2,2′-Bipyrimidine-based luminescent Ru(ii)/Ir(iii)–arene monometallic and homo- and hetero-bimetallic complexes for therapy against MDA-MB-468 and caco-2 cells

Abstract

To unearth suitable complexes that are capable of inhibiting the growth of MDA-MB-468 and Caco-2 cells, 2,2′-bipyrimidine-based luminescent Ru(II)/Ir(III)–arene monometallic and homo- and hetero-bimetallic complexes were synthesized. The complex [(η⁶-p-cymene)(η⁵-Cp*)Ru^IIIr^IIICl₂(K²-N,N-bipyrimidine)](PF₆)₂ [LRuIr] exhibited the best potency in both cells along with good GSH stability and strong binding efficacy with the biomolecules. The apoptotic event occurred in MDA-MB-468 cancer cells via cell cycle arrest.