A dithiacyclam-coordinated silver(I) polymer with anti-cancer stem cell activity

A cancer stem cell (CSC) active, solution stable, silver(I) polymeric complex bearing a dithiacyclam ligand is reported. The complex displays similar potency towards CSCs as salinomycin in monolayer and three-dimensional cultures. Mechanistic studies suggest CSC death results from cytosol entry, an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species, and caspase-dependent apoptosis.