Palladium(I) Dimeric Complexes for Antitumor Therapy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current chemotherapy agents like cisplatin have limitations due to nephro- and neuro-toxicity and inefficacy against certain tumor types, with palladium compounds facing issues of rapid hydrolysis and speciation problems, while palladium(I) complexes have been understudied for their antitumor properties.

Innovation Solution

Development of palladium(I) complexes with heterocyclic units, specifically imidazolidines and benzimidazolidines, which form dimeric species with direct Pd-Pd bonds, stabilized by N-heterocyclic carbenes, and a process for their synthesis involving reaction with palladium(II) complexes to produce compounds with antitumor activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If palladium compounds are used as chemotherapy agents, then water solubility and alternative DNA targeting are improved, but hydrolysis speed increases causing ligand dissociation and speciation problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater solubilityVSAvoidcomplex stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines palladium metal center with N-heterocyclic carbene ligands to create a composite complex structure. The NHC ligands are strongly anchored to the Pd(II) center through covalent bonding, forming a stable composite material that maintains structural integrity in aqueous environments while preventing unwanted hydrolysis and speciation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ligand system by introducing N-heterocyclic carbenes with specific electronic and steric properties. These parameter changes in ligand design (electron-donating groups, steric bulk) directly affect the stability of the Pd complex, reducing hydrolysis speed while maintaining water solubility through appropriate substituent selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If palladium(I) complexes are developed for antitumor activity, then new therapeutic mechanisms are explored, but stability in solid state and solution deteriorates due to sensitivity to oxygen and water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantitumor mechanism diversityVSAvoidcomplex stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inert atmosphere techniques during synthesis and handling of Pd(I) complexes to prevent oxidation by oxygen. The use of inert solvents and exclusion of moisture during preparation maintains the sensitivity of Pd(I) species while enabling their characterization and evaluation for antitumor activity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses ancillary ligands as intermediaries that bridge the Pd(I) metal centers and provide protective coordination. These ligands act as mediators that stabilize the electron-deficient Pd(I) state while allowing the complex to maintain its unique antitumor mechanism through controlled interaction with biological targets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If N-heterocyclic carbene ligands are used with Pd(II), then ligand dissociation is reduced, but synthesis complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveligand retentionVSAvoidsynthesis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-synthesizing the N-heterocyclic carbene ligands before complex formation. The ligands are prepared in advance with the appropriate electronic and steric properties, then directly coordinated to Pd(II) centers in a single step, simplifying the overall synthesis while ensuring optimal ligand-metal matching for maximum stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The palladium(I) complexes demonstrate significant antitumor activity against both cisplatin-sensitive and resistant tumor lines with reduced toxicity, showing promise in treating ovarian, cervical, colon, and lung cancers with minimal impact on normal cells.

Implementation Method 1

reacting a compound of general formula (C) or of general formula (D) with a palladium (II) complex... to produce compounds with antitumor activity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 2

dimeric species with direct Pd-Pd bonds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4069710B1Pd(i) complexes, process for their preparation and use thereof as antitumour agents
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 UNIV CA FOSCARI
  • EP4069710B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4069710B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4069710B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a new class of dimeric palladium complexes, wherein the element has oxidation status +1, useful as chemotherapy compounds for treating tumours.