Tuning the Electrochemical and Photophysical Properties of Osmium-Based Photoredox Catalysts

The use of low-energy deep-red (DR) and near-infrared (NIR) light to excite chromophores enables catalysis to ensue across barriers such as materials and tissues. Herein, we report the detailed photophysical characterization of a library of OsII polypyridyl photosensitizers that absorb low-energy light. By tuning ligand scaffold and electron density, we access a range of synthetically useful excited state energies and redox potentials.1 Introduction1.1 Scope1.2 Measuring Ground-State Redox Potentials1.3 Measuring Photophysical Properties1.4 Synthesis of Osmium Complexes2 Properties of Osmium Complexes2.1 Redox Potentials of Os(L)2-Type Complexes2.2 Redox Potentials of Os(L)3-Type Complexes2.3 UV/Vis Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy3 Conclusions

Self-assembled ruthenium and osmium nanosystems display potent anticancer profile by interfering with metabolic activity

We disclose novel amphiphilic ruthenium and osmium complexes that auto-assemble into nanomedicines with potent antiproliferative activity by inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. The self-assembling units were rationally designed from the [M(p-cymene)(1,10-phenanthroline)Cl]PF6 motif (where M is either RuII or OsII) with an appended C16 fatty chain to achieve high cellular activity, nano-assembling and mitochondrial targeting. These amphiphilic complexes block cell proliferation at the sub-micromolar range and are particularly potent towards glioblastoma neurospheres made from patient-derived cancer stem cells. A subcutaneous mouse model using these glioblastoma stem cells highlights one of our C16 OsII nanomedicines as highly successful in vivo. Mechanistically, we show that they act as metabolic poisons, strongly impairing mitochondrial respiration, corroborated by morphological changes and damage to the mitochondria. A genetic strategy based on RNAi gave further insight on the potential involvement of microtubules as part of the induced cell death. In parallel, we present a careful examination of the structural properties of these new amphiphilic metal-based constructs, their reactivity and mechanism.

Bypassing the Resistance Mechanisms of the Tumor Ecosystem by Targeting the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway Using Ruthenium-and Osmium-Based Organometallic Compounds: An Exciting Long-Term Collaboration with Dr. Michel Pfeffer

Metal complexes have been used to treat cancer since the discovery of cisplatin and its interaction with DNA in the 1960’s. Facing the resistance mechanisms against platinum salts and their side effects, safer therapeutic approaches have been sought through other metals, including ruthenium. In the early 2000s, Michel Pfeffer and his collaborators started to investigate the biological activity of organo-ruthenium/osmium complexes, demonstrating their ability to interfere with the activity of purified redox enzymes. Then, they discovered that these organo-ruthenium/osmium complexes could act independently of DNA damage and bypass the requirement for the tumor suppressor gene TP53 to induce the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway, which is an original cell death pathway. They showed that other types of ruthenium complexes—as well complexes with other metals (osmium, iron, platinum)—can induce this pathway as well. They also demonstrated that ruthenium complexes accumulate in the ER after entering the cell using passive and active mechanisms. These particular physico-chemical properties of the organometallic complexes designed by Dr. Pfeffer contribute to their ability to reduce tumor growth and angiogenesis. Taken together, the pioneering work of Dr. Michel Pfeffer over his career provides us with a legacy that we have yet to fully embrace.

Cyclometalated Osmium Compounds and beyond: Synthesis, Properties, Applications

The synthesis of cyclometalated osmium complexes is usually more complicated than of other transition metals such as Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, where cyclometalation reactions readily occur via direct activation of C–H bonds. It differs also from their ruthenium analogs. Cyclometalation for osmium usually occurs under more severe conditions, in polar solvents, using specific precursors, stronger acids, or bases. Such requirements expand reaction mechanisms to electrophilic activation, transmetalation, and oxidative addition, often involving C–H bond activations. Osmacycles exhibit specific applications in homogeneous catalysis, photophysics, bioelectrocatalysis and are studied as anticancer agents. This review describes major synthetic pathways to osmacycles and related compounds and discusses their practical applications.