Harnessing mitochondrial targeting: biguanide–iridium(iii) complexes with enhanced anticancer activity in pancreatic cells

Abstract

Targeting mitochondrial function offers a compelling route for selective cancer therapy. We report the design, synthesis, and biological assessment of three novel biguanide–iridium(III) complexes as potent mitochondrial disruptors in pancreatic cancer cells. These complexes demonstrate markedly enhanced cytotoxicity compared to their parent biguanide ligands. Confocal imaging confirms rapid mitochondrial localization within 30 minutes, with subsequent impairment of the respiratory chain, suggesting a direct mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of iridium-based metallodrugs in targeting metabolic vulnerabilities of pancreatic cancer.