Mixed-ligand copper(II) hydrazone complexes: Synthesis, structure, and anti-lung cancer properties

Abstract

Here we synthesized five mixed-ligand copper(II) Schiff-base complexes, including [Cu(HL1)(pyridine) NO3] 1, [Cu(HL2)(pyridine)Cl] 2, [Cu(HL3)(pyridine)Br] 3, [Cu(HL4)(pyridine)Br] 4, and [Cu(L5)(pyridine)] 5, and performed a series of assays to investigate their anti-lung cancer activities in vitro. The structures of these copper(II) complexes were confirmed by X-ray crystallography and elemental analysis. MTT assay showed that complex 4 exhibited stronger cytotoxicity than other complexes. The wound healing assay showed that complex 4 had the well potential to display anti-metastatic activity. Flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging analysis showed that complex 4 led to cell cycle arrest at the S phase and induced mitochondria-mediated apoptotic. Furthermore, in the 3D A549 spherical model, complex 4 clearly exerts an inhibitory effect.