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Towards Long Wavelength Absorbing Photodynamic Therapy Photosensitizers via the Extension of a [Ru(bipy)3]2+ Core

A Journal of Accepted Article Title: Towards Long Wavelength Absorbing Photodynamic Therapy Photosensitizers via the Extension of a [Ru(bipy)3]2+ Core Authors: Johannes Karges, Olivier Blacque, Philippe Goldner, Hui Chao, and Gilles Gasser This manuscript has been accepted after peer review and appears as an Accepted Article online prior to editing, proofing, and formal publication of the final Version of Record (VoR). This work is currently citable by using the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) given below. The VoR will be published online in Early View as soon as possible and may be different to this Accepted Article as a result of editing. Readers should obtain the VoR from the journal website shown below when it is published to ensure accuracy of information. The authors are responsible for the content of this Accepted Article. To be cited as: Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 10.1002/ejic.201900569 Link to VoR: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ejic.201900569 10.1002/ejic.201900569 European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry FULL PAPER Towards Long Wavelength Absorbing Photodynamic Therapy Photosensitizers via the Extension of a [Ru(bipy)3]2+ Core Abstract: Complementary to classical treatment methods used as a complementary medical technique to these blockbusters. against cancer, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has received increased PDT is based on the combination of light, a photoactive attention over the last years. PDT relies on the generation of reactive compound called a Photosensitizer (PS) and oxygen. Ideally, the oxygen species (ROS) upon light irradiation to trigger cell death. As PS should be nontoxic in the absence of light and generate highly the wavelength employed during such treatments directly influences toxic species upon light irradiation. The mechanism of action of the light penetration depth and therefore the possibility to treat deep seated tumours or large tumours, research efforts have been made towards the development of photosensitizers (PS) with an absorption in the phototherapeutic window (600-900 nm). To tackle this drawback, we report herein the preparation and characterisation of new Ru(II)containing PDT PSs, that are based on a [Ru(bipy)3]2+ core (1; bipy: 2,2'-bipyridine) and that are extended with methyl groups (2) or vinyl PDT is based on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). More specifically, upon light irradiation, the PS is excited to a singlet state, which can be transformed into an excited triplet state by an intersystem crossing (ISC) process. From there, the PS is able to influence its biological environment by two pathways, namely Type I and Type II. During a Type I reaction, an electron dimethylamino groups (3). As anticipated with our design, we found a or proton is transferred to/from the PS from/to its biological red-shift of 65 nm of the maximum absorption of complex 3 in surrounding. This leads to the generation of radicals and ROS like comparison to complex 1. In addition, we report on the in-depth superoxides or hydroxyl radicals. In a Type II reaction, the energy photophysical properties as well as (photo-)cytotoxicity against of the exited triplet state of the PS is transferred to molecular cervical cancerous HeLa cells of the investigated compounds. oxygen (3O2) to produce singlet oxygen (1O2). This highly energetic form of oxygen is highly reactive. Consequently, during both pathways, ROS or 1O2 react with its biological surrounding, Introduction generating cellular damages and therefore ultimately trigger cell Over the last decades, cancer has emerged to be one of the death.[2] deadliest diseases worldwide.[1] Next to the classical treatments The most commonly used PS for PDT treatments is Photofrin (e.g., chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy), the use of (Figure 1), which is approved for the treatment of bladder cancer, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has received increased attention early stage lung cancer, oesophageal cancer and early non-small cell lung cancer in various countries. To date, the majority of approved PSs are based on a tetrapyrrolic scaffold. Due to their [a] [b] J. Karges, Dr. G. Gasser Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, 75005 Paris, France. gilles.gasser@chimieparistech.psl.eu; www.gassergroup.com Dr. O. Blacque Department of Chemistry, University of Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich, [c] Dr. P. Goldner Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, 75005 Paris, France. [d] Prof. H. Chao MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275 Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China. relatively similar structures, the majority of these compounds have a tendency to share the same disadvantages, which are 1) poor water solubility; 2) tedious synthesis; 3) photobleaching effect and 4) slow clearance from the body causing photosensitivity. At this stage, it is important to mention that some compounds based on a tetrapyrrolic scaffold do not share these limitations.[2c, 3] Supporting information for this article is given via a link at the end of the document. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Accepted Manuscript Johannes Karges,[a] Olivier Blacque,[b] Philippe Goldner,[c] Hui Chao,[d] and Gilles Gasser[a],* 10.1002/ejic.201900569 European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry FULL PAPER have shown that the π-extension of the bipy core of the Ru(II) a) (CH 2) 2CO2Na polypyridine complex caused a red shift of the absorption of the R (CH2) 2CO2Na N N N NaO2C(CH 2)2 NH NH O HN NH HN O N HN differently substituted Ru(II) polypyridine complex have indicated N N O R NaO 2C(CH 2)2 R CH 3 HO or n = 0 -6 of 65 nm in comparison to complex 1 and an absorption in the 2+ phototherapeutic window as well as highly increased extinction S coefficients. Importantly, we could show the ability of this S N N H N N N compound to produce 1O2 at longer wavelengths as well as to S Ru N compound 3, with an extended π-system and dimethylamine groups, which was indeed found to have a red-shifted absorption b) N that dialkylamino substituents strongly promote a desired red shift in absorption.[9] Combining these concepts, we report here n R= resulting complex.[8] In addition, previous systematic studies of cause phototoxicity at this wavelength in cancerous cells while N having no observed dark toxicity. 2+ 2+ 2+ N Figure 1. Structure of a) Photofrin and b) TLD-1433. [Ru(dmb)2(IP-TT)]2+ (dmb=4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, IP-TT=2-(2′,2″:5″,2′ ′′-terthiophene)- N imidazol[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline). N N N N N N N Ru To tackle these drawbacks, new classes of PDT PSs are currently N N N N N Ru N Ru N N N N being developed. Among the different classes, Ru(II) polypyridyl N complexes seem to be excellent candidates. The majority of these compounds have generally a high water solubility, long N N N N 1 2 3 luminescence decay, high 1O2 production as well as a high chemical and photophysical stability.[4] Therefore, it is not surprising that the complex TLD-1433 (Figure 1, λex = 525 nm, Figure 2. Chemical structures of the investigated compounds in this study. The complexes were isolated as PF6 salts. εmax = 2000 M-1 cm-1, Φ ~ 0.99 in CH3CN) has just completed phase I clinical trial as a novel PDT PS for the treatment of bladder Results and Discussion cancer.[4h, 5] To date, most studied Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes lack significant absorption in the phototherapeutic window (600-900 nm).[6] It is well-established that the wavelength used during treatments directly correlates with the tissue penetration depth. Longer wavelengths are able to penetrate deeper in the tissue and are hence potentially able to treat deeper-seated tumours or larger tumours. Additionally, as longer wavelengths are less energetic, less photodamage caused by the light source has been associated with treatments at longer wavelengths. Based on this, PSs with an absorption at wavelengths in the phototherapeutic window are sought after.[7] With the aim to develop Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes with a redshift absorption in view of applications as PDT PSs, we have extended the parent complex [Ru(bipy)3]2+ (1) (bipy = 2,2′bipyridine) with methyl groups (2) and the conjugated system with vinyl dimethylamino groups (3) (Figure 2). Recent investigations Synthesis and Characterisation The complexes synthesised in this work are shown in Figure 2. Compound 1 was obtained from a commercial source whereas 2 was synthesised as previously reported by complexation of RuCl2dmso4 with 4,4´-dimethyl-2,2´-bipyridine.[10] To the best of our knowledge, the synthesis the complex 3 has not been yet reported. The ligand (E,E’)-4,4’-bis(N,N-dimethylaminovinyl)-2,2’bipyridine present in complex 3 was synthesised as previously reported.[11] However, complexation attempts of this ligand using similar conditions to complex 2 (e.g. in EtOH or DMF as well as addition of AgBF4 to remove the Cl ligands by precipitation of AgCl) were unsuccessful. Based on these findings, the synthetic procedure was changed (Scheme 1). As the first step, the complexation of RuCl2dmso4 with 4,4´-dimethyl-2,2´-bipyridine was performed. In a second step, an enamination reaction with tert-butoxy bis(dimethylamino)methane (Bredereck reagent) was This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Accepted Manuscript NaO2C(CH2)2 10.1002/ejic.201900569 European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry FULL PAPER accomplished to obtain the desired compound 3. The signals in crystal structure of 2 is isostructural with the previously reported the NMR for 3 were correlated to their protons/carbons in the crystal structure of the iron complex [Fe(4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′- structure (numbering of the complex can be found in Figure S1) dipyridyl)3][PF6]2 (Figure S9).[13] In the crystal, ions and solvent via 2D-NMR (Figures S4 and S5). The identity of complex 3 was molecules are linked together through C—H⋯F and C—H⋯O 1 confirmed by H- and 13 C-NMR, ESI-HRMS (Figure S2, S3, S6) and the purity of all compounds verified by elemental analysis. interactions. Despite the numerous aromatic rings of complex 2 no π…π or C-H…π interactions are observed. 2+ N 2+ N N N N a) N N b) Ru N N Ru N N N N N N N N 2 3 Scheme 1. Synthesis of complexes 2 and 3. a) 4,4´-dimethyl-2,2´-bipyridine, DMF, reflux, 12 h, nitrogen atmosphere, 92%; b) tert-butoxy bis(dimethylamino)methane, DMF, 140°C, 40 h, nitrogen atmosphere, 85%. X-ray crystallography The crystal structures of 4,4’-bis(N,N-dimethylaminovinyl)-2,2’bipyridine and 2 have been determined by single crystal X-ray Figure 3. Molecular structure of compound 2. The thermal ellipsoids are drawn diffraction studies. Crystal data, structure refinement parameters at the 30 % probability level and all H atoms and the solvent molecule of diethyl and molecular structures are presented in Table S1 as well as ether are omitted for clarity. Figures 3 and S7. The crystal structure of 4,4’-bis(N,N- dimethylaminovinyl)-2,2’-bipyridine presented in the manuscript is Photophysical properties a new monoclinic polymorph (a) of the previous structure (b) The photophysical properties of the complexes were then reported by Viau et al. in 2003.[12] The asymmetric unit in a evaluated to assess their potential as PDT PSs. To investigate contains one and a half molecules: one of the independent this, we have measured the absorption of complexes 1-3 in molecules lies on a center of inversion located in the middle of the CH3CN (Figure 4, Table 1). Typically, Ru(II) polypyridyl central C – C bond while the second one occupies a general complexes have, as the lowest energy absorption band, a spin- position. In both polymorphs the bipyridine derivative exhibits a allowed metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition, which classical transoid arrangement due to the repulsion of the nitrogen occurs for the prototype complex [Ru(bpy)3]2+ 1 at 450 nm. The lone pairs and a E configuration of the enamine double bonds. band at 285 nm was assigned to spin-allowed ligand-centered Polymorphs a and b significantly differ from each other in the (LC) transition and the shoulders around 350 nm to metal- relative orientation of the C=C double bonds of the enamine centered (MC) transitions.[6f] The comparison between complexes moieties with the central rings. Indeed, in a they adopt a s-trans 1 and 2 shows only small differences indicating that the additional conformation with respect to C3-C4, C12-C13 and C20-C21 methyl groups in 2 do not significantly influence the absorption (Figure S7) while in b a s-cis conformation is observed (see properties. On the contrary, the absorption of complex 3 was Figure S8). In our crystals the molecules are linked by C—H⋯N highly modified with a strong increase of the extinction coefficient and C—H⋯π interactions. In the structure of the trisbipyridyl as well as a strong red-shift of 65 nm of the maximum of the MLCT ruthenium(II) complex 2 the central Ru atom is expectedly transition caused by the extension of the π-system as well as the coordinated to the six nitrogen atoms of the three substituted insertion of dimethylamine groups at the terminal end. Importantly, bipyridines in a distorted octahedral geometry. The complex the absorption tail of the compound is in the desired cations crystallized with PF6- counter-ions and solvent molecules phototherapeutic window (600-900 nm). For further investigation of diethyl ether in a ration 1/2/1. It is interesting to note that the This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Accepted Manuscript RuCl2dmso4 N 10.1002/ejic.201900569 European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry FULL PAPER of the excited state, the emission properties of the complexes Singlet oxygen generation were investigated upon excitation of the compounds in CH3CN at As discussed in the photophysical evaluation section, the lifetimes 355 nm. The emission signal was measurable between 550-850 of the excited state of the investigated compounds are drastically nm (Figure S10) with a maximum at 622 nm for complex 2 and decreasing in the presence of air indicating that the triplet state of 621 nm for complex 3. Comparison to the standard compound 1 the compound (3PS) is able to interact with molecular oxygen (Φem = 0.059) shows that complex 2 has an increased emission (3O2). As the active species for most applied PSs in PDT, the (Φem = 0.083) whereas complex 3 is only weakly emitting and production of singlet oxygen (1O2) is responsible for most PDT could only be detected at the detection limit of our used setup. effects. To investigate the ability of our compounds to generate These results fit with those of a recent study which compared 1 different 4,4´-π-conjugated[2,2´]-bipyridines and which found that measurement of the phosphorescence of 1O2 or 2) indirect by (E,E’)-4,4’-bis(N,N’-dimethylaminovinyl)-2,2’-bipyridine itself measurement of the change in absorbance of a reporter already had a low fluorescence quantum yield of 0.015 in molecule.[15] The results presented in Table 2 show that dichloromethane.[14] As an additional characterisation of the compounds 1 and 2 are generating 1O2 decently whereas 3 excited state, the luminescence lifetimes in degassed and air generates 1O2 only poorly. saturated CH3CN upon excitation at 355 nm were determined (Figure S11-S13). The measured lifetimes (Table 1) were found Table 2. Singlet oxygen quantum yields in CH3CN and aqueous solution. to be in the same range as for other investigated Ru(II) Average of three independent measurements, ±10%. poylpyridine complexes.[9] Importantly, the lifetimes of the excited at room temperature. λem = emission maximum, Φem = luminescence quantum direct direct 450 nm 450 nm D2O CH3CN 1 54% 21% 2 66% 25% 3 n.d. n.d. n.d. = not detectable. yield, τ = lifetime. n.d. a) = not detectable due to missing absorbance at this wavelength. state is strongly decreasing in the presence of air. Table 1. Spectroscopic properties of the investigated complexes 1-3 in CH3CN UV/Vis λ / nm (ε / M-1 cm-1 * 10-3) 1 2 3 285 (80.8), 450 (14.6) 285 (91.8), 325 (13.3), 460 (16.6) 295 (86.2), 385 (149.7), 515 (56.4) indirect 450 nm CH3CN 57% 64% 21% indirect 450 nm PBS 20% 27% 3% indirect 540 nm CH3CN n.d. a) n.d. a) 18% Indirect 540 nm PBS n.d. a) n.d. a) 2% λem / nm Φem 0.059 air 130 degassed 925 (Photo-)stability 610 622 0.083 109 1024 used as a PDT PS, is its (photo-)stability. To investigate this, we 621 <0.001 76 410 τ / ns An important property of a molecule, which is envisioned to be have assessed the stability in organic solvents of our complexes as it was shown in previous works that this could already be problematic.[16] For this purpose, the compounds were incubated in CH3CN and, in time intervals (0, 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 h), their UV/Vis spectra measured. During the incubation in CH3CN, no change in the spectra for all compounds (Figure S14-S16) could be detected indicating their stability in this solvent. As a second experiment, the stability in an aqueous PBS solution was investigated. Also, here, no decomposition was observed (Figure S17-S19), proving the stability of these compounds. Finally, as a third experiment, the complexes were incubated in human plasma and the stability of the complexes identified by an HPLC analysis. As an internal standard, caffeine was used, which has already been shown to be suitable for these experiments.[17] After 48 h incubation, the compounds were extracted from the plasma and the HPLC chromatogram before and after the incubation Figure 4. Absorption spectra of complexes 1-3 in CH3CN. compared. The analysis showed that no decomposition for the compounds 1 and 2 (Figure S20-S21) occurred. On the contrary, This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Accepted Manuscript O2, we used two different methods, namely 1) direct by 10.1002/ejic.201900569 European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry complex 3 was clearly transformed to a mixture of different kinds Cytotoxicity and Phototoxicity of unidentified products (Figure S22), clearly proving its After having assessed the chemical and photophysical properties decomposition. After investigation of the stability of the of compounds 1-3, their influence on cell viability in the dark and compounds in a biological environment, we have tested their upon light irradiation was investigated. For this purpose, the stability upon irradiation in an air saturated CH3CN solution while compounds were incubated in non-cancerous retinal pigment monitoring their UV/Vis spectra in constant time intervals. The epithelium (RPE-1) and HeLa cells in the dark as well as upon stability was compared to the PS Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which light irradiation at 480 nm (10 min, 3.1 J/cm2) and 540 nm (40 min, is well known to be photodegradating. The comparison between 9.5 J/cm2). The obtained IC50 values were further compared with the spectra (Figure S23-S26) shows only a small decrease in the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin and the PS Protoporphyrin IX absorption for 1 and 2 indicating only a small photobleaching (PpIX) (Table 3). For all investigated complexes, no toxicity in the effect. On the contrary, the bands of 3 strongly decrease and shift, dark could be observed (IC50 > 200 μM), which is a desired proving its decomposition upon light exposure. Consequently, the characteristic for a potential PDT PS. Disappointingly, the modification caused by the irradiation was investigated by NMR exposure to light had only a small effect on the cell viability for the spectroscopy. For this purpose, a solution of 3 in CD3CN was three compounds. While no toxicity was observed for compounds 2 irradiated at 450 nm (30 min, 36.0 J/cm ) and the change in the 1 and 2, compound 3 showed some phototoxicity. Of note, these 1 H-NMR spectrum monitored. The compound was transformed in findings are in agreement with a study of the [Ru(bipy)3]2+ complex an unidentified mixture of different compounds (see Figure S27). which showed no dark and phototoxic effect in the high micromolar range.[18] To evaluate the ability of a compound to act Cellular Uptake as a PS, the phototoxic index (PI) is calculated as the ratio A crucial parameter for the bioactivity of a molecule is its cellular between the IC50 values in the dark and upon light exposure. For uptake. To investigate this, compounds 1-3 were incubated for 4 compound 3, a PI value of 1.3 at 480 nm and 1.4 at 540 nm for h in the dark in human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. The HeLa cells and 1.3 at 480 nm and 1.2 at 540 nm for RPE-1 cells amount of the metal Ru inside the cells was then determined was determined. These results demonstrate that 3 is able to have using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). a slight phototoxic effect upon exposure to higher wavelength The results (Figure 5) show that complex 3 has a much higher which is a desired characteristic for a PS. However, the obtained uptake than 1 or 2. PI values are quite low in comparison to established PSs like PpIX. The results can be rationalised by the rather poor generation of singlet oxygen of this complex. One has also to highlight that the instability of this compound in human plasma and upon irradiation is extremely problematic and could also explain these poor biological results. Overall, the biological results obtained in this section are fitting with the ICP-MS experiments carried out which showed a much better cellular accumulation of complex 3 compared to complexes 1 and 2. Table 3. IC50 values in the dark and upon irradiation at 480 (10 min, 3.1 J/cm2) and 540 nm (40 min, 9.5 J/cm2) for complexes 1-3 in comparison to cisplatin and Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) on non-cancerous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE-1) and human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. Average of three independent measurements. n.d. = not determinable. HeLa Figure 5. Comparison of the cellular uptake of complexes 1-3 after 4 h incubation in HeLa cells. 1 2 Da rk >2 00 >2 00 480 nm >20 0 >20 0 PI n. d. n. d. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. RPE-1 540 nm >20 0 >20 0 PI n. d. n. d. Da rk >2 00 >2 00 480 nm >20 0 >20 0 PI n. d. n. d. 540 nm >20 0 >20 0 PI n. d. n. d. Accepted Manuscript FULL PAPER 10.1002/ejic.201900569 European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry FULL PAPER 3 >2 00 PpIX >1 00 Cispl atin 152 .4 ± 3.8 2.5 ± 0.1 - 10. 5± 0.8 n.d. = not determinable. 1. 3 146 .3 ± 4.2 2.1 ± 0.3 - >4 0 - 1. 4 >2 00 >4 8 >1 00 - 29. 3± 1.4 158 .5 ± 8.1 3.8 ± 0.1 - 1. 3 >2 6 - 161 .7 ± 6.2 3.1 ± 0.1 - 1. 2 >3 2 - Overall this study demonstrates how the extension of the [Ru(bipy)3]2+ core through methyl groups (2) or vinyl dimethylamino groups (3) effects their photophysical properties including their absorption. We are currently investigating other options to synthesise Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes with a stronger luminescence, higher production of 1O2 as well as stability in a biological environment as well as upon light exposure. Conclusions Experimental Section MLCT transition of Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes towards the red Materials region to enable the use of longer wavelengths during PDT All chemicals were obtained from commercial sources and used without treatments. This would allow for deeper tissue penetration and further purification. Tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) hexafluorophosphate therefore the possibility to treat deep-seated tumours and larger [Ru(bipy)3][PF6]2 (1) was bought from Sigma Aldrich. The Ru(II) precursor tumours. For this purpose, the [Ru(bipy)3]2+ complex was extended with methyl groups (2) and the conjugated system RuCl2dmso4 was synthesised as previously reported.[19] The ligand (E,E’)4,4’-bis(N,N-dimethylaminovinyl)-2,2’-bipyridine present in complex 3 was synthesised as previously reported.[11] extended with vinyl dimethylamino groups (3). The compounds were characterized in-depth including by 2D-NMR techniques and Instrumentation and methods single crystal X-ray crystallography. Whereas the photophysical 1 H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker 500 MHz NMR properties of 2 were found to be in the same range as for the spectrometer. Chemical shifts (δ) are reported in parts per million (ppm) standard complex 1, compound 3 showed a highly increased referenced to tetramethylsilane (δ 0.00) ppm using the residual proton absorption as shown by the very high extinction coefficients as well as a strong red shift of 65 nm. Further analysis of the photophysical properties revealed that this compound was weakly solvent peaks as internal standards. Coupling constants (J) are reported in Hertz (Hz) and the multiplicity is abbreviated as follows: s (singlet), d (doublet), dd (doublet of doublet). ESI-MS experiments were carried out using a LTQ-Orbitrap XL from Thermo Scientific and operated in positive emissive and has short excited state lifetimes. We assume that ionization mode, with a spray voltage at 3.6 kV. No Sheath and auxiliary these properties are limiting the necessary energy transfer from gas was used. Applied voltages were 40 and 100 V for the ion transfer the excited state 3PS to molecular oxygen (3O2) to ultimately capillary and the tube lens, respectively. The ion transfer capillary was held produce singlet oxygen ( O2). This probably explains the poor at 275°C. Detection was achieved in the Orbitrap with a resolution set to singlet oxygen quantum yield determined in this study for complex 100,000 (at m/z 400) and a m/z range between 150-2000 in profile mode. 1 3. Investigation of the stability of the compounds revealed that complexes 1 and 2 are stable in CH3CN, PBS and human plasma Spectrum was analyzed using the acquisition software XCalibur 2.1 (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The automatic gain control (AGC) allowed accumulation of up to 2*105 ions for FTMS scans, Maximum injection time whereas 3 decomposes in human plasma as well as upon light was set to 300 ms and 1 µscan was acquired. 10 µL was injected using a irradiation over time. Biological evaluation on the cancerous cell Thermo Finnigan Surveyor HPLC system (Thermo Fisher Scientific) with line HeLa and the non-cancerous cell line RPE-1 revealed no dark a continuous infusion of methanol at 100 µL.min-1. Elemental toxicity for any of the investigated complexes in this study. While microanalyses were performed on a Thermo Flash 2000 elemental no toxicity upon light exposure for compounds 1 and 2 could be analyser. For analytic HPLC the following system has been used: 2 x observed, complex 3 showed some slight phototoxicity in the high micromolar range against cervical cancerous HeLa cells and importantly no measurable dark cytotoxicity. Despite Agilent G1361 1260 Prep Pump system with Agilent G7115A 1260 DAD WR Detector equipped with an Agilent Pursuit XRs 5C18 (100Å, C18 5 μm 250 x 4.6 mm) Column. The solvents (HPLC grade) were millipore water (0.1% TFA, solvent A) and acetonitrile (0.1% TFA, solvent B). Inductively unfavourable photophysical properties, 3 showed a stronger coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) experiments were carried cytotoxic effect than the two other complexes 1 and 2. out on an iCAP RQ ICP-MS instrument (Thermo Fisher). Quantification of the cellular uptake of the complexes by ICP-MS experiments rationalized this observation with complex 3 being Synthesis much better taken up by HeLa cells than compounds 1 and 2. [Ru(4,4′-Dimethyl-2,2′-dipyridyl)3][PF6]2 (2) This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Accepted Manuscript In this study, we aimed to shift the absorption wavelength of the 10.1002/ejic.201900569 European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry FULL PAPER [Ru(4,4′-Dimethyl-2,2′-dipyridyl)3][PF6]2 (2) was synthesized as previously The absorption of the samples has been measured with a SpectraMax M2 published[8] using RuCl2dmso4. Experimental data fits with the literature. Spectrometer (Molecular Devices). The emission was measured by Purity of the sample was assessed by HPLC and elemental analysis. irradiation of the sample in fluorescence quartz cuvettes (width 1 cm) using Elemental analysis calcd for C36H36F12N6P2Ru (%): C 45.82, H 3.85, N a NT342B Nd-YAG pumped optical parametric oscillator (Ekspla) at 355 nm. Luminescence was focused and collected at right angle to the 8.91; found: C 45.71, H 3.69, N 8.83. excitation pathway and directed to an Acton SP-2300i monochromator [Ru((E,E’)-4,4’-Bis(N,N-dimethylaminovinyl)-2,2’-bipyridine)3][PF6]2 (Princeton Instruments). As a detector a PI-Max 4 CCD camera (Princeton (3) Instruments) has been used. (2) (188 mg, 0.20 mmol, Luminescence quantum yield measurements 1.0 equiv.) was dissolved in dry DMF (12 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere For the determination of the luminescence quantum yield, the samples and 4.36 mmol, were prepared in a not degassed CH3CN solution with an absorbance of 21.8 equiv.) was added slowly. The mixture was heated at 140 °C for 40 0.1 at 355 nm. This solution was irradiated in fluorescence quartz cuvettes h. The solution was then cooled down and a sat. aqueous solution of (width 1 cm) using a NT342B Nd-YAG pumped optical parametric oscillator NH4PF6 was added. The crude product, which precipitated as a PF6 salt (Ekspla) at 355 nm. The emission signal was focused and collected at right was collected by filtration and washed with H2O and Et2O. The product angle to the excitation pathway and directed to an Acton SP-2300i was isolated via fractionated precipitation from CH3CN by adding dropwise monochromator (Princeton Instruments). As a detector a XPI-Max 4 CCD tert-Butoxy bis(dimethylamino)methane (0.9 mL, 1 Et2O. 215 mg of 3 (0.17 mmol, 85 %) were yielded as a dark red solid. H- camera (Princeton Instruments) has been used. The luminescence NMR (CD3CN, 500 MHz): 7.98 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 6H, H3), 7.45 (d, J = 13.4 quantum yields were determined by comparison with the reference Hz, 6H, H8), 7.24 (d, 3J = 6.2 Hz, 6H, H6), 6.90 (dd, 3,4J = 6.2, 2.0 Hz, 6H, [Ru(bipy)3]Cl2 in CH3CN (Φem=5.9%)[27] applying the following formula: 4 3 H5), 5.09 (d, 3J = 13.4 Hz, 6H, H7), 2.94 (s, 36H, H10). 13C-NMR (CD3CN, Φem, sample = Φem, ref * (Fref / Fsample) * (Isample / Iref) * (nsample / nref)2 125 MHz): δ = 157.8 (C2), 150.2 (C4), 150.0 (C6), 147.0 (C8), 120.2 (C5), F = 1 – 10-A 116.7 (C3), 93.0 (C7), 40.9 (C10). ESI-HRMS (pos. detection mode): calcd Φem = luminescence quantum yield, F = fraction of light absorbed, I = for C54H66N12Ru m/z [M] 2+ 492.2283; found: 492.2284. Elemental analysis calcd for C54H66F12N12P2Ru (%): C 50.90, H 5.22, N 13.19; found: C 50.64, integrated emission intensities, n = refractive index, A = absorbance of the sample at irradiation wavelength. H 4.96, N 12.90. Lifetime measurements X-ray crystallography For the determination of the lifetimes, the samples were prepared in an air X-ray single-crystal data were collected at low temperatures, 160(1) K for saturated and in a degassed CH3CN solution with an absorbance of 0.2 at 4,4’-bis(N,N-dimethylaminovinyl)-2,2’-bipyridine and at 183(1) K for 355 nm. This solution was irradiated in fluorescence quartz cuvettes (width compound 2, with an Oxford liquid-nitrogen Cryostream cooler on a Rigaku 1 cm) using a NT342B Nd-YAG pumped optical parametric oscillator OD XtaLAB Synergy Dualflex (Pilatus 200K detector) diffractometer. A (Ekspla) at 355 nm. The emission signal was focused and collected at right single wavelength X-ray source from a micro-focus sealed X-ray tube were angle to the excitation pathway and directed to an Acton SP-2300i used with the Cu Kα radiation (λ = 1.54184 Å) [20] for both analyses. The selected single crystals were mounted using polybutene oil on a flexible monochromator (Princeton Instruments). As a detector a R928 photomultiplier tube (Hamamatsu) has been used. loop fixed on a goniometer head and transferred to the diffractometer. Preexperiments, data collections, data reductions and analytical absorption corrections [21] were performed with the program suite CrysAlisPro. [22] Singlet oxygen measurements - Direct evaluation small The samples were prepared in an air saturated CH3CN or D2O solution molecule structure solution program and refined with the SHELXL2018/3 with an absorbance of 0.2 at 450 nm. This solution was irradiated in program package[25] by full-matrix least-squares minimization on F2. fluorescence quartz cuvettes (width 1 cm) using a mounted M450LP1 LED Using Olex2, [23] [24] the structures were solved with the SHELXT The crystal data (Thorlabs) whose irradiation, centered at 450 nm, has been focused with collections and structure refinement parameters are summarized in Table aspheric condenser lenses. The intensity of the irradiation has been varied S1. CCDC 1914096 (for 2) and CCDC 1914097 (for 4,4’-bis(N,N- using a T-Cube LED Driver (Thorlabs) and measured with an optical power dimethylaminovinyl)-2,2’-bipyridine) supplementary and energy meter. The emission signal was focused and collected at right crystallographic data for these compounds, and can be obtained free of angle to the excitation pathway and directed to an Acton SP-2300i charge monochromator (Princeton Instruments). A longpass glass filter was Molecular graphics were created using Mercury 4.0. from the Cambridge contain the Crystallographic www.ccdc.cam.ac.uk/data_request/cif. [26] Data Centre via placed in front of the monochromator entrance slit to cut off light at wavelengths shorter than 850 nm. As a detector an EO-817L IR-sensitive Spectroscopic measurements liquid nitrogen cooled germanium diode detector (North Coast Scientific This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Accepted Manuscript [Ru(4,4′-Dimethyl-2,2′-dipyridyl)3][PF6]2 10.1002/ejic.201900569 European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry FULL PAPER Corp.) has been used. The singlet oxygen luminesce at 1270 nm was continuous gentle shaking (ca. 300 rpm). The reaction was stopped after measured by recording spectra from 1100 to 1400 nm. For the data the incubation time by addition of 2 mL of methanol. The mixture was analysis, the singlet oxygen luminescence peaks at different irradiation centrifuged for 45 min at 650 g at 4 °C. The methanolic solution was filtered intensities were integrated. The resulting areas were plotted against the through a 0.2 μm membrane filter. The solvent was evaporated under percentage of the irradiation intensity and the slope of the linear regression reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in 1:1 (v/v) CH3CN/ H2O calculated. The absorbance of the sample was corrected with an 0.1% TFA solution. The solution was filtered through a 0.2 μm membrane absorbance correction factor. As reference for the measurement rose filter and analysed using an HPLC System. Based on the big differences bengal (Φ = 76 %)[28] was used and the singlet oxygen quantum yields in lipophilicity, two different HPLC methods have been used. The solvents were calculated using the following formula: (HPLC grade) were millipore water (0.1% TFA, solvent A) and acetonitrile -A (solvent B). Method M1: 0-3 minutes: isocratic 95% A (5% B); 3- 17 I = I0 * (1 – 10 ) minutes: linear gradient from 95% A (5% B) to 0% A (100% B); 17-23 Φ = singlet oxygen quantum yield, S = slope of the linear regression of the minutes: isocratic 0% A (100% B). Method M2: 0-3 minutes: isocratic 80% plot of the areas of the singlet oxygen luminescence peaks against the A (20% B); 3-17 minutes: linear gradient from 80% A (20% B) to 0% A irradiation intensity, I = absorbance correction factor, I0 = light intensity of (100% B); 17-23 minutes: isocratic 0% A (100% B). The flow rate was 1 the irradiation source, A = absorbance of the sample at irradiation mL/min and the chromatogram was detected at 250 nm. wavelength. - Indirect evaluation Photostability For the measurement in CH3CN: The samples were prepared in an air- The samples were prepared in an air saturated CH3CN solution. To saturated CH3CN solution containing the complex with an absorbance of measure the photostability, the samples were irradiated at 450 nm in 96 0.2 at the irradiation wavelength, N,N-dimethyl-4-nitrosoaniline aniline well plates with an Atlas Photonics LUMOS BIO irradiator during time (RNO, 24 µM) and imidazole (12 mM). For the measurement in PBS buffer: intervals from 0-10 min. The absorbance spectrum from 350-700 nm was The samples were prepared in an air-saturated PBS solution containing recorded with a SpectraMax M2 Microplate Reader (Molecular Devices) the complex with an absorbance of 0.1 at the irradiation wavelength, N,N- after each time interval and compared. dimethyl-4-nitrosoaniline aniline (RNO, 20 µM) and histidine (10 mM). The samples were irradiated on 96 well plates with an Atlas Photonics LUMOS Cell culture BIO irradiator for different times. The absorbance of the samples was Human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells were cultured using DMEM media measured during these time intervals with a SpectraMax M2 Microplate and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE-1) cells using DMEM/F-12 with Reader (Molecular Devices). The difference in absorbance (A0-A) at 420 addition of 10% FBS and 1% penstrep. The cells were cultivated and nm for the CH3CN solution or at 440 nm a PBS buffer solution was maintained at 37 °C in a cell culture incubator at 37 °C with 5% CO2 calculated and plotted against the irradiation times. From the plot the slope atmosphere. Before an experiment, the cells were passaged three times. of the linear regression was calculated as well as the absorbance correction factor determined. The singlet oxygen quantum yields were Cellular uptake calculated using the same formulas as used for the direct evaluation. The cellular uptake of the complex was investigated by the determination of the Ru content inside the cells. The complex with a final concentration Stability in CH3CN and PBS of 25 μM (1% DMSO, v%) was incubated for 4 h at 37 °C in the dark on a The stability of the compound in CH3CN and PBS was determined by cell culture dish with a density of ca. 6 . 106 cells in 10 mL of media. After UV/Vis spectroscopy. The compound was dissolved and stored at room this time, the media was removed and the cells were washed with cell temperature in the dark. The absorption spectrum from 250-700 nm was media. recorded with a SpectraMax M2 Microplate Reader (Molecular Devices) resuspended. The number of cells on each dish was accurately counted. after each time interval (0, 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 h) and compared. Each sample was the digested using a 60% HNO3 solution overnight. Each The cells were trypsinised, harvested, centrifuged and sample was diluted to solution of 2% HNO3 in water. The Ru content was Stability in human plasma determined using an ICP-MS apparatus and comparing the results with the The stability of the complexes was evaluated with caffeine as an internal Ru references. The Ru content was then associated with the number of standard, which has already shown to be suitable for these experiments.[17] cells. The pooled human plasma was obtained from Biowest and caffeine from TCI Chemicals. Stock Solutions of the compounds (40 μM) and caffeine (Photo-)cytotoxicity (20 μM) were prepared in DMSO. One aliquot of the solutions was added The cytotoxicity of the compounds was accessed by measuring the cell to 975 μL of human plasma to a total volume of 1000 μL. Final viability using a fluorometric resazurin assay. The cultivated cells were concentrations of the compounds of 0.5 μM n-and caffeine of 0.25 μM seeded in triplicates in 96 well plates with a density of 4000 cells per well were achieved. The resulting solution was incubated for 48 h at 37 °C with in 100 μL of media. After 24 h the medium was removed and the cells were This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Accepted Manuscript Φsample = Φreference * (Ssample / Sreference) * (Ireference / Isample) 10.1002/ejic.201900569 European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry treated with increasing concentrations of the compound diluted in cell media achieving a total volume of 200 μL. The cells were incubated with the compound for 4 h. After this time, the media was removed and replaced with 200 μL of fresh medium. For the phototoxicity studies, the cells were exposed to light with an Atlas Photonics LUMOS BIO irradiator. Each well was constantly illuminated with either a 480 nm or 540 nm irradiation. During this time, the temperature was maintained constantly at 37 °C. The cells were grown in the incubator for additional 44 h. For the determination of the dark cytotoxicity, the cells were not irradiated and after the medium [5] exchange directly incubated for 44 h. After this time, the medium was replaced with fresh medium containing resazurin with a final concentration of 0.2 mg/mL. After 4 h incubation, the amount of the fluorescent product [6] resorufin was determined upon excitation at 540 nm and measurement its emission at 590 nm using a SpectraMax M2 Microplate Reader (Molecular Devices). The obtained data was analysed with the GraphPad Prism software. 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W. Redmond, in Methods Enzymol., Vol. 319, Academic Press 2000, pp. 20-28. Accepted Manuscript [25] This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. 10.1002/ejic.201900569 European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry FULL PAPER FULL PAPER Key Topic: Metals in Medicine • Photodynamic Therapy Johannes Karges, Olivier Blacque, Philippe Goldner and Gilles Gasser * Towards Long Wavelength Absorbing Photodynamic Therapy Photosensitizers via the Extension of a [Ru(bipy)3]2+ Core This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Accepted Manuscript The preparation and characterisation of new Ru(II)-containing photodynamic therapy, that are based on a [Ru(bipy)3]2+ core (bipy: 2,2'-bipyridine) and that are extended with methyl groups or vinyl dimethylamino groups is described. Their in-depth photophysical properties as well as (photo-)cytotoxicity against cervical cancerous HeLa cells is also reported.