Issue 21, 2014

Utilization of the photophysical and photochemical properties of phosphorescent transition metal complexes in the development of photofunctional cellular sensors, imaging reagents, and cytotoxic agents

Abstract

Although the interactions of phosphorescent transition metal complexes with biological molecules such as DNA and proteins have been extensively investigated, there is a rapidly emerging area of research that focuses specifically on the cellular uptake of phosphorescent transition metal complexes and their applications as cellular reagents such as biosensors for ions and small molecules, and bioimaging reagents for organelles and tissues. This interest stems from the rich phosphorescence properties, and in some cases the controllable photochemical reactivity of transition metal complexes, which complement fluorescent organic dyes and luminescent lanthanide chelates. In this review article, we briefly introduce the fundamental photophysical properties of phosphorescent transition metal complexes and explain the reasons why the complexes are attractive candidates as cellular reagents. Very recent applications of these complexes in biosensing and imaging in an intracellular environment using different strategies are also summarized. Additionally, phosphorescent transition metal complexes with potential therapeutic applications are highlighted in this article.

Graphical abstract: Utilization of the photophysical and photochemical properties of phosphorescent transition metal complexes in the development of photofunctional cellular sensors, imaging reagents, and cytotoxic agents

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
18 déc. 2013
Accepted
30 janv. 2014
First published
12 févr. 2014

RSC Adv., 2014,4, 10560-10585

Utilization of the photophysical and photochemical properties of phosphorescent transition metal complexes in the development of photofunctional cellular sensors, imaging reagents, and cytotoxic agents

K. K. Lo and S. P. Li, RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 10560 DOI: 10.1039/C3RA47611A

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