Sulfonate improves water solubility and cell selective toxicity and alters the lysozyme binding activity of half sandwich Rh(iii) complexes

Introduction of the propyl-sulfonic acid group at N1 of the coordinated 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole ligand (L) in [RhCl(eta(5)-C5Me5)L](CF3SO3) gives rise to a water-soluble complex, which can bind to the model protein lysozyme via non-covalent interactions. The complex shows selective moderate toxicity against Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC = 21.6-43.3 mu M) and exhibits no cytotoxicity to healthy HEK293 cells.

Automated summary

The introduction of a propyl-sulfonic acid group at N1 of the coordinated ligand gives rise to a water-soluble complex that can bind to lysozyme through non-covalent interactions. This complex shows selective moderate toxicity against Cryptococcus neoformans and exhibits no cytotoxicity to healthy HEK293 cells.