Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of Co(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with N-benzyloxycarbonyl-S-phenylalanine

In this paper the first complexes of M(2+) ions (M(2+) = Zn(2+), Cd(2+) and Co(2+)) with N-benzyloxycarbonyl-S-phenylalaninato ligand (1-3) are described. The new complexes were characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, molar conductivity measurements and (1)H, (13)C and (15)N NMR spectroscopy (1D and 2D). The Co(II) complex adopts an octahedral geometry, and the Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes adopt a tetrahedral one. For the first time, the antimicrobial activity of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-S-phenylalaninato ligand (N-Boc-S-phe) and the complexes 1-3 was investigated against gram-positive: Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis and gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and two strains of the yeast Candida albicans. It was shown that the complexes were effective against most strains. The best activity was detected against the yeast C. albicans.     

Structural characterization and antimicrobial activity of 1,3-bis(2-benzimidazyl)-2-thiapropane ligand and its Pd(II) and Zn(II) halide complexes

1,3-Bis(2-benzimidazyl)-2-thiapropane(L) forms 5-coordinate square pyramidal and 4-coordinate tetrahedral, monometallic complexes with PdCl(2) and ZnX(2) (X=Cl, Br, I), respectively. In the palladium complex, the ligand acts as a chelating tridentate, through two of the nitrogen atoms in the imidazole ring and the sulfur atom of the bridging group together with two chloride ions forming a rare five coordinate complex. In the zinc halide complexes, the ligand acts as chelating bidentate, via two of the nitrogen atoms combined with two halide ions giving common tetrahedral complexes. The ligand and its complexes are characterized by analytical data and spectroscopic methods such as FT-Raman, FT-IR (mid-IR, far-IR), (1)H and (13)C NMR. Their antimicrobial activities are evaluated by the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against 10 bacteria, each with multiple, fresh clinical isolates (10-15), and the results are compared with those of ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, cefazolin, ofloxacin, and piperacillin antibacterial agents. The compound's antifungal activities are reported on Candida albicans, Candida utilis, and Cryptococcus neoformans yeasts, each with multiple isolates (10), and the results are referenced with amphotericin-B, fluconazole and flucytosine antifungal agents. In most cases, the compounds show broad-spectrum (Gram(+) and Gram(-)) activities that are either, more active, or equipotent to, the antibiotic and antifungal agents in the comparison tests.     

Co(III), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline thiosemicarbazone: Synthesis, characterization, X-ray structures and antibacterial activity

The new ligand 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline thiosemicarbazone (HATtsc) and the complexes [Co(ATtsc)₂]₂[CoCl₄]·2H₂O (1), [Co(ATtsc)₂]NO₃·H₂O (2), [Ni(HATtsc)₂](NO₃)₂ (3), [ZnCl₂(HATtsc)]·CH₃CN (4), [{CdCl(HATtsc)}₂(μ-Cl)₂]·2H₂O (5) and [{Cd(NO₃)(HATtsc)}₂(μ-NO₃)₂] (6) were isolated and characterized by a variety of physico-chemical techniques and X-ray diffraction. The structure of HATtsc in 1 and 2 presented a thiolate form while in 3-6 the thione form was present, as it was in free ligand. In addition, we studied the antibacterial activity of the ligand and complexes 2-6 against some representative bacteria. Cd(II) complexes were more active against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis than organic ligand. Conversely, Cd(II) compounds seemed to interfere in the cell separation of B. subtilis.     

Synthesis and characterization of new Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes with 2-quinolinecarboxaldehyde selenosemicarbazone: cytotoxic activity evaluation of Cd(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes with heteroaromatic selenosemicarbazones

New complexes of Pt(II) and Pd(II) with 2-quinolinecarboxaldehyde selenosemicarbazone were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, NMR and IR spectroscopy and molar conductivity measurements. The assumed geometry of Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes was square planar where the ligand was tridentately coordinated via the quinoline and imine nitrogen atoms and the selenium atom. The cytotoxic activity of the new Pt(II) and Pd(II) compounds, as well as of some previously synthesized Cd(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes with the same or analogous ligand, was tested against a panel of three human cancer cell lines: human cervix carcinoma cells (HeLa), human melanoma cells (FemX) and breast cancer cells (MDA-361). All investigated compounds, except Pt(II) complex, possess a strong dose-dependent cytotoxic activity of the same order of magnitude as cisplatin (CDDP). The investigation of potential of these compounds to induce HeLa cell cycle perturbations was also evaluated.     

Synthesis, characterization and biological studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with bidentate Schiff bases derived by heterocyclic ketone

A series of metal complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) have been synthesized with newly prepared biologically active ligands. These ligands were prepared by the condensation of 4-amino-5-mercapto-3-methyl-s-triazole (AMMT), 4-Amino-3-ethyl-5-mercapto-s-triazole (AEMT) with 2-acetylpyridine. The structure of the complexes have been proposed by elemental analyses, spectroscopic data i.e. IR, 1H NMR, electronic and magnetic measurements. Thermal studies of the complexes are also reported. Antibacterial activities of 10 complexes have been studied in vitro. Heterocyclic bidentate Schiff bases were associated with substantially higher antibacterial activities than some commercial antibiotics.     

Synthesis and characterization of the Zn(II) and Cu(II) piperidinyl isoeuxanthone complexes: DNA-binding and cytotoxic activity

Two new complexes ZnL₂·2H₂O (1) and CuL₂·2H₂O (2) (HL = 1-hydroxy-6-(2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy)xanthone) have been synthesized and characterized. Their interactions with calf thymus DNA (ct DNA) were investigated by absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, ethidium bromide (EB) displacement experiments, circular dichroism spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. Experimental results suggested that there were intercalative interactions of the complexes with DNA. The binding affinity of complex 2 was higher than that of 1. In addition, the cytotoxic effects of both complexes were evaluated with lung adenocarcinoma (GLC-82), esophagus squamous cancer (ECA109) and human gastric cancer (SGC7901) cells using MTT assay. Both were potent exhibiting significant cytotoxicity in vitro.     

Synthesis, characterization and anticancer studies of mixed ligand dithiocarbamate palladium(II) complexes

Six mixed ligand dithiocarbamate Pd(II) complexes (1-6) of general formula [(DT)Pd(PR₃)Cl], where DT = dimethyldithiocarbamate (1, 5), diethyldithiocarbamate (2, 3), dicyclohexyldithiocarbamate (4), bis(2-methoxyethyl)dithiocarbamate (6); PR₃ = benzyldiphenylphosphine (1), diphenyl-2-methoxyphenylphosphine (2), diphenyl-p-tolylphosphine (3), diphenyl-m-tolylphosphine (4), tricyclohexylphosphine (5), diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine (6) have been synthesized and characterised using Elemental analysis, FT-IR, Raman and multinuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Compounds 1 and 2 were also characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). The XRD study reveals that the Pd(II) moiety has a pseudo square-planar geometry, in which two positions are occupied by the dithiocarbamate ligand in a bidentate fashion, while at the remaining two positions organophosphine and chloride are present. The anticancer activity of the synthesized metallodrugs was checked against DU145 human prostate carcinoma (HTB-81) cells, the IC₅₀ values indicate that the compounds are highly active against these cells. These Pd(II) complexes also show moderate antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.     

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro antimicrobial activity of novel 2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinones and 4,4′-bis(2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone-3-yl)diphenylsulfones

2-Thioxo-4-thiazolidinones (3a,b) were achieved by cyclocondensation of isothiocyanatosulfonamides (1a,b) with sulfanylacetic acid at reflux temperature in dioxane in the presence of triethylamine. Compound (3a) was exploited to synthesize the versatile hitherto unknown 2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinones (5–10) via its reaction with some electrophiles. Cyclization of 4,4′-diisothiocyanate diphenylsulfone (11) with sulfanylacetic acid furnished 4,4′-bis(2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone-3-yl)diphenylsulfone (12) which on treatment with excess 4-methoxybenzaldehyde in refluxing dioxane in the presence of piperidine yielded the bisbenzylidene derivative (13). The novel synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR and mass spectral studies. All the synthesized compounds were screened in vitro for their antibacterial and antifungal activities.     

Synthesis, characterization and antitumor activity of new type binuclear platinum(II) complexes

Five new type binuclear platinum(II) complexes (a-e) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity, thermal analysis, IR, UV, (1)H NMR and mass spectral techniques. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was tested by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays. The acute toxicity and antitumor activity of complex ein vivo were also studied. The results indicate that complexes a-d have no activity against HL-60, MCF-7, BGC-823, EJ and HCT-8 cell lines, with a higher IC(50) value (>50 microM). Complex e confers substantially greater cytotoxicity against HL-60, MCF-7, BGC-823, EJ and HCT-8 cell lines with an IC(50) value of 0.02+/-0.009, 1.70+/-0.21, 4.00+/-0.35, 0.98+/-0.02 and 1.02+/-0.21 microM, respectively. LD(50) of complex e is 815.3mg/kg, it was significantly higher than that of cisplatin and carboplatin. Complex e at dose of 4, 12 and 20mg/kg has no activity against mouse hepatocarcinoma H22 and Lewis lung carcinoma in mice, but displays significant activity against human ovarian carcinoma A2780 and human colon carcinoma HCT-116 in nude mice at dose of 12 mg/kg, and activity is similar to that of cisplatin at dose of 4 mg/kg. Complex e at dose of 20mg/kg has no activity against human lung adenocarcinoma A549 in nude mice (P>0.05). The results suggest that the species of amine for the new type binuclear platinum complexes have important effect on their cytotoxicity, and they may be a new class platinum anticancer drugs.     

Synthesis, antimicrobial activity and molecular modeling of cobalt and nickel complexes containing the bulky ligand: bis[N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino] acenaphthene

Two cobalt and two Nickel complexes of bis[N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene (Pr-BIAN) ligand, have been synthesized. These complexes, namely [Co(Pr-BIAN)Cl2] 1, [Co(OAc)2 (Pr-BIAN)2](ClO4) 2, [Ni(Pr-BIAN)(NO3)2] 3 and [Ni(Pr-BIAN)2](ClO4)2 4, were characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, spectral (IR, UV-Visible and NMR) and magnetic moment measurements. In these complexes the geometries about the metal center are significantly different. While for complexes 2 and 3 an octahedral structure is proposed, in complex 4, square-planar coordination with an almost perfect planar arrangement of two Pr-BIAN ligands around the nickel center is suggested. In 1, two imine nitrogen atoms of Pr-BIAN and two chloride atoms are coordinating in a tetrahedral fashion around the cobalt center. Molecular mechanics (MM+) and semiempirical molecular orbital calculations have been performed for the most biologically active complex 1 and its free ligand Pr-BIAN and compared with inactive ligand bis[N-(p-tolylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene 6, to get insight into their molecular structures and to learn more about their stable molecular conformations.     

Synthesis, characterization, antioxidant activity and DNA-binding studies of two rare earth(III) complexes with naringenin-2-hydroxy benzoyl hydrazone ligand

Two novel rare earth complexes, Y(III) complex (1) and Eu(III) complex (2), with naringenin-2-hydroxy benzoyl hydrazone ligand were synthesized and characterized. The interaction of the two metal complexes and the free ligand with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) was investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and viscosity measurement. All the experimental evidences indicate that these three compounds can strongly bind to CT DNA via an intercalation mechanism. The intrinsic binding constants of the Y(III) complex (1), Eu(III) complex (2) and the free ligand with CT DNA were 2.1x10(4), 8.5x10(4) and 1.6x10(4)M(-1), respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the metal complexes was determined by hydroxyl radical scavenging method in vitro.     

Synthesis, spectral characterization, in vitro antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with 1,2,4-triazole Schiff bases

A series of metal complexes of cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) have been synthesized with newly synthesized biologically active 1,2,4-triazole Schiff bases derived from the condensation of 3-substituted-4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole and 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin, which have been characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic measurements (IR, UV-vis, fluorescence, ESR), magnetic measurements and thermal studies. Electrochemical study of the complexes is also reported. All the complexes are soluble to limited extent in common organic solvents but soluble to larger extent in DMF and DMSO and are non-electrolytes in DMF and DMSO. All these Schiff bases and their complexes have also been screened for their antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi) and antifungal activities (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Cladosporium) by MIC method. The brine shrimp bioassay was also carried out to study their in vitro cytotoxic properties.     

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of cobalt(III) complexes with pyridine-amide ligands

The ligands 2-(N-(X-pyridyl)carbamoyl)pyridine (X=2, 3 or 4 for HL1-HL3, respectively) and 2,6-bis(N-(Y-pyridyl)carbamoyl)pyridine (Y=2, 3 or 4 for H2L4-H2L6, respectively) in their mono- and di-deprotonated forms have been used to synthesize kinetically stable cobalt(III) compounds [Co(L1-3)3] (1-3) and Na[Co(L4-6)2] (4-6), respectively. The Co(III) ion is in octahedral environment and is surrounded by three bidentate ligands in complexes 1-3 and two tridentate ligands in complexes 4-6. Ligands coordinate the cobalt center via amidic-N and pyridine-N centers forming a 5-membered chelate ring. Complexes 1-6 have thoroughly been characterized by the various spectroscopic analyses (1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV-vis, IR, mass), elemental analysis, and conductivity measurement. All complexes have been assayed for in vitro antimicrobial activity against clinically isolated resistant strains of Pseudomonas, Proteus, Escherichia coli and standard strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 1688), Shigella flexneri (MTCC 1457), Klebsiella planticola (MTCC 2272). All cobalt compounds show mild to moderate activity. However, complexes [Co(L1)3] (1) and Na[Co(L4)2] (4) were found to have potent activity against standard and pathogenic resistant bacteria used in the study. Their MIC ranged from 2.7 to 187 microg/ml. In vitro toxicity tests demonstrated that all complexes were less cytotoxic than that of gentamycin on HEK cell lines and the results reveal that these complexes can act as potent antimicrobial agents.     

Synthesis, characterization and antiamoebic activity of new indole-3-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones and their Pd(II) complexes

In continuation of our research on thiosemicarbazones and their metal complexes as antiamoebic agents, a new series of indole-3-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones (TSC) 1-7 were prepared by condensing indole-3-carboxaldehyde with cycloalkylaminothiocarbonyl hydrazines. Their palladium(II) complexes of the [Pd(TSC)Cl2] type, were synthesized upon coordination with [Pd(DMSO)2Cl2]. The chemical structures of all the compounds were established by elemental analyses, electronic, IR, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR spectral data. The structure of the complexes was further established by thermogravimetric analysis and FAB MS. Spectroscopic data revealed that thiosemicarbazones act as bidentate ligands, making use of thione sulphur and azomethine nitrogen atom for coordination to the Pd(II) ion. Among all the compounds evaluated for antiamoebic activity using HM1:IMSS strain of Entamoeba histolytica, all palladium complexes were found to be more active than their respective ligands. Moreover, ligand 5 and complexes 1a-3a, 5a and 7a showed antiamoebic activity, at lower IC(50) doses when compared to the reference drug metronidazole with IC(50)=1.81 microM.     

Synthesis, characterization of copper(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of [7-hydroxy-4-methyl-8-coumarinyl]glycine and a comparitive study of their microbial activities

A new Mannich base, [7-hydroxy-4-methyl-8-coumarinyl]glycine [MCGH(2)], has been prepared by the condensation of 7-hydroxy-4-methyl-coumarin with glycine and formaldehyde. Its conformational changes on complexation with transition metal ions [copper(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II)] have been studied on the basis of elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, spectral (infrared, (1)H NMR, electronic, EPR), magnetic and thermogravimetric studies. The infrared spectral studies of all the complexes reveal that the ligand has coordinated through -NH and two hydroxyl groups. The conductance data of the complexes suggest them to be non-electrolytes. Fluorescence property of the ligand and its metal complexes was studied and concluded that the ligand MCGH(2) can be a potential candidate for the determination of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) at room temperature by fluorimetric method. The antimicrobial activity of all the compounds was studied against Gram negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram positive (Bacillus cirroflagellosus) bacteria and fungi, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. It was observed that the coordination of metal ion has a pronounced effect on the microbial activities of the ligand. All the metal complexes have shown higher antimicrobial effect than the free ligand.     

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with Schiff base derived from 4-amino-3-mercapto-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine

A few (1:1) and (1:2) metal complexes of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) have been isolated with ligand derived from the condensation of 4-amino-3-mercapto-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine with 2-acetylpyridine (L(1)) and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, infrared, electronic, (1)H NMR spectral data, magnetic and thermogravimetric analyses. Due to insolubility in water and most of the common organic solvents and infusibility at higher temperatures, all the complexes are thought to be polymeric in nature. A square-planar geometry was suggested for copper(II) and octahedral proposed for cobalt(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II). Some of the chemically synthesized compounds have been screened in vitro against the three Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram-negative (Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli) organisms. It is observed that the coordination of metal ion has pronounced effect on the microbial activities of the ligand. The metal complexes have higher antimicrobial effect than the free ligands.     

Synthesis, structure and biological activity of copper(II) complexes of 4-(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazonane-2,6-dione and 4-(2-pyridylethyl)-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazonane-2,6-dione

Four mononuclear copper(II) complexes 1-4 have been synthesized with two new N-functionalized macrocyclic ligands L(1) and L(2). All complexes are well characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, elemental analyses and conductivity measurements. Results suggest that Cu(II) ion has N(2)O coordination from ligand and S(2) from two coordinated solvent molecules (SCH(3)CN for 1 and 3 while CH(3)OH for 2 and 4). The crystal structure of a representative complex 3 strengthen the proposed formulations for other isostructural copper(II) complexes. The structure of 3 shows few interesting features including rare bent mode of the coordinated CH(3)CN molecules. All complexes were assayed for in vitro antimicrobial activity against clinically isolated resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris; and standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella planticola and Escherichia coli. Results indicate that the copper complexes possess notable antimicrobial properties with MIC values of 62.5-500 microg/ml. Studies on the U87 cancerous cell lines show potent cytotoxicity with IC(50) and IC(90) values of 2.9-93.5 and 30-250 microg/ml, respectively. In vitro toxicity tests demonstrate that all copper complexes are less cytotoxic than that of gentamycin on normal HEK cell lines. These copper complexes show the potential to act as antimicrobial and anticancer agent.     

Synthesis and antibacterial studies of a new series of 1,2-bis(1,3, 4-oxadiazol-2-yl)ethanes and 1,2-bis(4-amino-1,2, 4-triazol-3-yl)ethanes

The acylhydrazones 3, obtained by the treatment of succinic acid dihydrazide 2 with furfural, nitrofurfuraldehydediacetate and substituted arylfurfurals, on oxidative cyclization with bromine in acetic acid yielded 1,2-bis(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)ethanes 4 which are further converted into 1,2-bis(4-amino-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)ethanes 5 with hydrazine hydrate. The newly synthesised compounds are characterised by analytical, IR, NMR and mass spectral data. Most of the newly synthesised compounds have been found to be active against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria at less than 6 microg/mL concentration.     

Cyclooctadiene Ru(II) complexes of thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde-derived thiosemicarbazones: synthesis, characterization and antiamoebic activity

Thiosemicarbazones (TSC) 1-10 were synthesized by condensing substituted thiosemicarbazide with thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde. These thiosemicarbazones were further reacted with [Ru(eta4-C8H12)(CH3CN)2Cl2] to form complexes of the type [Ru(eta4-C8H12)(TSC)Cl2] 1a-10a. Thiosemicarbazones exhibited antiamoebic activity in the range IC50=1.09-5.42 microM. In vitro assessment of antiamoebic activity indicated that the thiosemicarbazones 3, IC50=1.67 microM, 4, IC50=1.11 microM and 6, IC50=1.09 microM showed substantially less IC50 value than metronidazole (IC50=1.87 microM), a commonly used drug against amoebiasis. Cyclooctadiene Ru(II) complexes of thiosemicarbazones showed significant improvement in antiamoebic activity (IC50=0.30-1.39 microM). All the complexes possess noteworthy potencies and showed less IC50 values than metronidazole against HK-9 strain of Entamoeba histolytica. Among all the complexes, the most promising antiamoebic activities was shown by the complexes 4a and 6a (IC50=0.31 microM of 4a and IC50=0.30 microM of 6a versus metronidazole).     

Synthesis, DNA-binding and topoisomerase inhibitory activity of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes

Two ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(bfipH)]²⁺ (1) and [Ru(phen)₂(bfipH)]²⁺ (2) have been synthesized and characterized. The DNA-binding behaviors of complexes were studied by using spectroscopic and viscosity measurements. Results suggested that the two complexes bind to DNA in an intercalative mode. Complexes 1 and 2 can efficiently photocleave pBR322 DNA in vitro under irradiation, singlet oxygen (¹O₂) was proved to contribute to the DNA photocleavage process. Topoisomerase inhibition and DNA strand passage assay confirmed that two Ru(II) complexes acted as efficient dual inhibitors of topoisomerases I and II. In MTT cytotoxicity studies, two Ru(II) complexes exhibited antitumor activity against BEL-7402, HeLa, MCF-7 tumor cells. The AO/EB staining assay indicated that Ru(II) complexes could induce the apoptosis of HeLa cells.