Octahedral Molybdenum Cluster Complexes with Optimized Properties for Photodynamic Applications

Two new octahedral molybdenum cluster complexes act as an efficient singlet oxygen supplier in the context of the photodynamic therapy of cancer cells under blue-light irradiation. These complexes integrate the {Mo6I8}(4+) core with 4'-carboxybenzo-15-crown-5 or cholate apical ligands and were characterized by H-1 NMR, HR ESI-MS, and CHN elemental analysis. Both complexes display high quantum yields of luminescence and singlet oxygen formation in aqueous media associated with a suitable stability against hydrolysis. They are internalized into lysosomes of HeLa cells with no dark toxicity at pharmacologically relevant concentrations and have a strong phototoxic effect under blue-light irradiation, even in the presence of fetal bovine serum. The last feature is essential for further translation to in vivo experiments. Overall, these complexes are attractive molecular photosensitizers toward photodynamic applications.