Abstract
Our previous in vitro and in vivo studies on standard tumor cell lines: mammary adenocarcinoma 4T1, melanoma B16F10, and squamous cell carcinoma SCCVII have demonstrated that dipotassium-trioxohydroxytetrafluorotriborate, K2[B3O3F4OH], affects the growth of cancer cells. Based on indicative results of its anticancer activity, that are comparable to the standard cytostatic 5-fluorouracil, we decided to analyze the antioxidant capacity of K2[B3O3F4OH]. In our research, we include two other simpler representatives of the boroxine family compounds: trimethoxyboroxine and trimethylboroxine, which are commercially available. The study objective is to explore the possibility of similar behavior within the same class of boron compounds, that is, to examine the activity of K2[B3O3F4OH] compared to simpler representatives of the same family of compounds. On the one hand, K2[B3O3F4OH], theoretically has the ability to exchange electrons in the extinction of reactive radicals, since two boron atoms are sp3-hybridized and use electrons from the inner shell. On the other hand, trimethoxyboroxine, and trimethylboroxine, in theory, should not exchange electrons. However, recent studies indicate the potential for the boron atom to act like carbon and participate in the exchange of protons. The study used the standard laboratory method of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant assay. The selected boroxines were treated with a DPPH radical at a temperature of 35° C in various concentrations, and with a reaction time of one hour. Results of the DPPH test show an extremely weak antioxidant capacity exists for all investigated boroxines. When K2[B3O3F4OH] was tested at high concentrations, instead of decreased color in the DPPH radicals, there was an increase in absorbance readings, which could mean that this compound acts as a pro-oxidant at higher concentrations. Future research is recommended to examine the length of reaction times needed, and whether a change in the reaction conditions would boost the antioxidant capacity of K2[B3O3F4OH]. Finally, future research could test the hypothesis that K2[B3O3F4OH], in the absence of the expected antioxidant activity, acts as a pro-oxidant.
Highlights
In the last 20 years, the chemistry of boron compounds has been progressively investigated because of boron’s unusual characteristics
Spectrophotometric test specimens themselves without DPPH radicals, showed no discoloration in a wide range around and at a wavelength of 520 nm, at which the measurements were made
If the formula that calculates the percentage of radical inhibition is applied to calculate the percent of increase in color of DPPH radical-sample complex, the trimethylboroxine is 0.06% to 1.45%, and the trimethoxyboroxine 1.78% to 6.51%
Summary
In the last 20 years, the chemistry of boron compounds has been progressively investigated because of boron’s unusual characteristics. Boroxines are compounds of the six-membered heterocyclic structure, anhydrides of boronic acids, which have a ring structure with three oxygen atoms and three boron atoms. The creation of a known six-membered heterocyclic ring can be achieved by heating the corresponding boronic acid in an anhydrous solvent, such as carbon tetrachloride or chloroform. Today, they are known as antimicrobials and enzyme inhibitors. Individual boroxines show potent antifungal activity, some anhydrides possess activity against a broad spectrum of gram-negative bacteria, which is based on inhibition of fatty acid synthesis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
