Synthesis, Structure, and Anticancerous Properties of Silver Complexes

Although the "war on cancer" is now in its fourth decade and much progress has been made in categorizing the environmental causes and cellular and molecular biological basis for this dreaded disease, we still do not have a precise understanding of the differences between a cancer cell and its normal counterpart. The completion of the human genome sequence and its subsequent improvements in the sequence data are important steps to fully comprehend cancer cell biology. Ag(I) is being used as an anticancer agent in several human cancers. The anticancer activity of these complexes against Ehrlich's ascites tumor cells (EACs) has been reported. The aim of the present study is to synthesize some new water soluble Ag(I) mixed ligand complexes containing nitrogen and sulfur base and to evaluate their biomedicinal porperties. Mixed ligand complexes of Ag(I) metal derived from L-lysine and thiouracil with 2,2'-bipyridyl; 2-aminopyridine with thiouracil have been synthesized. The composition of the prepared complexes was discussed on the basis of microanalysis, FAB-mass, and FT-ir measurements. Molecular weight was confirmed by FAB-mass spectra. The elemental analysis data suggest the stoichiometry to be M:L:L' (1:1:1) ratio. These Ag(I) mixed ligand complexes showed excellent anticancer activity against Ehrlich's ascites tumor cells (EACs).