Mixed-Ligand Co(II) Coordination Polymer: Application in Osteoporosis Treatment Through Wnt Signaling Pathway Activation

Abstract

A novel Co(II)-based coordination polymer (CP) with the molecular formula [Co(oba)(bpe)0.5(H2O)]n(1, in which H2oba is 2,2′-oxybis[benzoic acid] and bpe is 1,2-bis[4-pyridyl]ethylene) was successfully generated through the mixed-ligand approach under solvothermal reaction conditions. Architectural analysis revealed that CP1exhibited a one-dimensional ladder chain architecture that was expanded into a two-dimensional net architecture via O–H…O H bonding between carboxylic acid O atoms and water molecules. The CP’s application in osteoporosis treatment and care was explored, and its specific mechanism was also analyzed. The results of molecular docking simulation proved that the fragments on the Co complex had different functionalities. Specifically, the fragments containing carboxyl groups were responsible for the observed activities on the target protein. By contrast, fragments containing pyridine rings were inactive and instead acted as the ligands of the Co complex.