 100 μL. After 24 h, cells were treated with increasing concentrations of the ruthenium complexes. Dilutions were prepared as follows: 0.250 mM stock in DMSO ([Ru(DIP)2(5-OHF)](PF6), [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6), and [Ru(DIP)2(chr)](OTf)) or DMF ([Ru(DIP)2(mor)](OTf) and Ru(DIP)2Cl2), which were further diluted to 100 μM in cell media. After 48 h of incubation, the medium was removed, and 100 μL of complete medium containing resazurin (0.2 mg/mL final concentration) was added. After 4 h of incubation at 37 °C, the fluorescence signal of resorufin product was read (ex: 540 nm em: 590 nm) in a SpectraMax M5 microplate Reader. IC50 values were then calculated using GraphPad Prism software. GraphPad Prism Calculations of IC50 Values. XY analysis with three replicate values in side by side subcolumns was chosen. Inserted raw data obtained from SpectraMax M5 microplate reader was treated as follows: X values were transformed to be logarithmic; data were normalized to the lowest Y value. Data were then analyzed with XY analysis “Nonlinear regression (curve fit)” then “log(inhibitor) vs. normalized response”. G https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03562 Inorg. Chem. XXXX, XXX, XXX−XXX Inorganic Chemistry pubs.acs.org/IC Cytotoxicity Assay Using a 2D Cellular Model F (2 h Incubation). Cytotoxicity of [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) and cisplatin was assessed by a fluorometric cell viability assay using Resazurin (ACROS Organics). Briefly, cells were seeded in triplicate in 96-well plates at a density of 4 × 103 cells/well in 100 μL. After 24 h, cells were treated with increasing concentrations of the complexes. Dilutions were prepared as described in the section titled Cytotoxicity Assay Using a 2D Cellular Model. After 2 h incubation, the medium was removed, and 100 μL of complete medium containing resazurin (0.2 mg/mL final concentration) was added. After 4 h of incubation at 37 °C, the fluorescence signal of resorufin product was read (ex: 540 nm em: 590 nm) in a SpectraMax M5 microplate Reader. IC50 values were then calculated using GraphPad Prism software as stated before. Sample Preparation for Cellular Uptake. MDA-MB-435S and MCF-7 cells were seeded at a density of 2 × 106 in 10 cm plates. The next day, cells were treated with 5 μM concentration of [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6), Ru(DIP)2Cl2, or cisplatin. Dilutions were prepared as described in the section titled Cytotoxicity Assay Using a 2D Cellular Model. After 2 h, cells were washed, collected, counted, and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −20 °C. ICP-MS samples were prepared as follows: samples were digested using 70% nitric acid (1 mL, 60 °C, overnight). Samples were then further diluted 1:100 (1% HCl solution in MQ water) and analyzed using ICP-MS. Sample Preparation for Studies on the Mechanism of Cellular Uptake. Samples were prepared as previously reported.66 Briefly, MDA-MB-435S and MCF-7 cells were seeded at a density of 2 × 106 in 10 cm dishes and were pretreated the following day with the corresponding inhibitors or kept at a specific temperature for 1 h. Next, cells were washed with PBS and incubated with 5 μM of [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) or Ru(DIP)2Cl2 for 2 h (low temperature samples were still kept at 4 °C). Dilutions were prepared as described in the section titled Cytotoxicity Assay Using a 2D Cellular Model. Subsequently, cells were washed with PBS, collected, counted, and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen. Pellets were stored at −20 °C. ICP-MS samples were prepared as follows: samples were digested using 70% nitric acid (1 mL, 60 °C, overnight), further diluted 1:100 (1% HCl solution in MQ water), and analyzed using ICP-MS. Sample Preparation for Time-Dependent Cellular Accumulation. MDA-MB-435S and MCF-7 cells were seeded at a density of 3 × 106 in 10 cm plates. The next day, cells were treated with 1 μM concentration of [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6), Ru(DIP)2Cl2, or cisplatin. Dilutions were prepared as described in the section titled Cytotoxicity Assay Using a 2D Cellular Model. After 2, 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively, the cells were washed, collected, counted, and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored until further use at −20 °C. ICPMS samples were prepared as follows: samples were digested using 70% nitric acid (0.5 mL for the 2 and 12 h samples; 1 mL for the 24 and 48 h samples, 65 °C, overnight). The samples were further diluted 1:50 (2 h samples) or 1:100 (12, 24, 48 h samples) in 1% HCl solution in MQ water and analyzed using ICP-MS. ICP-MS Studies. All ICP-MS measurements were performed on a high resolution ICP-MS instrument (Element II, ThermoScientific) located at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (France). The monitored isotopes were 101Ru and 195Pt. Daily, prior to the analytical sequence, the instrument was first tuned to produce maximum sensitivity and stability while also maintaining low uranium oxide formation (UO/U ≤ 5%). The data were treated as follows: intensities were converted into concentrations using uFREASI (user-FRiendly Elemental dAta proceSsIng).70 This software, developed for the HR-ICP-MS users community, is free and available on http://www.ipgp.fr/~tharaud/uFREASI. ICP-MS Data Analysis. Cellular Uptake Studies. The amount of metal detected in the cell samples was transformed from parts per billion into micrograms of metal. Data were subsequently normalized to the number of cells and expressed as nanograms of metal/amount of cells. Mechanism of Uptake. The amount of ruthenium detected in cell samples was transformed from parts per billion into micrograms of Article ruthenium, and values obtained were normalized to the number of cells used for specific treatment. The value for the ruthenium found in the 37 °C sample was used as a 100%. Metabolic Studies. HeLa cells were seeded in Seahorse XFe96 well plates at a density of 10 × 103 cells/well in 80 μL. After 24 h, the medium was replaced with fresh medium and cisplatin (1 μM), genistein (1 μM), Ru(DIP)2Cl2 (1 μM), or [Ru(DIP)2(gen)](PF6) (1 μM) were added. Dilutions were prepared as described in the section titled Cytotoxicity Assay Using a 2D Cellular Model. After 24 h of incubation, the regular medium was removed, cells were washed thrice using Seahorse Base Media and incubated in a non-CO2 incubator at 37 °C for 1 h. Mito Stress Test. Mito stress assay was run using 1 μM oligomycin, 1 μM FCCP, and mixture of 1 μM antimycin-A/rotenone each in ports A, B, and C, respectively, using the Seahorse XFe96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Glycolysis Stress Test. The glycolytic stress test was run using glucose (10 mM), oligomycin (1 μM), and 2-deoxyglucose (50 mM) in ports A, B, and C, respectively, using the Seahorse XFe96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. ■ ASSOCIATED CONTENT sı Supporting Information * The Supporting Information is available free of charge at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03562. H NMR spectra, 13C NMR spectra, fluorometric cell viability assay, oxygen consumption rates, and extracellular acidification rates (PDF) 1 ■ AUTHOR INFORMATION Corresponding Author Gilles Gasser − Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, F-75005 Paris, France; orcid.org/0000-0002-4244-5097; Phone: +33 1 44 27 56 02; Email: gilles.gasser@chimeparistech.psl.eu; www.gassergroup.com Authors Alexandra-Cristina Munteanu − Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania Anna Notaro − Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, F-75005 Paris, France Marta Jakubaszek − Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, F-75005 Paris, France; Institut Curie, PSL University, CNRS UMR 144, Paris, France Joseph Cowell − Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, F-75005 Paris, France Mickaël Tharaud − Université de Paris, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France Bruno Goud − Institut Curie, PSL University, CNRS UMR 144, Paris, France Valentina Uivarosi − Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania Complete contact information is available at: https://pubs.acs.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03562 H https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03562 Inorg. 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(25) Intravesical Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) in BCG Refractory/Intolerant Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) Patients https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03945162 (accessed Sep 5, 2019). (26) McFarland, S. A.; Mandel, A.; Dumoulin-White, R.; Gasser, G. Metal-Based Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy: The Future of Multimodal Oncology? Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. 2020, 56, 23−27. (27) Pettinari, R.; Marchetti, F.; Condello, F.; Pettinari, C.; Lupidi, G.; Scopelliti, R.; Mukhopadhyay, S.; Riedel, T.; Dyson, P. J. Ruthenium(II)−Arene RAPTA Type Complexes Containing Curcumin and Bisdemethoxycurcumin Display Potent and Selective Anticancer Activity. Organometallics 2014, 33 (14), 3709−3715. (28) Kurzwernhart, A.; Kandioller, W.; Bachler, S.; Bartel, C.; Martic, S.; Buczkowska, M.; Muhlgassner, G.; Jakupec, M. A.; Kraatz, H.-B.; Bednarski, P. J.; Arion, V. B.; Marko, D.; Keppler, B. K.; Hartinger, C. G. Structure-Activity Relationships of Targeted RuII(η6p-Cymene) Anticancer Complexes with Flavonol-Derived Ligands. J. Med. Chem. 2012, 55 (23), 10512−10522. (29) Uivarosi, V.; Munteanu, A.-C.; Niţulescu, G. M. Chapter 2, An Overview of Synthetic and Semisynthetic Flavonoid Derivatives and Author Contributions # A.-C.M. and A.N. contributed equally to this work. Notes The authors declare no competing financial interest. ■ ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This work was financially supported by an ERC Consolidator Grant PhotoMedMet to G.G. (GA 681679) and has received support under the program Investissements d’Avenir launched by the French Government and implemented by the ANR with the reference ANR-10-IDEX-0001-02 PSL (G.G.). Ile de France Region is gratefully acknowledged for financial support of the 500 MHz NMR spectrometer of Chimie ParisTech in the framework of the SESAME equipment project. We acknowledge the loan of Agilent’s equipment to Chimie ParisTech. 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