In Vitro screening of novel compounds to assess their potential as anti-cancer, biological imaging and anti-inflammatory agents

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNps) are some of the most extensively studied nanomaterials. Because of their biocompatibility, unique size- and shape- dependence, optoelectronic and catalytic properties, AuNps have attracted enormous amount of interest for applications in biological and chemical detection and analysis. Similarly, Ru (II)-polypyridyl complexes have been intensively studied due to their photophysical properties, where they have been employed for example in luminescent recognition and sensing as well as sensitive and structure specific DNA probes. The combination of Ru (II)-polypyridyl complexes, spatially separated from the surface of AuNps by a covalent spacer, were investigated as luminescent probes/imaging agents and photodynamic therapy agents with the results discussed herein.