The use of targeted chemotherapeutic agents and of locally active treatments such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), are strategies to tackle the side effects and enhance the effectiveness of anticancer treatments. In this context, the development of multifunctional drugs, which combine targeted chemotherapy and photosensitizing capabilities, has garnered increased attention. Herein, we introduce two polypyridyl ruthenium(II) compounds featuring tamoxifen-related ligands (RuTamOMe and RuTamOH) targeting the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and able to generate singlet oxygen via energy transfer. The compounds display enhanced phototoxicity, tested in different cell lines (A375 melanoma, MDA-MB-231 triple negative adenocarcinoma and MCF-7 ER+ breast cancer cells) and examined in terms of the ERα expression dependence. Computational studies were also performed, corroborating the suitability of the compounds to target ER, maintaining tamoxifen's affinity for the receptor binding site, and revealing a minimal influence of the stereochemical configuration of the compounds on their targeting capabilities. Altogether, our results highlight the potential of hybrid Ru(II) polypyridyl compounds as suitable platforms for generating targeted metallodrugs with photosensitizing capabilities.

The dinuclear ruthenium (Ru) compounds Ru265 and Ru360 are inhibitors of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) and potential therapeutic agents for conditions associated with mitochondrial calcium (mt-Ca2+) dysregulation. The nitrido-bridged Ru265 offers improved cell permeability and redox stability relative to the oxo-bridged analogue, Ru360, while maintaining high selectivity and potency. In this study, extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy interrogated the stability of these compounds in buffer, saline/DMSO solutions, and human blood by probing the sensitive Ru─X─Ru scattering signal. Both dinuclear compounds remained intact in a pH 7.4 buffered solution, even in the presence of glutathione (5 mol equiv). Following addition to whole blood, EXAFS identified the presence of diaqua-capped Ru265', indicating axial ligand substitution but confirming stability of the Ru─N─Ru backbone during incubation (1 h, 37 °C). In contrast, Ru360' rapidly degraded in saline/DMSO at room temperature, as evidenced by the diminished intensity of the Ru···Ru peak at ∼3.65 Å in the EXAFS Fourier transform. Subsequently, the mononuclear Ru360' degradation products displayed negligible uptake into red blood cells. These findings support previous studies highlighting the improved stability of Ru265 and provide validation of the structure and coordination environment of the complex in an ex vivo human blood sample.

ABSTRACT In October 2023, deposits retrieved from the X6 penetration of the primary containment vessel in Unit 2 of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station were analyzed and found to contain Ni and S-rich particles with platinum-group elements (Ru, Rh, and Pd) Based on microstructural and compositional analyses combined with existing knowledge of the accident analysis, the origin of Ni and S was inferred to be from structural alloys and injected seawater, respectively, and suggesting high-temperature interactions between core materials and seawater-derived species. To investigate the formation mechanism of the particles, laboratory experiments were performed on the reactions between Ni and MgSO4, the main sulfate species derived from seawater through concentration process. Pelletized mixtures of Ni and MgSO4 powders, with and without Fe addition, were heated at 900°C–1100°C under controlled Ar – H2–H2O atmospheres. Post-test metallographic analysis revealed the formation of Ni, Ni – Mg – O oxides, and Ni3S2. In Fe-containing systems, Fe – Ni sulfides formed, suppressing Ni3S2 production. These results support a mechanism in which seawater-derived MgSO4 reacts with segregated Ni during core degradation, yielding Ni3S2, as observed in Unit 2 deposits. The findings provide new insights into in-vessel chemical processes and offer indirect evidence that seawater reached and interacted with the fuel debris.

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a novel vanillin-derived Schiff base and its Ruthenium(II) p-cymene complex, followed by an in silico investigation of their ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) properties. The Schiff base exhibited promising predicted gastrointestinal absorption and was not a P-glycoprotein substrate but showed limited blood-brain barrier penetration. In contrast, Ruthenium complex, while retaining high predicted gastrointestinal absorption, was predicted to be a P-glycoprotein substrate and also showed limited blood-brain barrier penetration. The complex further exhibited poor water solubility and potential CYP3A4 inhibition. While the Schiff base displayed a more favorable ADME profile, the Ruthenium complex, despite its challenges, warrants further exploration for potential anticancer applications due to the known cytotoxic potential of Ruthenium compounds. This study highlights the impact of Ruthenium complexation on the ADME characteristics of the Schiff base and emphasizes the need for further experimental validation.

Highly sensitive dye solar cell (DSSC) characteristics in preparation and use of effective methods depending on the external influence, their electrical, photoelectric and photovoltaic characteristics have been studied. The temperature dependence with the conductivity properties of the electrolyte was studied using alternating currents of different frequencies. The results showed that the photocell assembled with TiO2 and ruthenium photoanode had the best photogeneration ability when I2 concentration was 0.015%. The bandgap of the sample obtained using the Taus method based on the Bouguer Lambert law is 0.3 mMol N3 (αhν1/2, cm-1/2, eV1/2=0.99) (Eg=1.804 eV: 1.603eV). For the created thin film solar cell, the conductivity value of the sample was calculated to be σ =0.0493378 Ω-1 with the help of obtaining and analyzing the photoelectric characteristics of the impedance spectroscopy method.

A novel ruthenium(II) compound, cis-[Ru(phen)2(4-bzpy)(Cl)](PF6) (complex I), where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and 4-bzpy = 4-benzoylpyridine, was synthesized and fully characterized using electrochemical and spectroscopic methods, and its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations were performed to shed light on the electronic structure and nature of the vibrational and electronic transitions. The photochemical behavior of complex I in aqueous solution showed that irradiation with blue light (453nm) promoted the release of the coordinated 4-bzpy ligand originating cis-[Ru(phen)2(H2O)(Cl)]+ ion, as identified by NMR and electronic spectroscopy. Moreover, complex I exhibited a great ability to cleave DNA molecules upon blue light irradiation, which was associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen and superoxide anion). In this study, we also investigated the antimicrobial activity of complex I along with a similar compound, cis-[Ru(bpy)2(4-bzpy)(Cl)](PF6) (complex II), their precursors [Ru(bpy)2Cl2] and [Ru(phen)2Cl2], and the free ligand 4-bzpy. These two ruthenium complexes I and II have a common auxiliary ligand 4-bzpy, but distinct chelating ligands (phenanthroline or 2,2'-bipyridine, bpy). Notably, both complexes showed promising antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. However, complex I showed a superior antibacterial effect compared with complex II, supporting the important role of the phen ligand, likely providing greater lipophilicity to this compound.

Ruthenium compounds bearing chalcogenonitrosyl ligands(NE, whereE = O, S, Se, Te) represent a unique class of molecules with intriguingbonding patterns and potential relevance in redox-active systems.This manuscript presents a systematic investigation of a series ofruthenium-chalcogenonitrosyl compounds through combined Density FunctionalTheory (DFT) and generalized Kohn–Sham energy decompositionanalysis (GKS-EDA) calculations. The compounds were evaluated bothbefore and after one-electron reduction, focusing on their structuraland electronic properties. Our results reveal clear trends in geometry,bond strength, and charge distribution, providing insight into thefundamental bonding interactions that govern the stability and redoxbehavior of these species. In particular, we examine the nature ofthe Ru–NE bond across the chalcogen series and evaluate theeffects of one-electron reduction on these systems. The results demonstratethat one-electron reduction favors the labilization of the chalcogenonitrosylligands, as demonstrated by spin density plots and wave function analyses.The total interaction energy (ΔEtot) for the Ru–NE bond indicates that, following one-electronreduction, this interaction is weakened by a factor of 2.9 to 4.2(from NTe to NO) compared to the neutral species, accompanied by adecrease in the Ru–N–E angle of approximately 30°.

Herein we reporta novel ruthenium-based photocage forphotoactivatedchemotherapy (PACT) that can deliver a variety of experimental andclinically approved anticancer drugs using red and far-red light.The new caging moiety is based on the polypyridine pentadentate ligand N6,N6″-di­(pyridin-2-yl)-[2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine]-6,6″-diamine(baptpy), which once coordinated to ruthenium­(II) can form the helicallychiral [Ru­(baptpy)­(L)]­X2 prodrugs [6]­Cl2-[16]­Cl2. A total of ten activepharmaceutical ingredients (L) have been successfullyconjugated to this photocage, including well-known agents such as Albendazole, Gemcitabine, Bosutinib, Neratinib, and Ponatinib. The X-ray crystalstructures of seven complexes were obtained, showing coordinationof ligand L via its thioether, nitrile, pyridine or imidazolemoieties. All prepared ruthenium compounds showed selective photosubstitutionof the monodentate ligand under 625 (red) and 730 nm (far-red) lightirradiation with good (0.005–0.05) to excellent (0.05–0.10)quantum yields, while no singlet oxygen generation was observed. Ascalculated by density functional theory and time-dependent densityfunctional theory, the high-wavelength light absorption of [Ru­(baptpy)­(L)]­X2 complexes and their favorable ligand exchangebehavior under low-energy light are the consequence of the strongdistortion of the first coordination sphere, combined with the electroniceffect of the amine bridges of the baptpy ligand. Preliminary biologicalactivity of complexes [6]­Cl2-[16]­Cl2 was investigated in vitro by cytotoxicitystudies in the dark and under red light irradiation in normoxic A375and U-87MG human cancer cell lines. Several of the obtained PACT prodrugsexhibited micro- to nanomolar EC50 values upon red lightactivation, with photoindexes as high as 7.5. [7]­Cl2 showed a photoindex of 6.2 upon far-red light activation(730 nm), which is unprecedented for a ruthenium-based PACT, whilethe ruthenium cage itself showed very low toxicity in both the darkand light irradiation.

Abstract We investigated the metal nodules, veins, fine‐grained particles of ordinary chondrites (OC) Ash Creek (L6), Ghubara (L5), NWA 6096 (L6), Tsarev (L5), Kunya‐Urgench (H5), NWA 1588 (H3.8), Tamdakht (H5) and Timochin (H5) using optical microscopy, SEM, and LA‐ICP‐MS to determine trace element distributions and understand the origin of these metal components. The metal nodules have a fractionated siderophile element composition differing from OC metal, indicating the elements were distributed during melting. Most nodules and veins are depleted in Cu and the highly refractory siderophile elements (HRSE) Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, and Rh. Nodules and veins are enriched in W, Mo, Ni, Co, Au, As, and Sb compared to OC metal. Kunya‐Urgench metal shows progressive depletion of refractory siderophile elements, likely due to in situ fractionation of liquid metal injected into the chondrite host. We modeled crystallization of L and H chondrite metal melts, producing results similar to the observed compositions, supporting the hypothesis that the metal components may have originated from unfractionated melted in situ primary metal of chondrites. Variations between modeled and observed W, Fe, and Ga abundances suggest varying redox conditions during melting or metamorphism. Tsarev nodule has a unique HRSE zoning recording its high‐temperature thermal history, with modeled cooling to 1300°C in ~1 year, suggesting crystallization in a thermally insulated environment, possibly under a hot layer of impact ejecta. The low‐temperature thermal histories (660–200°C) of investigated meteorites' metal suggest that shock compression and re‐heating may have resulted in a subsolidus decomposition/recrystallization of the metal.

Abstract Electrochemical reduction reactions, including the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CRR), and nitrate reduction reaction (NRR), hold promise for energy conversion and storage. However, electrocatalysts exhibit slow kinetics and inactivation effects, resulting in inadequate energy efficiency and poor stability. To address these challenges, the group VIII element‐based single‐atom electrocatalysts (GVSAEs) were endowed with tunable electronic structures and porous carbon substrates to reduce intermediate adsorption and desorption energy barriers, which can accelerate electrochemical kinetics. This mini review summarises the recent achievements in GVSAEs with electronic structure and porous substrate engineering discussions. Furthermore, these GVSAEs are divided into non‐noble iron series element (Fe, Co, and Ni) single‐atom electrocatalysts and noble platinum series elements (Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt) based single‐atom electrocatalysts for the ORR, HER, CRR, and NRR, where the porous substrate structure, electronic structure, and catalytic activity are discussed. Finally, conclusions and perspectives relating to future challenges and potential opportunities are provided for electrocatalysis with better performance.

Synthesis, spectroscopic, computational, molecular docking, antidiabetic(in vitro & in vivo) DNA and BSA interaction studies of ruthenium(II) carboxylate complexes.

In vitro anticancer activity of encapsulated polymeric nanoparticles of cabazitaxel and ruthenium compound NAMI-A drugs in the treatment of esophogeal cancer

Abstract Additive elements change plastic deformation in complicated manners, which may directly affect dislocation activities or indirectly affect plasticity associated microstructure. Clarifying such a complexity is still a challenge as it is not easy to decouple various effect mechanisms, especially in experiments. Previous investigations mainly focused on the indirect effect of additive elements on plasticity associated microstructure. In the present work, we try to clarify the direct effect of additive elements on dislocation activities by three-dimensional discrete dislocation dynamics, using the case of Ni-based single crystal superalloys with additive elements Ru, Cr, and Mo. The three additive elements are chosen because they are crucial for the mechanical properties of Ni-based single crystal superalloys. Moreover, their excess volumes are distinct and hence can be representative additive elements. The results show that both the excess volume and concentration of additive elements contribute to the strengthening of single crystal Ni-based superalloys. The strengthening effect enhances as the excess volume increases and the concentration increases, regardless of the loading conditions. Competition mechanisms of additive elements which cause different mechanical features under different loading conditions are also analyzed.

This research presents, for the first time, a comprehensive and rigorous investigation of ruthenium(II) chalcogenonitrosyl bonding situations in two sets of coordination compounds: [Ru(NE)Cl2(LOEt)] (1a-4a) and [Ru(NE)Cl2(LOEt)]- (1b-4b), where E = O, S, Se, Te. Prior to and following the one-electron reduction, the Ru-NE bonding situations were subjected to analysis. The calculated geometric parameters indicate that both the Ru-NE and N-E bond lengths are susceptible to variation depending on the nature of the chalcogen employed. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the one-electron reduction process serves to diminish the NE double bond character. The generalized Kohn-Sham energy decomposition analysis (GKS-EDA) was conducted to illustrate the Ru-NE bonding scenarios prior to and following the one-electron reduction. The results provide valuable insights into the nature of Ru(II)-NE (E = O, S, Se, Te) bonds, the influence of chalcogens on ruthenium compounds, as well as how the one-electron reduction affects the release of NE groups. The main findings indicate that the total interaction energy, prior to the one-electron reduction, is three to four times more stabilizing than in the reduced analogs, confirming that the reduction unequivocally enhances the lability of the Ru-NE bond even when heavier chalcogen analogues are employed.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, with increasing incidence rates observed in young adults and Asian populations. Recent advancements in diagnostic tools, targeted therapies, and precision medicine approaches have revolutionized CRC management. This review aimed to summarize the latest developments in CRC diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, focusing on innovative technologies and personalized approaches. Advanced imaging techniques, including high-definition colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, and integrated PET-CT scans, have enhanced CRC detection and staging accuracy. Novel biomarkers such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), microRNAs (miRNAs), and exosomes show promise for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Precision medicine employs molecular profiling to guide targeted therapies, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, V-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Anti-cancer metal ions such as platinum, ruthenium, and gallium compounds demonstrate efficacy through diverse mechanisms. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in imaging analysis, pathology, and treatment planning enhances diagnostic accuracy and personalized care. Herbal and traditional medicines, including curcumin and green tea catechins, exhibit anti-tumor properties and potential synergistic effects with conventional therapies. Prevention strategies include lifestyle modifications, screening programs, and risk-based personalized approaches. Emerging technologies such as organoid engineering and nanomedicine, offer new avenues for drug discovery and targeted delivery. Integrating advanced diagnostic tools, targeted therapies, and personalized approaches has substantially improved CRC management. However, challenges remain in addressing tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and treatment accessibility. Future research should focus on validating emerging technologies and biomarkers through large-scale clinical trials to further enhance CRC prevention, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes.

The formation and characterization of new diamagnetic ruthenium uracil mono-imine compounds: [(η6-p-cymene)RuII(L)Cl][BF4] (L=H2urpda=5-((pyridin-2-yl)methyleneamino)-6-aminouracil) for 1, urdpy=6-amino-1,3-dimethyl-5-((pyridin-2-ylmethylene)amino)uracil) for 2 or urqda=5-((quinolin-2-yl)methyleneamino)-6-aminouracil) for 3); cis-[Ru(bipy)2(urpy)](BF4)2 (4) (urpy=5-((pyridin-2-yl)methyleneamino)uracil) and cis-[Ru(bipy)2(dapd)] (5) (H2dadp=5,6-diaminouracil) are described. A ruthenium(IV) uracil Schiff base compound, trans-[Ru(urpda)(PPh3)Cl2] (6) was also formed. Various physicochemical techniques were utilized to characterize the novel ruthenium compounds. Similarly, the stabilities of 1-3 and 6 monitored in chloro-containing and the non-coordinating solvent, dichloromethane show that they are kinetically inert, whereas, in a high nucleophilic environment, the chloride co-ligands of these ruthenium complexes were rapidly substituted by DMSO. In contrast, the substitution of the labile co-ligands for these ruthenium complexes by DMSO molecules in a high chloride content was suppressed. Solution chemical reactivities of the different ruthenium complexes were rationalized by density functional theory computations. Furthermore, the binding affinities and strengths between BSA and the respective ruthenium complexes were monitored using fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, the in vitro anti-diabetic activities of the novel metal complexes were assessed in selected skeletal muscle and liver cell lines.

The non-carbonaceous nature of Earth’s late-stage accretion

To gain insight into the source of ore material, this study presents the first Re-Os and Pt-Os isotopic and highly siderophile element (HSE) abundance data for chromitite and osmium minerals from the Guli massif of ultramafic, alkaline rocks and carbonatites located in the Maimecha-Kotui province, Polar Siberia. The study utilized a number of analytical techniques, including electron microprobe analysis, negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry (N-TIMS) and high pressure asher digestion and an isotope dilution-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The HSE concentrations in chromitite samples range from 191 to 866 ppb with a predominance of Ir-group platinum-group elements (PGE) (Os, Ir and Ru) over Pt-group PGE (Rh, Pt and Pd) and Re, which is consistent with their platinum-group mineral control (i. e., Os-Ir alloys and laurite, RuS2) within the chromitite. The Re-Os and Pt-Os isotope data indicate that the HSE budget of the chromitite and osmium minerals from the Guli massif was largely controlled by that of the mantle source, which evolved with long-term near-chondritic Re/Os and Pt/Os ratios; this source is within the range of those for the majority of komatiite and abyssal peridotite sources.

Ruthenium compounds offer improved selectivity and fewer side effects compared to platinum-based drugs in glioblastoma treatment. Insights into their interactions with transferrin suggest targeted drug delivery, while photoactivated chemotherapy is a novel cytotoxic approach in tumor tissues.

Metallocompounds have emerged as promising new anticancer agents, which can also exhibit properties to be used in photodynamic therapy. Here, we prepared two ruthenium-based compounds with a 2,2'-bipyridine ligand conjugated to an anthracenyl moiety. These compounds coded GRBA and GRPA contain 2,2'-bipyridine or 1,10-phenathroline as auxiliary ligands, respectively, which provide quite a distinct behavior. Notably, compound GRPA exhibited remarkably high photoproduction of singlet oxygen even in water (ϕΔ = 0.96), almost twice that of GRBA (ϕΔ = 0.52). On the other hand, this latter produced twice more superoxide and hydroxyl radical species than GRPA, which may be due to the modulation of their excited state. Interestingly, GRPA exhibited a modest binding to DNA (Kb = 4.51 × 104), while GRBA did not show a measurable interaction only noticed by circular dichroism measurements. Studies with bacteria showed a great antimicrobial effect, including a synergistic effect in combination with commercial antibiotics. Besides that, GRBA showed very low or no cytotoxicity against four mammalian cells, including a hard-to-treat MDA-MB-231, triple-negative human breast cancer. Potent activities were measured for GRBA upon blue light irradiation, where IC50 of 43 and 13 nmol L-1 were seen against hard-to-treat triple-negative human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) and ovarian cancer cells (A2780), respectively. These promising results are an interesting case of a simple modification with expressive enhancement of biological activity that deserves further biological studies.