Synthesis of Tocopherol succinate-Polyoxomolybdate Hybride Bio-Conjugate as potential anti-cancer agent

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are typical clusters of nanometer-sized transition metal oxides. They can play the unique roles as anticancer agents. Some of the antitumor mechanisms of POMs are as follows; the induction of cell apoptosis, weak nonspecific interactions with DNA and the inhibition of ATP generation (1). The conjugation of an organic ligand onto the POMs offers additional advantages, such as better stability and desirable ligand orientation. Most importantly, the attachment of bio-active ligands to POMs might improve their biocompatibility, allow selective recognition of biological targets, as well as tune the bioactivity and cytotoxicity. We hypothesize that the conjugation of tocopherol succinate to the Anderson-type POM {MnMo6O18 [(OCH2)3CNH2]2}3- (Fig1) can boost the anti-tumor function and impart targeted chemotherapy for cancer treatment due to the selectivity of the resulting conjugates (2). We investigated the structure of POM conjugate using FTIR and HNMR spectra. These techniques indicated the successful synthesis of the POM-tocopherol succinate conjugate. We have prepared a new bioconjugate that can enhance anti-tumor activity and selectivity in comparison with the parent cluster and tocopherol succinate. The in-vitro studies on how this conjugate kills MCF-7, LNCAP and HUVEC cells are currently undergoing in our laboratory.