Photoactivation of imatinib–antibody conjugate using low-energy visible light from Ru(ii)-polypyridyl cages

Abstract

Ru(II)-polypyridyl cages with sterically bulky bidentate ligands provide efficient photochemical release of the anticancer drug imatinib using low energy visible light, imparting spatiotemporal control over drug bioavailability. The light-activated drug release is maintained when the Ru(II) cage is covalently coupled to an antibody, which is expected to localize selectively on the tumor.