Dark cytotoxicity beyond photo-induced one of silica nanoparticles incorporated with RuII nitrosyl complexes and luminescent {Mo6I8} cluster units

The present work reports the synthesis of the silica nanoparticles (SNs) incorporated by two photoactive components , which are the representatives of RuII nitrosyl complexes and [{Mo6I8}(CH3COO)6]2 ? cluster units. The RuII nitrosyl complexes are incorporated through the doping procedure into the SNs. The embedding of amino-groups onto the RuII-doped SNs facilitates the deposition of the cluster units, thus, resulting in the heterometallic core-shel l SNs. Combination of the two photoactive components in the SNs results in the anti-synergistic effect on the photochemical and photodynamic activities of the RuI I and {Mo6I8}-based complexes correspondingly. The enhanced leaching of the cluster units from the heterometallic SNs correlates with the nitrosyl & RARR; nitro transformation of the encapsulated RuI I nitrosyl complexes. The formation of the so-called protein corona onto the heterometallic SNs is revealed as the reason for high colloid stability and efficientce l l internalization, which is visualized through the red emission of the {Mo6I8}-clusters. The cytotoxicity measurements reveal both synergistic effect of both components on the cytotoxicity evaluated in the so-called dark conditions and anti-synergistic effect on the photo-induced cytotoxicity. The significant dark cytotoxicity of the heterometallic SNs correlates with their high internalization and the enhanced leaching of the cluster units.