Terpyridines and Their Complexes with First Row Transition Metal Ions. A Biomedical Perspective

Winter, Andreas; Gottschaldt, Michael; Newkome, George R.; Schubert, Ulrich S.

Abstract:

Transition metal complexes with terpyridine ligands have attracted a widespread interest with respect to biomedical applications: [(tpy)PtCl]Cl and [(tpy)RuCl3] are potent anti-tumor agents with activities comparable to those of cisplatin and carboplatin. The RuII complexes feature a high potential as reactive probes for DNA oxidation; whereas, luminescent IrIII, PtII or EuIII complexes have been utilized in biolabeling applications. Besides complexes based on heavy second or third row transition metal ions, remarkable results have been obtained with respect to the development of new types of metallodrugs, based on the naturally more abundant and intrinsically less toxic first row transition metal ions (e.g. FeII, CuI/II, ZnII). The perspective of these complexes in particular with respect to future biomedical applications in chemotherapy and cleavage of nucleic acids is evaluated in this review.

Year:

2012

Type of Publication:

Article

Journal:

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry

Volume:

12

Pages:

158-175