We have synthesized and characterized a novel copper(II) complex of the fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug N-propyl-norfloxacin (Hpr-norf) in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) and studied its biological properties as antitumor antibiotic and antimicrobial agent. Human acute myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60, MTT assay, and Trypan blue assay were used to test the antileukemic, the cell viability, and the structural integrity of the cell membrane and cell proliferation properties of (chloro)(Phen)( N-propyl-norfloxacinato)copper(II) (complex 1), respectively. We found that the proliferation rate and viability of HL-60 cells decreased after treatment with complex 1, leading to cell death through apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. The antimicrobial activity of complex 1 has been tested, revealing an increased potency in comparison to the free Hpr-norf. Complex 1 proved to be capable of acting as an independent nuclease by inducing nicking of supercoiled pUC19 plasmid. Our results suggest that 1 may provide a valuable tool in cancer chemotherapy.
The scientific community has made great efforts in advancing magnetic hyperthermia for the last two decades after going through a sizeable research lapse from its establishment. All the progress made in various topics ranging from nanoparticle synthesis to biocompatibilization and in vivo testing have been seeking to push the forefront towards some new clinical trials. As many, they did not go at the expected pace. Today, fruitful international cooperation and the wisdom gain after a careful analysis of the lessons learned from seminal clinical trials allow us to have a future with better guarantees for a more definitive takeoff of this genuine nanotherapy against cancer. Deliberately giving prominence to a number of critical aspects, this opinion review offers a blend of state-of-the-art hints and glimpses into the future of the therapy, considering the expected evolution of science and technology behind magnetic hyperthermia.
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