Themed collection Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry

29 items
Open Access Review Article

Metal complexes for catalytic and photocatalytic reactions in living cells and organisms

This review presents discrete metal complexes that catalyse or photocatalyse reactions within living cells or living organisms.

Graphical abstract: Metal complexes for catalytic and photocatalytic reactions in living cells and organisms
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Communication

O–O bond formation via radical coupling in a dinuclear iron water oxidation catalyst with high catalytic activity

A mechanism involving O–O bond formation via radical coupling of two subunits is proposed for a dinuclear iron complex. The mechanism can proceed at low overpotentials and agrees with the experimental kinetics.

Graphical abstract: O–O bond formation via radical coupling in a dinuclear iron water oxidation catalyst with high catalytic activity
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Edge Article

Supramolecular interaction of a molecular catalyst with a polymeric carbon nitride photoanode enhances photoelectrochemical activity and stability at neutral pH

Supramolecular interaction of a Ru15 oligomeric catalyst with polymeric carbon nitride forms CNTM–Ru15 hybrid system, achieving high photoelectrochemical water-splitting activity, enhanced stability, and >89% faradaic efficiency for O2 at neutral pH.

Graphical abstract: Supramolecular interaction of a molecular catalyst with a polymeric carbon nitride photoanode enhances photoelectrochemical activity and stability at neutral pH
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Edge Article

Exploring the influence of H-bonding and ligand constraints on thiolate ligated non-heme iron mediated dioxygen activation

The kinetics study herein experimentally demonstrates that an inner-sphere ET mechanism is involved in the conversion of triplet O2 into a powerful oxidant by an RS–Fe complex. Hydrogen-bond donors are shown to destabilize the transition-state.

Graphical abstract: Exploring the influence of H-bonding and ligand constraints on thiolate ligated non-heme iron mediated dioxygen activation
From the themed collection: 2024 ChemSci Pick of the Week Collection
Open Access Edge Article

A porphyrin-based molecular cage guided by designed local-electric field is highly selective and efficient

The present work outlines a general methodology for designing efficient catalytic machineries that can easily be tweaked to meet the demands of the target reactions.

Graphical abstract: A porphyrin-based molecular cage guided by designed local-electric field is highly selective and efficient
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Edge Article

Outer coordination sphere influences on cofactor maturation and substrate oxidation by cytochrome P460

Spectroscopy and kinetics are used to evaluate the role of the secondary coordination sphere in substrate/product binding as well as reactivity in the nitrification enzyme cytochrome P460.

Graphical abstract: Outer coordination sphere influences on cofactor maturation and substrate oxidation by cytochrome P460
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Edge Article

Disulfide radical anion as a super-reductant in biology and photoredox chemistry

Peak and half-peak potentials poorly approximate standard reduction potentials (E0), especially for compounds that dissociate upon reduction. We determine E0 of disulfides and show cysteine disulfide radical anion to be a powerful biological reductant.

Graphical abstract: Disulfide radical anion as a super-reductant in biology and photoredox chemistry
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Edge Article

Horizontal proton transfer across the antiporter-like subunits in mitochondrial respiratory complex I

Proton transfer in the membrane domain of complex I.

Graphical abstract: Horizontal proton transfer across the antiporter-like subunits in mitochondrial respiratory complex I
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Edge Article

Unveiling the impact of oxidation-driven endogenous protein interactions on the dynamics of amyloid-β aggregation and toxicity

We illuminate that cytochrome c (Cyt c) directly interacts with amyloid-β (Aβ) and alters Aβ amyloidogenesis in a peroxide-dependent manner, which demonstrates its new role towards the amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Graphical abstract: Unveiling the impact of oxidation-driven endogenous protein interactions on the dynamics of amyloid-β aggregation and toxicity
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Edge Article

An artificial metallolyase with pliable 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad for stereoselective Michael addition

We repurposed the metal-binding site of a cupin superfamily protein into the 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad, which is the common motifs in natural non-heme enzymes, to construct artificial metalloenzymes that can catalyze new-to-nature reactions.

Graphical abstract: An artificial metallolyase with pliable 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad for stereoselective Michael addition
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Edge Article

Spin polarization assisted facile C–H activation by an S = 1 iron(IV)–bisimido complex: a comprehensive spectroscopic and theoretical investigation

A spectroscopic and computational study reveals that bulky electron-withdrawing imido substituents stabilize a rare S = 1 iron(IV)–bisimido complex with a pseudo doubly degenerate ground electronic structure, accounting for its facile HAT reactivity.

Graphical abstract: Spin polarization assisted facile C–H activation by an S = 1 iron(iv)–bisimido complex: a comprehensive spectroscopic and theoretical investigation
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Edge Article

Binding of exogenous cyanide reveals new active-site states in [FeFe] hydrogenases

Binding of exogenous cyanide to the active site H-cluster in [FeFe] hydrogenase stabilizes new active-site states with an overoxidized diiron cofactor showing how σ-donor/π-acceptor interactions influence the electronic structure of metallocofactors.

Graphical abstract: Binding of exogenous cyanide reveals new active-site states in [FeFe] hydrogenases
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Edge Article

Dynamic effects on ligand field from rapid hydride motion in an iron(II) dimer with an S = 3 ground state

Crystallographic, spectroscopic, and computational studies on diiron(II) hydride complexes reveal rapid hydride motions that cause major changes in the electronic structures of the iron sites.

Graphical abstract: Dynamic effects on ligand field from rapid hydride motion in an iron(ii) dimer with an S = 3 ground state
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Edge Article

A mitochondria-localized iridium(III) photosensitizer for two-photon photodynamic immunotherapy against melanoma

An iridium(III) two-photon photosensitizer was demonstrated to effectively trigger melanoma cell death by a combination of ferroptosis and ICD, and also cause the systemic induction of an immune response.

Graphical abstract: A mitochondria-localized iridium(iii) photosensitizer for two-photon photodynamic immunotherapy against melanoma
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Paper

Multi-functional biotinylated platinum(IV)–SAHA conjugate for tumor-targeted chemotherapy

Herein, we have developed a hydrolytically stable biotinylated Pt(IV) complex conjugated with a histone deacetylase inhibitor (SAHA) as a multi-functional tumour targeted chemotherapeutic agent.

Graphical abstract: Multi-functional biotinylated platinum(iv)–SAHA conjugate for tumor-targeted chemotherapy
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Paper

Chelation of [111In]In3+ with the dual-size-selective macrocycles py-macrodipa and py2-macrodipa

The dual-size-selective chelators py-macrodipa and py2-macrodipa were investigated for their abilities to complex [111In]In3+. These chelators form highly stable complexes of this diagnostic radiometal under mild radiolabeling conditions.

Graphical abstract: Chelation of [111In]In3+ with the dual-size-selective macrocycles py-macrodipa and py2-macrodipa
From the themed collection: Dalton Transactions HOT Articles
Paper

Gastric stability of bare and chitosan-fabricated ferritin and its bio-mineral: implication for potential dietary iron supplements

Frog M ferritins retain their cage assembly and encapsulated iron mineral in simulated gastric fluid. Fabrication with chitosan further enhanced the cage stability and iron retention capability of ferritins.

Graphical abstract: Gastric stability of bare and chitosan-fabricated ferritin and its bio-mineral: implication for potential dietary iron supplements
From the themed collection: Dalton Transactions HOT Articles
Paper

Salicylaldehyde-derived piperazine-functionalized hydrazone ligand-based Pt(II) complexes: inhibition of EZH2-dependent tumorigenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, synergism with PARP inhibitors and enhanced apoptosis

Methyl piperazine functionalized Pt(II) complexes with general formula L-PtCl were prepared, structurally characterized and studied for their in vitro mechanistic anticancer effect in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells.

Graphical abstract: Salicylaldehyde-derived piperazine-functionalized hydrazone ligand-based Pt(ii) complexes: inhibition of EZH2-dependent tumorigenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, synergism with PARP inhibitors and enhanced apoptosis
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Paper

Cyclometalated iridium(III) tetrazine complexes for mitochondria-targeted two-photon photodynamic therapy

Cyclometalated Ir(III) tetrazine complexes were developed to act as mitochondria-targeted photosensitizers for efficient two-photon photodynamic therapy.

Graphical abstract: Cyclometalated iridium(iii) tetrazine complexes for mitochondria-targeted two-photon photodynamic therapy
From the themed collection: Dalton Transactions HOT Articles
Paper

Exploring the potential of ruthenium(II)–phosphine–mercapto complexes as new anticancer agents

Ru(II)–phosphine–mercapto complexes are cytotoxic against breast cancer cells.

Graphical abstract: Exploring the potential of ruthenium(ii)–phosphine–mercapto complexes as new anticancer agents
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Paper

Alkaline earth metal-assisted dinitrogen activation at nickel

Rare examples of trinuclear [Ni–N2–M–N2–Ni] core (M = Ca, Mg) with linear bridged dinitrogen ligands are reported in this work.

Graphical abstract: Alkaline earth metal-assisted dinitrogen activation at nickel
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Paper

Exploring binding preferences: Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes of mycobacterial GroEL1 His-rich and Glu/His-rich domains

This study contrasts the Cu(II)/Ni(II)/Zn(II) complex stability of GroEL1 C-terminal domains: His-rich ABS (M. abscessus) and Glu/His-rich XEN (M. xenopi). ABS forms more stable complexes, favoring histidine over glutamic acid for metal ion binding.

Graphical abstract: Exploring binding preferences: Cu(ii), Ni(ii), and Zn(ii) complexes of mycobacterial GroEL1 His-rich and Glu/His-rich domains
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Paper

Luminescent lanthanide complexes based on 4,5-di(3,5-dicarboxylphenoxy)phthalic acid as enhanced fluorescence probes for highly selective detection of lead(II) ions in water

Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes with specific fluorescence-enhanced detection performance for Pb2+ ions. The Eu(III) complex exhibits the lowest detection limit for Pb2+ ions among the systems described.

Graphical abstract: Luminescent lanthanide complexes based on 4,5-di(3,5-dicarboxylphenoxy)phthalic acid as enhanced fluorescence probes for highly selective detection of lead(ii) ions in water
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Paper

A cross-metathesis approach for polymetallic [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimics

Diverse [FeFe]-H2ase mimics are available by cross-metathesis of [FeFe]-H2ase mimics bearing a double bond in the ADT-bridge nitrogen moiety and vinylmetallocenes, vinyl half-sandwich, or octahedral Ir-complexes.

Graphical abstract: A cross-metathesis approach for polymetallic [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimics
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Paper

A monofunctional Pt(II) complex combats triple negative breast cancer by triggering lysosome-dependent cell death

A monofunctional Pt(II) complex PtL induces DNA single-strand breaks in triple negative breast cancer and triggers lysosome-dependent cell death by modulating lysosomal function.

Graphical abstract: A monofunctional Pt(ii) complex combats triple negative breast cancer by triggering lysosome-dependent cell death
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Paper

Transferrin-inspired iron delivery across the cell membrane using [(L2Fe)2(μ-O)] (L = chlorquinaldol) to harness anticancer activity of ferroptosis

Don't waste good iron for nails (or good men for soldiers) but save it for treating cancer! The lipophilic Fe(III) chelator chlorquinaldol has the remarkable ability to transport iron across the cell membrane afford potent broad-spectrum in vitro anticancer activity against a panel of cancer cell lines.

Graphical abstract: Transferrin-inspired iron delivery across the cell membrane using [(L2Fe)2(μ-O)] (L = chlorquinaldol) to harness anticancer activity of ferroptosis
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Paper

The role of the terminal cysteine moiety in a metallopeptide mimicking the active site of the NiSOD enzyme

The wtCC peptide exhibits a high metal binding ability. The catalytic activity of the nickel(II) complex is similar to that of the nickel complex of the native NiSOD fragment.

Graphical abstract: The role of the terminal cysteine moiety in a metallopeptide mimicking the active site of the NiSOD enzyme
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Paper

Hyphenation of lipophilic ruthenium(II)-diphosphine core with 5-fluorouracil: an effective metallodrug against glioblastoma brain cancer cells

The anticancer antimetabolite, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is caged within a lipophilic Ru(II)-diphosphine (dppe) core in [RuII(dppe)2(5-FU)]PF6 (Ru-DPPE-5FU), and its therapeutic potential towards LN229 glioblastoma cells was evaluated.

Graphical abstract: Hyphenation of lipophilic ruthenium(ii)-diphosphine core with 5-fluorouracil: an effective metallodrug against glioblastoma brain cancer cells
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
Open Access Paper

Oxidation-derived anticancer potential of sumanene–ferrocene conjugates

Application of ferrocenium-containing sumanene buckybowl derivatives as innovative, effective, and selective anticancer agents is described.

Graphical abstract: Oxidation-derived anticancer potential of sumanene–ferrocene conjugates
From the themed collection: Spotlight Collection: Bioinorganic Chemistry
29 items

About this collection

Metal ions and coordination complexes are found in many aspects of biology, including in the transport of molecules, enzymatic systems, and medical applications. This Spotlight Collection aims to highlight recent developments in the general area of bioinorganic chemistry, incorporating metalloenzymes, bio-inspired chemistry, spectroscopic investigations (structural and electronic properties), metals in biology and medicine, and metalloneurochemistry.

This Dalton Transactions and Chemical Science joint collection is guest edited by Prof. Serena DeBeer (Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Germany), Prof. Abhishek Dey (Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, India), and Dalton Transactions Associate Editor Prof. Mi Hee Lim (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea).

The collection brings together work from across bioinorganic chemistry, highlighting recent advances and future prospects for this growing area. Articles will be added to this themed collection as soon as possible after they are published. Please return to this page frequently to see the collection grow!

If you would like to contribute an article to this collection, please contact the Editorial Office at dalton-rsc@rsc.org with your proposed topic.

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