Identification of a Photoredox-Active Pt(IV) Complex that Induces Light-Mediated Cell Death

Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterisation of a series of fluorogenic Pt(IV) complexes - CarboBlue, OxaliBlue and CisBlue. These Pt(IV) complexes were identified as photoactive, oxidising biomolecules under light irradation to then undergo rapid intramolecular photoreduction to release the fluorescent reporter, Nap-OH and corresponding Pt(II) species. OxaliBlue and CisBlue displayed cytotoxicity regardless of light irradiation. In contrast, HCT116 cells treated with CarboBlue displayed a light-dependent increase in fluorescence emission along with selective light-induced toxicity.