Abstract: We report the first Ru(II) coordination compounds that interact with DNA through a canonical minor groove insertion mode and with selectivity for A/T rich sites. This was made possible by integrating a bis‑benzamidine minor groove DNA-binding agent with a ruthenium(II) complex. Importantly, one of the enantiomers (Δ‑[Ru(bpy)2b4bpy]2+, Δ‑4Ru) shows a considerably higher DNA affinity than the parent organic ligand and than the other enantiomer, particularly for the AATT sequence, while the other enantiomer preferentially targets long AAATTT sites with overall lower affinity. Finally, we demonstrate that the photophysical properties of these new binders can be exploited for DNA cleavage using visible light.

External link: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2019/SC/C9SC03053K#!divAbstract

External link: https://www.usc.es/ciqus/en/news/admission-new-master-chemistry-interface-biology-and-materials-science-now-open

Abstract: The conversion of sunlight into chemical energy using the photosynthetic machinery is at the hearth of Nature and Life. Scientists have also learned to use the energy of light to promote a great variety of chemical reactions, most of them based on redox processes involving electron transfer steps. Indeed, the area of photoredox catalysis has recently emerged as one of the hottest fields in synthetic chemistry. Many of the photoredox reactions so far discovered take place in homogeneous phases, and rely on the use of soluble photoresponsive catalysts. However, along recent years, there have been also many advances in the area of heterogeneous photocatalysis, most of which are based on the use of semiconductor materials like TiO2 as key photocatalytic system. These technologies have found different applications, especially in the field of sustainable chemistry and therapy. In this manuscript we review some of these applications, and the potential of TiO2‐based photocatalysts in biology and biomedicine.

External link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cbic.201900229