Application of dipyrrinato-iridium complexes in anti-tumor and anti-bacterial therapy

Abstract

Biologically active compounds and their methods of preparation are provided that may be used as photosensitizers for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, particularly for PDT of cancer, infections and other hyperproliferative diseases, fluorescence diagnosis and PDT treatment of non-tumorous indications such as arthritis, inflammatory diseases, viral or bacterial infections, dermatological, otorhinolaryngology disorders, ophthalmological or urological disorders. As the compounds exhibit also toxicity against targets (tumor cells, bacteria inflammation-related cells) without light these biologically active compounds may also be used for the light-independent treatment of such indications. Embodiments also include methods to synthesize iridium(III) complex structures incorporating a substituted 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl-dipyrromethene (2,3,5,6-tetratfluorophenyldipyrrin) unit or a substituted 3-nitrophenyl-dipyrromethene (3-nitrophenyl-dipyrrin) unit. Amphiphilic compounds with increased anti-tumour and anti-bacterial efficacy are also provided. Specifically, this is achieved by substitution with bromine atoms and sugar moieties.