Copper(II) Cyclopeptides with High ROS-Mediated Cytotoxicity.

Cu(II) coordination complexes are emerging as promising anticancer agents due to their ability to induce oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In this study, we synthesized and characterized two novel Cu(II) metallopeptide systems, /Cu(II) and /Cu(II), derived from the oligocationic bipyridyl cyclopeptides and and designed to enhance the transport of Cu(II) into cells and increase ROS levels. Spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses confirmed the formation of stable metallopeptide species in aqueous media.