BIOMOLECULAR PROBES AND CELLULAR REAGENTS DERIVED FROM LUMINESCENT RHENIUM(I), RUTHENIUM(II), AND IRIDIUM(III) COMPLEXES

The interactions of transition metal complexes with biological molecules have been of long-standing interest. However, the applications of luminescent transition metal complexes in intracellular sensing and bioimaging have not been focused upon until recently. We are interested in the photophysical and photochemical characteristics of photoactive transition metal polypyridine complexes since they offer new opportunities for the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic reagents. Of particular importance is the environment-sensitive luminescence and photoactivatable properties of these metal complexes. In this presentation, we will describe our strategies in the development of luminescent rhenium(I), ruthenium(II), and iridium(III) polypyridine complexes as intracellular sensors for small molecular targets, photocytotoxic agents, and phosphorogenic bioorthogonal probes for live cells. We will focus on the photophysical and photochemical properties, cytotoxic activity, cellular uptake behavior, and intracellular localization and functions of these photofunctional transition metal complexes.