Rhodium(III) supramolecular complexes: synthesis, DNA binding and biological studies

Vitorino, Susana Ricardo (2011). Rhodium(III) supramolecular complexes: synthesis, DNA binding and biological studies. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The work described in this thesis concerns the synthesis, DNA binding and cytotoxicity studies of new Rh(III) supramolecular complexes. Chapter 1 reviews DNA molecular recognition by synthetic agents; exploring the different DNA binding modes and their importance in the anticancer properties of several metallodrugs. Special attention is given to the exciting cylinder agents, which underpin the work in this thesis and to the work with rhodium complexes and their studies with DNA and as anticancer drugs. Chapter 2 describes the synthesis, purification and characterization of Rh(III) mononuclear, dinuclear single, double and triple stranded complexes. NMR, MS, UV‐Vis, elemental analyses and in some cases X‐ray crystallography are discussed in detail. In Chapter 3, DNA binding properties of the Rh(III) complexes are explored by CD and LD spectroscopy. Gel Electrophoresis experiments are also carried out using plasmid DNA (pBR322). The dinuclear complexes are found to bind to ct‐DNA and to have more dramatic effects than the mononuclear analogues. In addition they were found to cleave plasmid DNA. Chapter 4 presents cytotoxicity studies for some of the complexes synthesized against breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. A PCR study with the Rh(III) double stranded isomers is also carried out demonstrating that these complexes are able to inhibit and block DNA transactions as represented by PCR DNA replication.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):