Naphthalimide–organometallic hybrids as multi-targeted anticancer and luminescent cellular imaging agents

Abstract

1,8-Naphthalimides with an organometallic moiety with anticancer and luminescence or photoactive properties are reviewed. Primarily highlighted are 1,8-naphthalimide complexes with iron, platinum, and ruthenium, while honourable mentions are given to iridium, rhenium and rhodium complexes. The cytotoxicity, mechanism of action and cell selectivity of the compounds are discussed alongside their photophysical properties for monitoring interactions with biomolecules, most notably DNA, by absorption, fluorescence and dichroism spectroscopy. The luminescence properties provide additional insight regarding the cellular uptake and location of the intelligent agents within both cancer and healthy cells. The versatility of this emerging hybrid class of molecules earmarks them as multi-functional therapeutic and cellular imaging agents. The review concludes with suggestions for designing more effective multi-targeting cytotoxic agents with improved biocompatibility and imaging in hopes of enhancing their clinical potential.

Graphical abstract: Naphthalimide–organometallic hybrids as multi-targeted anticancer and luminescent cellular imaging agents

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Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
07 Mar 2025
Accepted
17 Jul 2025
First published
08 Aug 2025
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

RSC Med. Chem., 2025, Advance Article

Naphthalimide–organometallic hybrids as multi-targeted anticancer and luminescent cellular imaging agents

D. C. Magri and A. D. Johnson, RSC Med. Chem., 2025, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D5MD00205B

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