Synthesis, characterization, and anticancer potential of novel NHC ligands and their selenium complexes: a combined in vitro and in silico investigation

RSC Advances 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Boutheina Boualia, Abd El-Krim Sandeli, Enes Evren, İsmaıl Özdemır, Hüseyin Karci, Muhammed Mücahid Dündar, İlknur Özdemir, Nevin Gürbüz, Ahmet Koç, Houssem Boulebd
DOI: 10.1039/d5ra08393a
Cited by: 1
References: 33

Abstract

studies were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular structures and chemical reactivity of these compounds. In addition, molecular docking studies against PARP-1 and tubulin highlighted the strong inhibitory potential of the most active compounds (A3, A4, and A5) toward both targets, suggesting their potential involvement in the observed cytotoxic effects. Overall, these investigations propose benzimidazolium salts A3, A4, and A5 as promising anticancer agents and highlight the selenium derivatives as non-toxic selenium-based NHC complexes. Further studies should be undertaken to optimize the biological activity of these compounds and to enhance their selectivity toward cancer cells.

Fields of Study & Subjects

N-Heterocyclic Carbenes in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Metal complexes synthesis and properties Genomics phytochemicals and oxidative stress

Publication details

Journal / source
RSC Advances
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
409–424
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN