Molecular Structure and Cytotoxicity of 3D-Transition Metal Complexes Capable to Form a Stable Metal-Nitrogen Bond

Abstract

The cytotoxicity of several Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with various molecular structures and geometries, has been tested on LoVo and 2008 cells at 1–100 μM concentration for 24 h exposure. On the basis of 24 h results, the exposure time was prolonged to 48 and to 72 hours. The most potent complexes result [Cu(tren)(H₂O)]²⁺ 2Cl⁻, E, [CoCl₃(H₂Meppz)], G, and [CoCl₃(HMe₂ppz)], H, (tren=tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, H₂Meppz=1-methylpiperazin-1-ium, HMe₂ppz=1,4-dimethylpiperazin-1-ium cations). Nevertheless, these complexes are able to induce cell growth reduction of about 50% at highest doses tested (1-100 μM) and after 72 h exposure.