The first 6-hydroxyflavone and 7-hydroxyflavone decorated monospiro cyclotriphosphazene compounds: Synthesis, characterization and biological activity studies

The fight against cancer requires a versatile and more effective approach to cancer treatments that combines the design of new drugs, targeted therapies, and a deeper understanding of the tumour microenvironment. Research on hydroxyflavones and cyclotriphosphazene underscores their importance in cancer research, showcasing their diverse pharmacological activities ranging from anti-cancer properties to potential applications. In our study, the first 6- and 7-hydroxyflavone decorated monospiro cyclotriphosphazenes were synthesized and analysed by elemental analysis, MALDI-TOF MS, ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of the compounds were evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content analyses. Additionally, the cytotoxic effects of the compounds were assessed in MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma) and MCF-12A (non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial) cell lines using the WST-8 cell viability assay. Hydroxyflavone-derived cyclotriphosphazene compounds showed selective antioxidant (DPPH: %93.48, total phenolic: 91.74, and total flavonoid: 87.20) activities. The cytotoxicity results of the compounds in MCF-7 (human breast cancer) cells using the WST-8 method showed a viability% activity of 54.13 (IC₅₀:27.10), providing meaningful and effective data for anticancer studies. These findings collectively emphasize the significant role of hydroxyflavone decorated cyclotriphosphazenes in advancing cancer treatment strategies.