Local DNA microviscosity converts ruthenium polypyridyl complexes to ultrasensitive photosensitizers

Kumar, Prashant; Chandra, Falguni; Laha, Paltan; P., Kavyashree; Patra, Srikanta; Lal Koner, Apurba

Abstract

In this manuscript, we have reported how DNA binding of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes (RPCs) make them more efficient photosensitizer. The DNA binding of RPCs results in a significant enhancement of their emission intensity and excited-state lifetime. As a result, upon visible-light irradiation, these complexes generate reactive singlet oxygen, which causes selective DNA damage and kills cancer cells. This investigation also demonstrates the effect of light-driven RPCs on bacterial growth arrest through DNA nicking and differential localization in cancer and non-cancer cells. The local DNA microviscosity suppresses the non-radiative pathways which causes a large enhancement in the emission intensity and the excited state lifetime. The visible-light-triggered singlet-oxygen efficiently produces nick in DNA and inhibits bacterial growth. RPCs also localize inside the cancer cell nucleus and in the vicinity of the nuclear membrane of non-cancerous cells, confirmed by live-cell confocal microscopy. The results provide a facile platform for the novel antibiotic intended discovery combined with cancer therapy.

Citation

Kumar, P., Chandra, F., Laha, P., P., K., Patra, S., & Lal Koner, A. (2021). Local DNA microviscosity converts ruthenium polypyridyl complexes to ultrasensitive photosensitizers. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 344, Article 117788. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117788

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 6, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Oct 15, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Deposit Date: Jul 10, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids
• Print ISSN: 0167-7322
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 344
• Article Number: 117788
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117788
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2523381