Preclinical Evaluation of Zn(II) Self-Assemblies with Selective Cytotoxic Activity Against Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Ovo

Abstract

Dipodal pyridylthiazole amine ligands L¹ and L² both form different metallo-supramolecular self-assemblies with Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ and these are shown to be toxic and selective towards cancer cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, potency and selectivity are highly dependent upon the metal ions, ligand system and bound anion, with significant changes in chemosensitivity and selectivity dependent upon which species are employed. Importantly, significant anti-tumor activity was observed in ovo at doses that are non-toxic.

Keywords: cancer; cytotoxic; helicate; self-assembly; zinc.