Platinum complexes with aggregation-induced emission

Transition metal-containing materials with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) have brought new opportunities for the development of biological probes, optoelectronic materials, stimuli-responsive materials, sensors, and detectors. Coordination compounds containing the platinum metal have emerged as a promising option for constructing effective AIE platinum complexes. In this review, we classified AIE platinum complexes based on the number of ligands. We focused on the development and performance of AIE platinum complexes with different numbers of ligands and discussed the impact of platinum ion coordination and ligand structure variation on the optoelectronic properties. Furthermore, this review analyzes and summarizes the influence of molecular geometries, stacking models, and aggregation environments on the optoelectronic performance of these complexes. We provided a comprehensive overview of the AIE mechanisms exhibited by various AIE platinum complexes. Based on the unique properties of AIE platinum complexes with different numbers of ligands, we systematically summarized their applications in electronics, biological fields, etc. Finally, we illustrated the challenges and opportunities for future research on AIE platinum complexes, aiming at giving a comprehensive summary and outlook on the latest developments of functional AIE platinum complexes and also encouraging more researchers to contribute to this promising field.

A simple AIE probe to pesticide trifluralin residues in aqueous phase: Ultra-fast response, high sensitivity, and quantitative detection utilizing a portable platform

The threat from pesticide trifluralin residues to ecological environment and public health is becoming a growing problem. Thus, rapid and sensitive detection, particularly a simple and portable detected platform for trifluralin residues, are highly desired. Here, a small organic aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecule (TPETPy) is facilely synthesized and applied to detect trifluralin both in lab and in actual water systems. Based on the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism, the emissive peak of TPETPy located at 475 nm in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/water mixture (ƒw = 90 %) under the excitation of 340 nm, decreases dramatically upon trace trifluralin addition and exhibits ultra-fast response (3 s), high sensitivity and selectivity, and good anti-interference ability. The fluorescence sensing correlation with the concentration of trifluralin shows good linearity in the range of 20-90 μg L-1 with the limit of detection of 6.28 μg L-1. Moreover, a portable smartphone-integrated detected platform based on fluorescent pattern Red/Green/Blue (RGB) values is first employed to realize the real-time and on-site quantitative fluorescent detection of trifluralin in actual water sources, featuring good accuracy and reproducibility. Hereby, this work provides not only a highly efficient trifluralin residues fluorescent probe but also a portable and straightforward operating platform to detect trifluralin pesticides quantitatively.

Reblooming of the cis-Bis(2-phenylpyridine) Platinum(II) Complex: Synthesis Updating, Aggregation-Induced Emission, Electroluminescence, and Cell Imaging

Studies on the syntheses, photophysical properties, and applications of cis-bis(2-phenylpyridine) platinum(II) complex (Pt(ppy)2) family are of great importance, but very limited progress has been achieved to date. Herein, a one-pot method was established for the syntheses of Pt(ppy)2-type complexes Pt-ppy and Pt-tBu. These two compounds were nonemissive in dilute solutions. However, they produced intense red and deep-red phosphorescence in the aggregation and film states, with lifetimes and quantum yields up to 1.92 μs and 70%, respectively, exhibiting unique aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics. According to the experimental and theoretical studies, molecular configuration transformation (MCT) in the excited state may occur because of the d-d transition from the Pt center, causing nonradiative transitions in the solution. Nevertheless, the MCT would be largely restricted by the intermolecular interactions or rigid matrix, thereby enabling efficient phosphorescence in the aggregation state and in the PMMA films. Consequently, the AIE characteristics of Pt-ppy and Pt-tBu probably result from the restriction of molecular configuration transformation (RMCT). Due to the π-π and/or weak Pt-Pt interactions and the concentration-dependent emission characteristics, they emit deep-red and NIR emissions generated by excimer and/or MMLCT emitting species. Inspired by their AIE features, electroluminescence and cell imaging applications are explored. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study on the synthesis optimization, photophysical properties, AIE characteristics, and applications of the Pt(ppy)2-type complexes, which may rebloom the research studies on this type of Pt(II) complex family and provide valuable insights on the development of phosphorescent AIE metal-organic complexes.

Recent Advances in Mitochondria-Localized Luminescent Ruthenium(II) Metallodrugs as Anticancer Agents

Presently, the most effective way to transport drugs specifically to mitochondria inside the cells is of pharmacophoric interest, as mitochondria are recognized as one of the most important targets for new drug design in cancer diagnosis. To date, there are many reviews covering the photophysical, photochemical, and anticancer properties of ruthenium(II) based metallodrugs owing to their high interest in biological applications. There are, however, no reviews specifically covering the mitochondria-localized luminescent Ru(II) complexes and their subsequent mitochondria-mediated anticancer activities. Therefore, this review describes the physicochemical basis for the mitochondrial accumulation of ruthenium complexes, their synthetic strategies to localize and monitor the mitochondria in living cells, and their related underlying anticancer results. Finally, we review the related areas from previous works describing the mitochondria-localized ruthenium complexes for the treatment of cancer-related diseases. Along with this, we also deliberate the perspectives and future directions for emerging more bifunctional Ru(II) complexes that can target, image, and kill tumors more efficiently in comparison with the existing mitochondria-targeted cancer therapeutics.

Near-infrared metal agents assisting precision medicine: from strategic design to bioimaging and therapeutic applications

Metal agents have made incredible strides in preclinical research and clinical applications in recent years, but their short emission/absorption wavelengths continue to be a barrier to their distribution, therapeutic action, visual tracking, and efficacy evaluation. Nowadays, the near-infrared window (NIR, 650-1700 nm) provides a more accurate imaging and treatment option. Thus, there has been ongoing research focusing on developing multifunctional NIR metal agents for imaging and therapy that have deeper tissue penetration. The design, characteristics, bioimaging, and therapy of NIR metal agents are covered in this overview of papers and reports published to date. To start with, we focus on describing the structure, design strategies, and photophysical properties of metal agents from the NIR-I (650-1000 nm) to NIR-II (1000-1700 nm) region, in order of molecular metal complexes (MMCs), metal-organic complexes (MOCs), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Next, the biomedical applications brought by these superior photophysical and chemical properties for more accurate imaging and therapy are discussed. Finally, we explore the challenges and prospects of each type of NIR metal agent for future biomedical research and clinical translation.

Excited-State THz Vibrations in Aggregates of PtII Complexes Contribute to the Enhancement of Near-Infrared Emission Efficiencies

The exploration of deactivation mechanisms for near-infrared(NIR)-emissive organic molecules has been a key issue in chemistry, materials science and molecular biology. In this study, based on transient absorption spectroscopy and transient grating photoluminescence spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the aggregated PtII complex 4H (efficient NIR emitter) exhibits collective out-of-plane motions with a frequency of 32 cm-1 (0.96 THz) in the excited states. Importantly, similar THz characteristics were also observed in analogous PtII complexes with prominent NIR emission efficiency. The conservation of THz motions enables excited-state deactivation to proceed along low-frequency vibrational coordinates, contributing to the suppression of nonradiative decay and remarkable NIR emission. These novel results highlight the significance of excited-state vibrations in nonradiative processes, which serve as a benchmark for improving device performance.

D-A-D organic small molecules with AIE effect for fluorescence imaging guided photothermal therapy

Near infrared (NIR) fluorescent organic molecules as fluorescent probes accurately guide photothermal therapy as a potential antitumor method. However, the aggregation and quenching of organic fluorescent molecules and poor tissue permeability greatly limit their therapeutic effect and clinical transformation. In this paper, with a D-A-D structure as the molecular skeleton, cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) as the donor (D), diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) as the acceptor (A), and long-chain isooctane as the shielding unit, organic fluorescent small molecules with a strong absorption band and bright NIR-II emission were synthesized. Then, tetraphenylethylene (TPE) molecules with typical AIE structure characteristics were introduced on both sides of the organic fluorescent small molecules, and an organic small molecular fluorophore (TDA) with AIE characteristics and the photothermal effect was designed. Through a series of experimental characterization techniques, it is proved that TDA NPs have good biocompatibility and tissue permeability, and can accurately locate the tumor location through NIR-II fluorescence imaging to achieve local photothermal treatment of tumors.

Luminescent Metal Complexes for Bioassays in the Near-Infrared (NIR) Region

Near-infrared (NIR, 700-1700 nm) luminescent imaging is an emerging bioimaging technology with low photon scattering, minimal autofluorescence, deep tissue penetration, and high spatiotemporal resolution that has shown fascinating promise for NIR imaging-guided theranostics. In recent progress, NIR luminescent metal complexes have attracted substantially increased research attention owing to their intrinsic merits, including small size, anti-photobleaching, long lifetime, and metal-centered NIR emission. In the past decade, scientists have contributed to the advancement of NIR metal complexes involving efforts to improve photophysical properties, biocompatibility, specificity, pharmacokinetics, in vivo visualization, and attempts to exploit new ligand platforms. Herein, we summarize recent progress and provide future perspectives for NIR metal complexes, including d-block transition metals and f-block lanthanides (Ln) as NIR optical molecular probes for bioassays.

Metal Peptide Conjugates in Cell and Tissue Imaging and Biosensing

Metal complex luminophores have seen dramatic expansion in application as imaging probes over the past decade. This has been enabled by growing understanding of methods to promote their cell permeation and intracellular targeting. Amongst the successful approaches that have been applied in this regard is peptide-facilitated delivery. Cell-permeating or signal peptides can be readily conjugated to metal complex luminophores and have shown excellent response in carrying such cargo through the cell membrane. In this article, we describe the rationale behind applying metal complexes as probes and sensors in cell imaging and outline the advantages to be gained by applying peptides as the carrier for complex luminophores. We describe some of the progress that has been made in applying peptides in metal complex peptide-driven conjugates as a strategy for cell permeation and targeting of transition metal luminophores. Finally, we provide key examples of their application and outline areas for future progress.

Dinuclear Organoruthenium Complex for Mitochondria-Targeted Near-Infrared Imaging and Anticancer Therapy to Overcome Platinum Resistance

New mononuclear and dinuclear Ru(II) coordination compounds with the 2,7-bisbenzoimidazolyl-naphthyridine ligand have been synthesized and characterized by UV-vis, NMR, and MALDI-TOF. The molecular structures for Ru(II) compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. With the expansion of ligand π-conjugation and the increase in the complexed Ru number, the maximum emission wavelength red-shifted from 696 to 786 nm. The binding mode between complexes and DNA was predicted by molecular docking, which is intercalations and π-π stacking interactions with the surrounding bases. The intercalation mode of DNA binding was then determined by DNA titration and ethidium bromide (EB) displacement experiments. The antigrowth effects of complexes RuY, RuY1, and RuY2 were tested in HaCat (normal cells), HeLa (cervical cancer), A549 (lung cancer), and A549/DDP (cisplatin-resistant lung cancer) through the MTT assay. The dinuclear complex RuY2 was superior to mononuclear complexes and cisplatin in the cisplatin-resistant cell line. Confocal imaging proved that the subcellular localization of Ru(II) complexes was mitochondria; moreover, apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. All three complexes showed a dose-dependent manner in all four cell lines. All Ru(II) complexes were found to have reactive oxygen species (ROS). The finding indicated that these Ru(II) complexes caused cell death by both DNA disruption and ROS. This study helps to explore the potential of the polynuclear Ru(II) complexes for the combination of NIR imaging and Pt-resistant cancer therapy.

Aggregation-Induced Emission-Based Platforms for the Treatment of Bacteria, Fungi, and Viruses

The prevention and control of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses is a herculean task for all the countries since they greatly threaten global public health. Rapid detection and effective elimination of these pathogens is crucial for the treatment of related diseases. It is urgently demanded to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to combat bacteria, fungi, and viruses-induced infections. The emergence of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens (AIEgens) is a revolutionary breakthrough for the treatment of many diseases, including pathogenic infections. In this review, the main focus is on the applications of AIEgens for theranostic treatment of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Due to the AIE characteristic, AIEgens are promising fluorescent probes for the detection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses with excellent sensitivity and photostability. Moreover, AIEgen-based theranostic platforms can be fabricated by introducing bactericidal moieties or designing AIE photosensitizers and AIE photothermal agents. The current strategies and ongoing developments of AIEgens for the treatment of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses will be discussed in detail.

Multiresponsive Cyclometalated Crown Ether Bearing a Platinum(II) Metal Center

Multiresponsive materials can adapt to numerous changes in their local environment, which makes them highly valuable for various applications. Although nanostructured and polymeric multiresponsive materials are plentiful, small-molecule analogues are scarce. This work presents a compact cyclometalated platinum(II) complex that bears a crown ether cavity (18C6-Pt^II); the intimate ring/emitter connectivity is key to unlocking multiresponsiveness. Complex 18C6-Pt^II responds to (i) cationic guests, producing changes in luminescence in both solution and the solid state, (ii) solvent molecules, which perturb the packing of the complex in the solid state and cause reversible color changes, and (iii) solvent polarity, which leads to controlled aggregation. These responses may enable 18C6-Pt^II to function as a sensor for ions and solvents, or as a functional unit for the fabrication of hybrid supramolecular polymers and metallogels.

AIE materials for lysosome imaging

The aggregation-induced emission (AIE) active bioprobes are known for their high photostability and extraordinary signal to noise ratio. In view of this, research efforts to synthesize new AIE bioimaging probes are at an incredible speed. In this chapter, we have summarized the various lysosome specific AIE active "turn-on" bioprobes having applications in lysosome imaging, monitoring of lysosome bioactivity and evaluation of their therapeutic effects. By discussing their design and operational mechanisms, we hope to provide more insight into designing new AIE bioprobes for specific sensing and imaging of lysosome having flexibility for broad range of biomedical applications.

Trans/cis-stereoisomers of triterpenoid-substituted tetraphenylethene: aggregation-induced emission, aggregate morphology, and mechano-chromism

Trans/cis stereoisomers with multiple functionalities play an important role in chemistry and materials science. In this work, two pure stereoisomers (trans- and cis-TPE-2GA) of the tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivatives bi-substituted by a bio-resourced rigid triterpenoid and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) were synthesized and characterized by 1D and 2D NMR, single crystal analysis, and HR-MS. Both trans- and cis-TPE-2GA are thermally stable even on heating at 160 °C for 30 min, whereas they can undergo trans-to-cis and cis-to-trans photoisomerization under similar UV illumination. The introduction of triterpenoid units endowed isomers with different aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and self-assembly properties and distinct crystallinity. Trans- and cis-TPE-2GA exhibit different evolution of the fluorescent intensity in water/acetone mixture with the increase in the water fraction, which are closely related to the different evolution of the aggregate morphology, from nanorods to nanospheres for trans-TPE-2GA, while from twisted ribbons, to nanotubes and nanospheres for cis-TPE-2GA. In the solid state, the mechano-chromic properties are shown by cis-TPE-2GA, while no mechano-chromic effect is observed for trans-TPE-2GA under the same grinding conditions because of their distinct crystallinity. Finally, theoretical calculation and photophysical study demonstrate that despite both isomers being assigned to the charge transfer state emission, cis-TPE-2GA has a slightly lower energy gap, a higher quantum yield, and a longer lifetime in comparison with trans-TPE-2GA, which explained their difference in the fluorescence and mechano-chromic properties. This work may improve the understanding of the TPE-based trans and cis stereoisomers, which will be beneficial in the design of novel TPE-based functional materials.

Mitochondria-Targeting and Reversible Near-Infrared Emissive Iridium(III) Probe for in vivo ONOO-/GSH Redox Cycles Monitoring

Peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) and glutathione (GSH), two unique reactive species, play an essential regulating role in the oxidation and antioxidation in the living body and are closely associated with various physiological and pathological processes, like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, and hepatotoxicity. Thus, it is crucial to study mitochondria ONOO^-/GSH redox cycles by an effective molecular tool. In this work, a mitochondria-targeting and redox-reversible near-infrared (NIR) phosphorescent iridium complex, Ir-diol, has been synthesized and used for the detection and imaging of a cellular redox state by visualizing endogenous ONOO^-/GSH content. Ir-diol shows excellent photophysical properties, including NIR emission (the maximum emissive wavelength for 704 nm, approximately) and high phosphorescent quantum yield (Φ = 0.136) and exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity toward ONOO^-/GSH redox cycles in aqueous solution and living cells. Therefore, these features, combined with low cytotoxicity and excellent cell permeability, enable probe Ir-diol to monitor the changes of the intracellular ONOO^-/GSH level induced by drug both in vitro and in vivo.

A Carbazole-Bridged Biscyclometalated Diplatinum Complex: Synthesis, Characterization, and Dual-Mode Aggregation-Enhanced Phosphorescence

A cationic carbazole-bridged biscyclometalated diplatinum complex 4 has been synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray analysis demonstrates that complex 4 displays a dimeric structure with noncovalent π-π stacking and unique double Pt-Pt interactions. In aerated dilute CH₃CN, complex 4 is characterized by a very weak monomeric yellow emission (λ_emi = 547 nm; Φ = 0.51%), which is attributed to the triplet intraligand (³LC) excited state mixing with some charge transfer characters. In contrast, under aerated conditions, the dispersion of 4 in a mixed solvent of CH₃CN/Et₂O (1/9, v/v) or CH₃CN/H₂O (1/9, v/v) displays intense yellow (λ_emi = 550 nm; Φ = 35.5%; τ = 11.10 μs) and red emission (λ_emi = 635 nm; Φ = 14.1%; τ = 7.00 μs), respectively. These aggregation-induced phosphorescent emission enhancements are considered being caused by the oxygen-shielding effect and the molecular rigidification-induced decrease of nonradiative decays in the aggregate state. The morphology and size of the aggregates under these two conditions are examined by scanning electron microscope and dynamic light scattering analysis. The absorption and emission properties of 4 are further rationalized by time-dependent density functional theory calculations on a model compound.

An Effective Approach to Obtain Near-Infrared Emission from Binuclear Platinum(II) Complexes Involving Thiophenpyridine-Isoquinoline Bridging Ligand in Solution-Processed OLEDs

Bimetallic complexes have become an emerging hot topic in field of luminous applications in recent years. Unlike the traditional modification on a cyclometalated ligand, grafting an additional metal ion provides a novel approach to tune molecular conjugation as well as the spin orbital coupling (SOC). Herein, we demonstrate a new kind of binuclear platinum(II) complex Pt-3 that possesses an asymmetric thiophenpyridine-isoquinoline bridging ligand. Compared to its mononuclear analogues of Pt-1 and Pt-2, an extremely large redshift emission from 576 and 618 nm to 721 nm was observed in solution. Binding of two metal ions helps to enhance molecular planarity, extend conjugation and suppress excited state distortion. However, their quantum yields tend to remarkably decrease with increasing red-shift emission as following the "energy gap law". The relatively larger HOMO/LUMO separation that induced by the second platinum ion also decreases the oscillator strength at the lowest singlet state, and goes against the fast radiative decay process. Solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on Pt-1, Pt-2 and Pt-3 achieved external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) and luminance/radiant emittance of 13.6% and 13640 cd/m² , 3.5% and 3754 cd/m² , 0.9% and 7981 mW/Sr/m² with the corresponding electroluminescent (EL) emission peaked at 580 nm, 625 nm and 708 nm, respectively. This work emphasizes the complement argument of the commonly largely reported symmetric binuclear configurations, and provides a new view to photophysical mechanism and design strategies for bimetallic species.

Near-infrared-emitting AIE multinuclear cationic Ir(iii) complex-assembled nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy

The first pure NIR-emitting AIE multinuclear Ir(iii) complex NPs obtained by self-assembly exhibit excellent cell imaging and PDT performance.