Two-Photon Active Organotin(IV) Carboxylate Complexes for Visualization of Anticancer Action

Abstract

It is still a challenge that organotin(IV) carboxylate complexes with high-performance two-photon activity for cancer therapy. At present work, two novel organotin carboxylate complexes <b>LSn1</b> and <b>LSn2</b>, containing coumarin moiety, were rationally designed for two-photon fluorescent imaging and anticancer purpose. The complexes possessed large two-photon action cross-sections and high quantum yields. Living cells evaluation revealed that complexes <b>LSn1</b> and <b>LSn2</b> exhibited good biocompatibility and deep-tissue penetration over femtosecond laser with wavelength of 840 nm. Furthermore, the antitumor active and as well as possible mechanism of complexes <b>LSn1</b> and <b>LSn2</b> have been investigated systematically. The results indicated that complexes <b>LSn1</b> and <b>LSn2</b> could induce apoptotic cell death through a mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS elevation pathway. The present work provides a strategy for rationally designing organotin(IV) carboxylate complexes with two-photon activity and antitumor activity.