The physicochemical properties of metal complexes determine their potential applications as antitumor agents. In this study, the antitumor properties of mononuclear cobalt(II) and copper(II) coordination compounds (stoichiometry: [Co(iaa)₂(H₂O)₂]·H₂O (iaa = imidazole-4-acetate anion), [Co(1-allim)₆](NO₃)₂ (1-allim = 1-allylimidazole), [Cu(iaa)₂H₂O] and [Cu(1-allim)₄(NO₃)₂]) and their ligands have been evaluated on human lung carcinoma A549 cells and normal bronchial BEAS-2B cells. Designing the chemical structure of new antitumor agents the possible interactions with macromolecules such as DNA or proteins should be take into account. PCR gene tlr4 product served as DNA model, whereas lysozyme and phage-derived endolysin (both peptidoglycan degrading enzymes) were applied as protein/enzyme model. The interactions were analysed using PCR-HRM and circular dichroism, FT-IR, spectrophotometry, respectively. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of the complexes at a non-cytotoxic concentration were analyzed against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans strains. The results obtained in this study showed the selective cytotoxicity of metal complexes, mainly [Cu(1-allim)₄(NO₃)₂] towards tumor cells. From all tested compounds, only [Co(iaa)₂(H₂O)₂]^.H₂O non-covalently interacts with DNA. Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes did not affect the secondary conformation of tested proteins but modified the hydrolytic activity of enzymes (lysozyme and endolysin). Moreover, only [Co(iaa)₂(H₂O)₂]^.H₂O exhibited the antifungal properties. In conclusion, Co(II) and Cu(II) metal complexes bearing two imidazole-4-acetate ligands seemed to be promising antitumor and antifungal agents for future drug design and application.

Oligosaccharide-modified poly(propylene imine) dendrimers are promising candidates as drug carriers and as anti-prion agents. Here, we report the biodistribution of maltotriose-modified 4th generation poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimers and their ability to cross the blood–brain–barrier that is important if these glycodendrimers are considered as potential therapeutic agents in the central nervous system (CNS).