Issue 6, 2023

Self-assembled nanoparticles based on cationic mono-/AIE tetra-nuclear Ir(iii) complexes: long wavelength absorption/near-infrared emission photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy

Abstract

Cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes as photosensitizers (PSs) have attracted widespread attention because of their good photostability and efficient 1O2 production ability. However, their strong absorption in the UV-vis region severely limits their applications in photodynamic therapy (PDT) because the short wavelength illuminating light can be easily absorbed by the skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue causing damage to the patient's normal tissue. Herein, mono- and tetra-nuclear Ir(III) complex-porphyrin conjugates are rationally designed and synthesized, especially [TPP-4Ir]4+ exhibits obvious aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics. PSs comprising Ir(III) complex-porphyrin conjugates self-assembled as nanoparticles (NPs) are successfully achieved. The obtained [TPP-Ir]+ NPs and [TPP-4Ir]4+ NPs exhibit long wavelength absorption (500–700 nm) and near-infrared emission (635–750 nm), successfully overcoming the inherent defects of short wavelength absorption of traditional Ir(III) complexes. Moreover, [TPP-4Ir]4+ NPs exhibit good biocompatibility, high 1O2 generation ability, low half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) (0.47 × 10−6 M), potent cytotoxicity toward cancer cells and superior cellular uptake under white light irradiation. This work extends the scope for transition metal complex PSs with promising clinical applications.

Graphical abstract: Self-assembled nanoparticles based on cationic mono-/AIE tetra-nuclear Ir(iii) complexes: long wavelength absorption/near-infrared emission photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
26 marras 2022
Accepted
12 tammi 2023
First published
12 tammi 2023

Dalton Trans., 2023,52, 1595-1601

Self-assembled nanoparticles based on cationic mono-/AIE tetra-nuclear Ir(III) complexes: long wavelength absorption/near-infrared emission photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy

Z. Wang, L. Li, W. Wang, R. Wang, G. Li, H. Bian, D. Zhu and M. R. Bryce, Dalton Trans., 2023, 52, 1595 DOI: 10.1039/D2DT03809A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements