Cytotoxicity of Potential Metal-Based Anti-Cancer Drug

[ introduction

:: welcome ::

Welcome to our website! To navigate, click the headings on the navigation bars on top or left. A sub-navigation list will appear on the left after you click.

Our project is mainly about finding a better drug against cancer, by testing a novel copper-based drug on various cancer and non-cancer cells.

Enjoy your stay here! Feel free to contact us if there are any technical faults.

:: Abstract ::

This study aims to explore the anticancer properties of copper (II) complexes of salicylahyde-N-N-di(benzyl)-semicarbazone. Inorganic chemistry has synthesised novel metal-based drugs, which may be medically more effective. The effectiveness of both the ligand and copper complex was determined through cytotoxicity (MTT) assays using 5 cell lines of neoplastic origin (cancerous), and 1 cell line of benign origin (non-cancerous). Number of live cells left after a 24-hour incubation of the cells with different concentrations of the drug was quantified using MTT, a yellow salt which is converted into blue crystals by live cells. Copper (II) complexes of salicyladehyde-N-N-di(benzyl)-semicarbazone showed higher cytotoxicity on all cell lines, compared to the ligand. The Chang Liver cell line (benign origin) showed higher resistance to both complex and ligand, while most other cell lines were relatively sensitive to the complex. By further comparison, the copper complex is more effective on certain cell lines than commercial anticancer drug cisplatin. Further experimentation is undergoing, to understand the mechanisms of cell death caused by the drug.

:: general information ::

This web report on CYTOTOXICITY OF POTENTIAL METAL-BASED ANTI-CANCER DRUG is brought to you by Yang Yiyu, Ooi Chen Feng and Wan Melvin of Hwa Chong Institution (High School).

All images and designs were done by the webmaster, Wan Melvin. Any images obtained from other sources are acknowledged under the 'Bibliography' section.

All experiments were carried out in Biosafety Level 2 Laboratories, specially meant for Tissue Culture only. Safety precautions matching the Biosafety Level 2 Guidelines were adhered to strictly.

(right: signs labelling a Tissue Culture Room, which is kept a sterile environment)

This web report is submitted to Hwa Chong Institution (High School) Projects' Competition 2006, Category 1 Experimental Research.