Multicomponent Self-Assembly of a Giant Heterometallic Polyoxotungstate Supercluster with Antitumor Activity

The hierarchical aggregation of molecular nanostructures from multiple components is a grand synthetic challenge, which requires highly selective linkage control. We demonstrate how two orthogonal linkage groups, that is, organotin and lanthanide cations, can be used to drive the aggregation of a giant molecular metal oxide superstructure. The title compound {[(Sn(CH3)(2))(2)O](4){[CeW5O18] [TeW4O16][CeSn(CH3)(2)](4)[TeW8O31](4)}(2)}(46-) (1 a) features dimensions of ca. 2.2x2.3x3.4 nm(3) and a molecular weight of ca. 25 kDa. Structural analysis shows the hierarchical aggregation from several independent subunits. Initial biomedical tests show that 1 features an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HeLa cells based on an apoptosis pathway. In vivo experiments in mice reveal the antiproliferative activity of 1 and open new paths for further development of this new compound class.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates how the aggregation of giant molecular metal oxide superstructures can be driven using organotin and lanthanide cations, with detailed structural analysis. Initial biomedical tests show inhibitory effects of the compound on cancer cell proliferation, indicating potential applications in cancer treatment.