Vadde Ramu

Cell viability imaging in tumor spheroids via DNA binding of a ruthenium(ii) light-switch complex† The famous ‘‘light-switch’’ ruthenium complex [Ru(bpy)2(dppz)](PF6)2 (1) has been long known for its DNA binding properties in vitro. However, the biological utility of this compound has been hampered by its poor cellular uptake in living cells.

Introduction Research on metal-based anticancer drugs has been encouraged for many years by the clinical success of cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, and nedaplatin, four metal-based drugs used in the treatment of cancer.(1−3) However, the similar mode of action of these platinum-based compounds, where aquation of some of the leaving groups by intracellular water leads to nonselective covalent binding of platinum to DNA, results in significant side effects and drug resistance.(3−10)...