Anti-inflammatory properties of the ruthenium polypyridyl complex, K314, on the in vitro activated macrophages

Ruthenium polypyridyl complex derivatives find applications in the solar cells. They are mostly used as photosensitizers in solar cells for energy production. In our study we examined their activities on the immune system cells. At cellular level metabolic activities are shaped by the electron transfer reactions and ruthenium polypyridyl complexes can very well interfere this process and alter the outcome. A change in the cell’s metabolism would lead to a change in the cell’s activity. Depending on the functional group types attached to the ruthenium complex there can be changes in their biological function. Therefore our group has been screening their different derivatives’ effects on the immune system cells inflammatory activity. We primarily focus on macrophages that are crucial cells of the innate immunity. In order to measure the activity of the macrophage cell line we detected the changes in the pro-inflammatory TNFα, IL1β and IL6 cytokine levels by ELISA. Our in vitro results support that K314 can be used as an anti-inflammatory drµg candidate in autoimmune diseases or inflammatory disorders. Furthermore, K314 can also be used as a surface coating material on the patches to prevent the inflammation in the area; as well as organ and tissue transplants, especially bone tissue, to suppress the inflammation mediated rejection of the transplant.