Versatile Impact of Serum Proteins on Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Properties - Opportunities and Obstacles

Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes have been extensively studied for the past few decades as promising anticancer agents. Despite the expected intravenous route of administration, the interaction between Ru(II) polypyridyl compounds and serum proteins is not well characterized and vast majority of the available literature data concerns determination of the binding constant. Ru-protein adducts can modify the biological effects of the Ru complexes influencing their cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity as well as introduce significant changes in their photophysical properties. More extensive research on the interaction between serum proteins and Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes is important for further development of Ru(II) polypyridyl compounds towards their application in anticancer therapy and diagnostics and can open new opportunities for already developed complexes.