We report the successful synthesis
and comprehensive
characterization
of novel Ru(II)-arene complexes incorporating pyrene-based thiosemicarbazone
(TSC) ligands. Utilizing a suite of advanced spectroscopic techniques
including ultraviolet–visible (UV–visible), Fourier
transform infrared (FT-IR), 1H NMR, 13C NMR,
and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), the intricate structural
and electronic nuances of these complexes were elucidated. X-ray crystallographic
data unequivocally affirmed the ligands’ preferential coordination
through the thionyl sulfur and imine nitrogen moieties with the Ru(II)
ion. Rigorous density functional theory (DFT) computations reveal
these complexes as exemplary electron donors, concomitantly hinting
at their significant bioactive potential. Notably, molecular docking
and molecular dynamic simulation studies suggest that they are potential
SND1 protein inhibitors, which are essential proteins in the functioning
of cancer cells. Furthermore, they have a strong affinity for binding
to CT-DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA), indicating DNA intercalation
and a strong protein-binding ability. Intriguingly, the Ru-arene TSC
complexes unveiled potent cytotoxic activity against an array of cancerous
cell linesmost notably MDA-MB-231 (IC50 = 10.2
± 0.02 μM), A549 (IC50 = 25.7 ± 0.07 μM),
and HeLa (IC50 = 20.7 ± 0.05 μM) for RuP2P emerging as a standout agent.