Copper Coordination Research Articles

Hollow Calcium/Copper Bimetallic Amplifier for Cuproptosis/Paraptosis/Apoptosis Cancer Therapy via Cascade Reinforcement of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are essential organelles that play crucial roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis. The simultaneous induction of ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction represents a promising yet challenging strategy for cancer treatment. Herein, a hollow calcium-copper bimetallic nanoplatform is developed as a cascade amplifier to reinforce ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction for breast cancer treatment. For this purpose, we report a facile method for preparing hollow CaCO3 (HCC) nanoparticles by regulating the dissolution-recrystallization process of amorphous CaCO3, and the amplifier D@HCC-CuTH is meticulously fabricated by sequentially coating disulfiram-loaded HCC nanoparticles with a copper coordination polymer and hyaluronan. In tumor cells, the dithiocarbamate-copper complex generated in situ by liberated disulfiram and Cu2+ inhibits the ubiquitin-proteasome system, causing irreversible ER stress and intracellular Ca2+ redistribution. Meanwhile, the amplifier induces mitochondrial dysfunction via triggering a self-amplifying loop of mitochondrial Ca2+ burst, and reactive oxygen species augment. Additionally, Cu2+ induces dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase oligomerization in mitochondria, further exacerbating mitochondrial damage via cuproptosis. Collectively, ER stress amplification and mitochondrial dysfunction synergistically induce a cuproptosis-paraptosis-apoptosis trimodal cell death pathway, which demonstrates significant efficacy in suppressing tumor growth. This study presents a paradigm for synchronously inducing subcellular organelle disorders to boost cancer multimodal therapy.

The Anti-Cancer Stem Cell Properties of Copper(II)-Terpyridine Complexes with Attached Salicylaldehyde Moieties.

We report the synthesis, characterisation, and anti-breast cancer stem cell (CSC) properties of two copper(II)-terpyridine complexes with bidentate salicylaldehyde moieties (2-hydroxybenzaldehyde for 1 and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde for 2). The copper(II)-terpyridine complexes 1 and 2 are stable in biologically relevant aqueous solutions and display micromolar potency towards breast CSCs. The most effective complex 1 is 5-fold and 6.6-fold more potent towards breast CSCs than salinomycin and cisplatin, respectively. The copper(II)-terpyridine complexes 1 and 2 also decrease the formation and viability of three-dimensionally cultured mammospheres within the micromolar range. Notably complex 1 is up to 7-fold more potent towards mammospheres than salinomycin or cisplatin. Mechanistic studies suggest that the copper(II)-terpyridine complexes 1 and 2 are able to readily enter breast CSCs, elevate intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, induce DNA damage (presumably by oxidative DNA cleavage), and evoke apoptosis that is independent of caspases. This study shows that the copper(II)-terpyridine motif is a useful building block for the design of anti-breast CSC agents and reinforces the therapeutic potential of copper coordination complexes.

Piezoelectric-mediated two-dimensional copper-based metal–organic framework for synergistic sonodynamic and cuproptosis-driven tumor therapy

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a minimally invasive therapeutic approach that utilizes sonosensitizers to catalyze substrates and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under ultrasound stimulation, ultimately inducing tumor cell death. Enhancing the piezoelectric properties of nanomaterials and modulating the semiconductor energy band are effective strategies to improve the catalytic efficiency of sonosensitizers. In this study, we developed a two-dimensional (2D) copper-based piezoelectric metal–organic framework (MOF) sonosensitizer, denoted as CM, through the coordination of copper and dimethylimidazole. The unique 2D MOF structure imparts CM with piezoelectric characteristics, enabling it to enhance SDT efficacy by modulating the semiconductor bandgap and carrier mobility. Upon ultrasound irradiation, CM catalyzes oxygen to undergo a cascade reaction, producing highly toxic singlet oxygen. Additionally, cupric ions in CM can be reduced by glutathione, facilitating the spontaneous catalysis of hydrogen peroxide in tumors to generate hydroxyl radicals and deplete glutathione, thereby inducing oxidative damage. Moreover, cupric ions in CM can trigger tumor cell cuproptosis, which, in combination with the generated ROS, accelerates cell death. Thus, this study establishes a MOF-based system for controllably inducing multi-pathway cancer cell death and provides a foundation for enhancing ultrasound-catalyzed tumor therapy through the optimization of piezoelectric properties.

Synthesis and Characterization of New Copper(II) Coordination Compounds with Methylammonium Cations

We synthesized four new copper(II) complexes with acetato and chlorido ligands and methylammonium (MA), dimethylammonium (DMA), and tetramethylammonium (TMA) counterions: (MA)4[Cu2Ac4Cl2]Cl2·2H2O (1), (DMA)2[Cu2Ac4Cl2] (2), (DMA)4[Cu2Ac4Cl2]Cl2·2H2O (3), and (TMA)5[Cu2Ac4Cl]Cl4·4H2O (4). All compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic measurements, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Complexes 1, 2, and 3 consist of a dinuclear coordination anion [Cu2(Ac)4Cl2]2− with bridging acetato ligands arranged in a paddle-wheel conformation and square-pyramidal coordination around Cu(II) atoms, while the coordination anion in compound 4 is a polymeric chain, parallel to the c axis, with Cu2(Ac)4 units connected through bridging chlorido ligands. Magnetic measurements carried out between 2 K and 300 K indicate strong antiferromagnetic interactions between Cu(II) ions. The effective magnetic moments range from 1.94 μB to 2.21 μB, exceeding the spin-only value for Cu(II) ions (μeff=1.73 μB) and suggesting significant orbital contributions to the magnetic moment. Thermogravimetric analysis of all complexes showed a multistep decomposition behavior yielding elemental copper as the final product.

Cu(II) Coordination Polymers for the Selective Oxidation of Biomass-Derived Veratryl Alcohol in Green Solvents: A Sustainable Catalytic Approach.

Four air-stable one-dimensional copper(II) coordination polymers (CP1-CP4) with azide linkers were synthesized using tridentate NNS and NNN ligands. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the molecular structures of CP1, CP3, and CP4. In the presence of TEMPO, all four coordination polymers demonstrated effective catalytic activity for the selective aerobic oxidation of veratryl alcohol, a biomass model compound, under base-free conditions. CP4 exhibited the best catalytic efficiency. Oxidations were conducted at ambient temperature (40 °C) utilizing air as a sustainable oxidant. Selective oxidation of veratryl alcohol to veratraldehyde was also conducted in the presence of a catalytic amount of base (5 mol %), and enhanced reactivity was observed. The green solvents, acetone, and water, were used to maximize sustainability. The optimized reaction conditions were applied to broaden the substrate scope of various lignin model alcohols and substituted benzylic alcohols with wide electronic variability. CP4 exhibited high recyclability, consistently providing quantitative yields even after ten consecutive runs. The catalytic protocol demonstrated sustainability and environmental compatibility, as evidenced by a low E-factor (4.29) and a high Eco-scale score (90). Based on experimental evidence and theoretical calculations, a plausible catalytic cycle was proposed. Finally, the sustainability credentials of the different optimized reaction protocols were evaluated using the CHEM21 green metrics toolkit.

Mononuclear nickel(II) and copper(II) coordination compounds with ligands based on acetyl(benzoyl)acetone S-methylisothiosemicarbazones and 8-quinolinecarboxaldehyde. Synthesis and crystal structure

Template condensation of S-methylisothiosemicarbazones of acetyl- or benzoylacetone with 8-quinolinecarboxaldehyde in the presence of nickel(II) and copper(II) ions gave four new mononuclear coordination compounds [NiL1]I (I), [CuL1I] (II), [NiL2]I (III) и [CuL2I] (IV). The chemical composition of the products was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, and the crystal structure of compounds I and II was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (CCDC no. 2266386, 2266387). X-ray diffraction study revealed a square planar coordination environment of the central ion of the cationic Ni(II) complex and square pyramidal geometry for the molecular Cu(II) complex.

Deciphering the Impact of Nucleosides and Nucleotides on Copper Ion and Dopamine Coordination Dynamics.

The mode of coordination of copper(II) ions with dopamine (DA, L) in the binary, as well as ternary systems with Ado, AMP, ADP, and ATP (L') as second ligands, was studied with the use of experimental-potentiometric and spectroscopic (VIS, EPR, NMR, IR)-methods and computational-molecular modeling and DFT-studies. In the Cu(II)/DA system, depending on the pH value, the active centers of the ligand involved in the coordination with copper(II) ions changed from nitrogen and oxygen atoms (CuH(DA)3+, Cu(DA)2+), via nitrogen atoms (CuH2(DA)24+), to oxygen atoms at strongly alkaline pH (Cu(DA)22+). The introduction of L' into this system changed the mode of interaction of dopamine from oxygen atoms to the nitrogen atom in the hydroxocomplexes formed at high pH values. In the ternary systems, the ML'-L (non-covalent interaction) and ML'HxL, ML'L, and ML'L(OH)x species were found. In the Cu(II)/DA/AMP or ATP systems, mixed forms were formed up to a pH of around 9.0; above this pH, only Cu(II)/DA complexes occurred. In contrast to systems with AMP and ATP, ternary species with Ado and ADP occurred in the whole pH range at a high concentration, and moreover, binary complexes of Cu(II) ions with dopamine did not form in the detectable concentration.

Cooperative, Close and Remote Steric Effects on the Structural and Optical Properties of Copper(I) Bis‐Phenanthroline Complexes

AbstractThe synthesis as well as the structural, optical and computational characterization of seven new highly hindered homoleptic copper(I) phenanthroline complexes (namely C1–C7) is reported along with the comparison with the benchmark derivatives. Despite limited steric hindrance in direct proximity of the copper(I) coordination site, X‐ray structures show that the higher hindered derivatives of the series display a more optimal tetrahedral geometry with minimal D2 symmetry distortion. A novel remote control of the geometry, with steric hindrance away from the coordination site, leads to a favorable arrangement as demonstrated by structural and computational data. In addition, electrochemical and steady‐state and time‐resolved photophysical studies are presented which further support the beneficial effects on the ground‐state redox and excited‐state properties when both remote and close steric effects are exploited. Indeed, both an increase of the photoluminescence quantum yield and a prolongation of the excited state lifetime is observed for the highly‐substituted derivative C6 compared to benchmark counterparts on account of the reduced excited‐state flattening distortions imparted by the additional steric constraints.

Antitumoral and Antimetastatic Activity by Mixed Chelate Copper(II) Compounds (Casiopeínas®) on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), accounting for 15-20% of all breast cancers, has one of the poorest prognoses and survival rates. Metastasis, a critical process in cancer progression, causes most cancer-related deaths, underscoring the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. This study explores the anti-migratory, anti-invasive, anti-tumoral, and antimetastatic effects of copper coordination compounds Casiopeína IIIia (CasIIIia) and Casiopeína IIgly (CasIIgly) on MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 breast carcinoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo. These emerging anticancer agents, mixed chelate copper(II) compounds, induce apoptosis by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and causing DNA damage. Whole-transcriptome analysis via gene expression arrays indicated that subtoxic concentrations of CasIIIia upregulate genes involved in metal response mechanisms. Casiopeínas® reduced TNBC cell viability dose-dependently and more efficiently than Cisplatin. At subtoxic concentrations (IC20), they inhibited random and chemotactic migration of MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells by 50-60%, similar to Cisplatin, as confirmed by transcriptome analysis. In vivo, CasIIIia and Cisplatin significantly reduced tumor growth, volume, and weight in a syngeneic breast cancer model with 4T1 cells. Furthermore, both compounds significantly decreased metastatic foci in treated mice compared to controls. Thus, CasIIIia and CasIIgly are promising chemotherapeutic candidates against TNBC.

Modulation of Electronic Availability in g-C3N4 Using Nickel (II), Manganese (II), and Copper (II) to Enhance the Disinfection and Photocatalytic Properties.

Carbon nitrides can form coordination compounds or metallic oxides in the presence of transition metals, depending on the reaction conditions. By adjusting the pH to basic levels for mild synthesis with metals, composites like g-C3N4-M(OH)x (where M represents metals) were obtained for nickel (II) and manganese (II), while copper (II) yielded coordination compounds such as Cu-g-C3N4. These materials underwent spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization, revealing their photocatalytic potential to generate superoxide anion radicals-a feature consistent across all metals. Notably, the copper coordination compound also produced significant hydroxyl radicals. Leveraging this catalytic advantage, with band gap energy in the visible region, all compounds were activated to disinfect E. coli bacteria, achieving total disinfection with Cu-g-C3N4. The textural properties influence the catalytic performance, with copper's stabilization as a coordination compound enabling more efficient activity compared to the other metals. Additionally, the determination of radicals generated under light in the presence of dicloxacillin supported the proposed mechanism and highlighted the potential for degrading organic molecules with this new material, alongside its disinfectant properties.

Ternary Copper(II) Coordination Compounds with Nonpolar Amino Acids and 2,2′-Bipyridine: Monomers vs. Polymers

Reactions of copper(II) sulfate with 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) and amino acids with nonpolar side chains (l-alanine (HAla), l-valine (HVal), or l-phenylalanine (HPhe)) were investigated under different solution-based and mechanochemical methods. Five new ternary coordination compounds were obtained by a solution-based synthesis and three of them additionally by the liquid-assisted mechanochemical method: {[Cu(μ-l-Ala)(H2O)(bipy)]2SO4·2H2O}n (1a·2H2O), {[Cu(μ-l-Ala)(H2O)(bipy)][Cu(l-Ala)(H2O)(bipy)]SO4·2.5H2O}n (1b·2.5H2O), {[Cu(μ-l-Val)(H2O)(bipy)][Cu(l-Val)(H2O)(bipy)]3(SO4)2·4H2O}n (2·4H2O), [Cu(l-Phe)(H2O)(bipy)][Cu(l-Phe)(SO4)(bipy)]∙8H2O (3·8H2O), and [Cu(l-Phe)(H2O)(bipy)][Cu(l-Phe)(SO4)(bipy)]∙9H2O (3·9H2O). The compounds were characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and a thermal analysis. Structural studies revealed two structural types, monomeric in 3·8H2O and 3·9H2O, polymeric architectures in 1a·2H2O, and mixed structures (monomeric and polymeric) in 1b·2.5H2O and 2·4H2O. The copper(II) ion is either pentacoordinated or hexacoordinated, with an observed Jahn–Teller effect. The crystal structures are based on an intensive network of hydrogen bonds and π interactions. 1a·2H2O and 2·4H2O showed substantial in vitro antiproliferative activity toward human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and moderate activity toward human acute monocytic leukemia cell lines (THP-1).

Copper (II) and cobalt (II) bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) coordination complexes with N-styrylbenzimidazole

The study considers metal complexes based on N-styrylbenzimidazole as compounds having significant pharmacological properties The work is aimed at examining the crystal structure and electronic structure of transition metal bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complexes (copper (II) (complex A) and cobalt (II) (complex B)) with N-styrylbenzimidazole using X-ray diffraction analysis and ultraviolet spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction analysis was used to prove bipyramidal coordination in copper (II) and cobalt (II) bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complexes with N-styrylbenzimidazole. The atoms of copper (II) and cobalt (II) in the complexes exhibit an unusual for β-diketonate complexes distorted square-planar coordination, while the chelate cycles in M(hfacac)2L are characterized by anomalously large kink angles. Thus, for the copper (II) bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complex, the kink angle of the O3∙∙∙O4 interaction for the equatorially positioned ligand is 29.47°, while for the axially positioned ligand, the kink angle of the O1∙∙∙O2 interaction is 19.13°. For the cobalt (II) bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complex, these angles are 22.10 and 19.50°, respectively. Electron spectroscopy was used to examine the electronic structure of the specified complexes. The following types of electronic transitions were identified: π→π*-transitions primarily localized on ligands, as well as transitions caused by electron transfer from the p-orbital of the hetero nitrogen atom of the styrylbenzimidazole cycle to the d-orbital of metal ions, and n→π transition localized on the imidazole ring. For each of the complexes, d-d* transitions between the molecular orbitals of the corresponding metal ion were localized in the long wavelength part of the spectrum.

A two-dimensional copper coordination polymer and its g-C3N4 composite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

A two-dimensional copper coordination polymer {[Cu2(tmipa)2(tfpt)2]·8·5H2O·CH3CN}n (Cu(tmipa)) (tmipa = tris(4-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine, H2tfpt = 3,4,5,6-tetrafluorophthalic acid) was synthesized by solvothermal method. It has a (3,3)-connected two-dimensional structure. A series of Cu(tmipa)/wt%g-C3N4 composites (wt = 5, 10, 15, 20) were then prepared by milling, and these materials were characterized with XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, EDS, XPS, TGA, UV-DRS, PL, and EIS. Cu(tmipa) degraded 92.72 % of methylene blue (MB), 91.70 % of malachite green (MG), 90.62 % of methyl orange (MO), and 92.48 % of Congo red (CR) at 50, 80, 140, and 60 min, respectively. The degradation of MB with different mass fractions of Cu(tmipa)/wt%g-C3N4 was investigated and Cu(tmipa)/15 %g-C3N4 was found to have the highest efficiency (degradation of 96.24 % of MB in 30 min). The degradation rates for Cu(tmipa)/15 %g-C3N4 were 90.88 % of MG at 60 min, 90.72 % of MO at 60 min and 96.08 % of CR. The main active species for decomposition of MB, MG, MO and CR were investigated by the active species capture experiments. The formation of heterojunction between Cu(tmipa) and g-C3N4 is the main reason for the enhancement of the decomposition efficiency, which can fully absorb the visible light and effectively avoid the recombination of electrons and holes.

Structures, electrical properties and catecholase-like activity of a series of new copper(II) coordination polymers supported by azido bridges

A series of new copper(II)-azido complexes of 1D polymeric chains of [Cu(L1)(μ1,3-N3)]n (1) and [Cu(L2)(μ1,3-N3)]n (2), and binuclear [Cu(L3)(μ1,1-N3)]2 (3) [HL1 = N-butyl-N-(5-bromosalcylidine)ethane-1,2-diamine, HL2 = N-butyl-N-(5-chlorosalcylidine)ethane-1,2-diamine, HL3 = N-butyl-N-(salcylidine)ethane-1,2-diamine] have been synthesized and characterized. Characterizations of 1–3 have been accomplished by usual physico-chemical techniques such as elemental analysis, FTIR, UV–vis and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. X-ray diffraction analyses of 1 and 2 reveal that the monomeric units of 1D polymers are interconnected via the μ1,3-azido bridging. The coordination geometry around the copper(II) centers in 1 and 2 can be best described as distorted square pyramidal environments. Complex 3 shows a centrosymmetric structure with two copper(II) centers that are held together by μ1,1-azido bridging in a distorted square pyramidal environment. In the electrical studies of 1–3, both direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac) analyses have been carried out based on the metal-complex (1/2/3)-metal (M-S-M) structures. The sheet resistance of the deposited films and the metal-complex contact resistance are estimated by employing transfer length method (TLM) measurements. The dark current-voltage characteristics of Al-complex (1/2/3)-Al structures are analyzed by considering dual back-to-back Schottky barrier diode structure. The voltage variations of the device current under illumination (400–700 nm) clearly demonstrate the photo-sensitivity of these materials. The catalytic activities of 1–3 have been investigated towards aerial oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol. All three complexes exhibit potential catalytic effectiveness towards oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) to 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-quinone (3,5-DTBQ) with turnover numbers 14.76, 33.92 and 81.02 h−1 for 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

Integrated Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Copper Active Site Properties of a Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase from Serratia marcescens.

In this paper, we employed a multidisciplinary approach, combining experimental techniques and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to elucidate key features of the copper coordination environment of the bacterial lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) from Serratia marcescens (SmAA10). The structure of the holo-enzyme was successfully obtained by X-ray crystallography. We then determined the copper(II) binding affinity using competing ligands and observed that the affinity of the histidine brace ligands for copper is significantly higher than previously described. UV-vis, advanced electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) techniques, including high-energy resolution fluorescence detected (HERFD) XAS, were further used to gain insight into the copper environment in both the Cu(II) and Cu(I) redox states. The experimental data were successfully rationalized by DFT models, offering valuable information on the electronic structure and coordination geometry of the copper center. Finally, the Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox potential was determined using two different methods at ca. 350 mV vs NHE and rationalized by DFT calculations. This integrated approach not only advances our knowledge of the active site properties of SmAA10 but also establishes a robust framework for future studies of similar enzymatic systems.

Polymeric dichlorido-bridged copper(II) offset stacked dimer coordination compounds and molecular spin stairs

A family of oxygen coordinated dichlorido-bridged n-X-2-pyridone (1, n = 3, X = Cl; 2, n = 3, X = Br; 3, n = 4, X = Cl; 4, n = 4, X = Br; 5, n = 5, X = Cl; 6, n = 5, X = Br) Cu(II) offset stacked dimer compounds, denoted molecular spin stairs, have been prepared and analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (1–4), powder X-ray diffraction (1–6), and variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements (1–6). Ferromagnetism is dominant in all compounds with a weaker antiferromagnetic exchange present in 1–4. The ferromagnetic exchange correlates to increased twist angles which are defined by the extent of the tetrahedral distortion of the copper coordination sphere and the identity of the halogen on the ring. The compounds were qualitatively fit to a ferromagnetic Heisenberg chain model with a Curie-Weiss interchain correction. The general Hamiltonian used is of the form H = − J ∑ S 1 S 2 . The ratio of exchange energies denoted α ( α = J FM | J AFM | ) ranges between 2.6 and 4.7. This family of compounds constitutes possible S = ½ Haldane-like materials.

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure, molecular dynamics simulations, MM-GBSA analysis, and bioactivity studies of pyrazine- and pyrimidine-modulated unsymmetrical dipyridylamide complexes

By using unsymmetrical pyrazine- and pyrimidine-modulated oligo-α-pyridylamine ligand N-(4-methylpyrimidin-2-yl)pyrazin-2-amine (Hmpmpza) (1), 1D copper(II) coordination polymer {[Cu(mpmpza)(CH3COO)](CH3OH)(H2O)}n (2) and mononuclear copper(II) complex [Cu(Hmpmpza)(NO3)2] (3) were first successfully synthesized and structurally characterized. In complex (2), Cu(II) is six-coordinated in an elongated octahedral geometry. The Hmpmpza molecule coordinates with the Cu(II) as a tridentate ligand, in which the pyrimidine and amine group nitrogen atoms link the coordination units to an infinite 1-D chain polymer. Extensive hydrogen bonds between amino groups, acetate anions, methanol, and water molecules are observed in 2, resulting in a 3D network of the 2. Complex 2 provides the first example of the complex with a modulated Hdpa ligand, in which nitrogen atoms both of the pyrazine and pyrimidine cycles participated in the coordination with the metal center. There are two crystallographically independent molecules in a mononuclear complex 3 and the Cu(II) atom is six-coordinated in an elongated octahedral geometry. Hmpmpza in complex 3 coordinates to the Cu(II) in an anti-anti conformation as a bidentate ligand. The hydrogen bonds between amino groups and coordinated nitrate anions in complex 3, link its molecules to a 1-D chain structure. However, no hydrogen bonding linkage between the 1-D chains is observed. The temperature dependence magnetic susceptibility measurement for complex 2 described by the Bonner-Fischer approximation shows a weak antiferromagnetic coupling between Cu(II) ions. The best fitting results were obtained with parameters g = 2.141, J = −0.73 cm−1 and R = 4.85 × 10−6. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the 2-hAChE, 3-hAChE, 2-hBChE, and 3-hBChE complexes offer comprehensive insights into the stability and dynamic behavior of ligand-protein interactions. These findings contribute to a detailed understanding of the specific dynamics governing the stability of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase complexes.

Doble synergetic anticancer activity through a combined chemo-photodynamic therapy and bioimaging of a novel Cas-ZnONPs all-in-one system

A strategy for cancer treatment was implemented, based on chemo-photodynamic therapy, utilizing a novel formulation, low-cost system called Cas-ZnONPs. This system consisted of the incorporation of Casiopeina III-ia (CasIII-ia), a hydrophilic copper coordination compound with well-documented anti-neoplastic activity, on Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) with apoptotic activity and lipophilicity, allowing them to permeate biological barriers. Additionally, ZnONPs exhibited fluorescence, with emission at different wavelengths depending on their agglomeration and enabling real-time tracking biodistribution. Also, ZnONPs served as a sensitizer, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ. In in vitro studies on HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, a synergistic effect was observed with the impregnated CasIII-ia on ZnONPs. The anticancer activity had an increase in cellular inhibition, depending on the dose of exposure to UV–vis irradiation. In in vivo studies utilized zebrafish models for xenotransplanting stained MDA-MB-231 cells and testing the effectiveness of Cas-ZnONPs treatment. The treatment successfully eliminated cancer cells, both when combined with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and when used alone. However, a significantly higher concentration (50 times) of Cas-ZnONPs was required in the absence of PDT. This demonstrates the potential of Cas-ZnONPs in cancer treatment, especially when combined with PDT.

Copper(II) coordination to the intrinsically disordered region of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1

The intrinsically disordered C-terminal peptide region of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nonstructural protein-1 (Nsp1-CT) inhibits host protein synthesis by blocking messenger RNA (mRNA) access to the 40S ribosome entrance tunnel. Aqueous copper(II) ions bind to the disordered peptide with micromolar affinity, creating a possible strategy to restore protein synthesis during host infection. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and tryptophan fluorescence measurements on a 10-residue model of the disordered protein region (Nsp1-CT10), combined with advanced quantum mechanics calculations, suggest that the peptide binds to copper(II) as a multidentate ligand. Two optimized computational models of the copper(II)-peptide complexes were derived: One corresponding to pH 6.5 and the other describing the complex at pH 7.5 to 8.5. Simulated EPR spectra based on the calculated model structures are in good agreement with experimental spectra.

Post-synthetic Metalation on the Ionic TiO2 Surface to Enhance Metal-CO2 Interaction During Photochemical CO2 Reduction.

During the photochemical CO2 reduction reaction, CO2 adsorption on the catalyst's surface is a crucial step where the binding mode of the [metal-CO2] adduct directs the product selectivity and efficiency. Herein, an ionic TiO2 nanostructure stabilized by polyoxometalates (POM), ([POM]x@TiO2), is prepared and the sodium counter ions present on the surface to balance the POMs' charge are replaced with copper(II) ions, (Cux[POM]@TiO2). The microscopic and spectroscopic studies affirm the copper exchange without altering the TiO2 core and weak coordination of copper (II) ions to the POMs' surface. Band structure analysis suggests the photo-harvesting efficiency of the TiO2 core with the conduction band edge higher than the reduction potential of CuII/I and multi-electron CO2 reduction potentials. Photochemical CO2 reduction with Cux[POM]@TiO2 results in 30 μmol gcat. -1 CO (79 %) and 8 μmol gcat -1 of CH4 (21 %). Quasi-in-situ Raman study provides evidence in support of CO2 adsorption on the Cux[POM]@TiO2 surface. 13C and D2O labeling studies affirm the {Cu-[CO2]-} adduct formation. Despite the photo-harvesting ability of Nax[POM]@TiO2 itself, the poor CO2 adsorption ability of sodium ions highlights the crucial role of copper ion CO2 photo-reduction. Characterization of the {M-[η2-CO2]-} species via surface tuning validates the CO2 activation and photochemical reduction pathway proposed earlier.