Mitochondria-targeting phosphorescent iridium(iii) complexes for living cell imaging†
Abstract
Two phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes conjugated to a lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation moiety, IrMitoOlivine and IrMitoNIR, were synthesized. The complexes show high mitochondria-specificity and relatively lower cytotoxicity. Time-lapse confocal imaging indicates that both complexes exhibit an excellent anti-photobleaching capability under continuous laser irradiation.