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Lee LCC, Lo KKW. Shining New Light on Biological Systems: Luminescent Transition Metal Complexes for Bioimaging and Biosensing Applications. Chem Rev 2024. [PMID: 39052606 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Luminescence imaging is a powerful and versatile technique for investigating cell physiology and pathology in living systems, making significant contributions to life science research and clinical diagnosis. In recent years, luminescent transition metal complexes have gained significant attention for diagnostic and therapeutic applications due to their unique photophysical and photochemical properties. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the recent development of luminescent transition metal complexes for bioimaging and biosensing applications, with a focus on transition metal centers with a d6, d8, and d10 electronic configuration. We elucidate the structure-property relationships of luminescent transition metal complexes, exploring how their structural characteristics can be manipulated to control their biological behavior such as cellular uptake, localization, biocompatibility, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution. Furthermore, we introduce the various design strategies that leverage the interesting photophysical properties of luminescent transition metal complexes for a wide variety of biological applications, including autofluorescence-free imaging, multimodal imaging, organelle imaging, biological sensing, microenvironment monitoring, bioorthogonal labeling, bacterial imaging, and cell viability assessment. Finally, we provide insights into the challenges and perspectives of luminescent transition metal complexes for bioimaging and biosensing applications, as well as their use in disease diagnosis and treatment evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Cho-Cheung Lee
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P. R. China
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Units 1503-1511, 15/F, Building 17W, Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Kenneth Kam-Wing Lo
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Terahertz and Millimeter Waves, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P. R. China
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Jing S, Wu X, Niu D, Wang J, Leung CH, Wang W. Recent Advances in Organometallic NIR Iridium(III) Complexes for Detection and Therapy. Molecules 2024; 29:256. [PMID: 38202839 PMCID: PMC10780525 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Iridium(III) complexes are emerging as a promising tool in the area of detection and therapy due to their prominent photophysical properties, including higher photostability, tunable phosphorescence emission, long-lasting phosphorescence, and high quantum yields. In recent years, much effort has been devoted to develop novel near-infrared (NIR) iridium(III) complexes to improve signal-to-noise ratio and enhance tissue penetration. In this review, we summarize different classes of organometallic NIR iridium(III) complexes for detection and therapy, including cyclometalated ligand-enabled NIR iridium(III) complexes and NIR-dye-conjugated iridium(III) complexes. Moreover, the prospects and challenges for organometallic NIR iridium(III) complexes for targeted detection and therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaozhen Jing
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China; (S.J.); (X.W.); (J.W.)
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, 45 South Gaoxin Road, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Xiaolei Wu
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China; (S.J.); (X.W.); (J.W.)
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, 45 South Gaoxin Road, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Dou Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China;
| | - Jing Wang
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China; (S.J.); (X.W.); (J.W.)
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, 45 South Gaoxin Road, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
- MoE Frontiers Science Centre for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Wanhe Wang
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China; (S.J.); (X.W.); (J.W.)
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, 45 South Gaoxin Road, Shenzhen 518057, China
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Tu R, Liu J, Chen W, Fu F, Li MJ. Two near-infrared phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes for the detection of GSH and photodynamic therapy. Dalton Trans 2023; 52:13137-13145. [PMID: 37655695 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt01826a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
GSH is one of the most important reducing agents in biological systems. The depletion of GSH in the human body is linked to many diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to develop suitable and efficient probes for detecting GSH concentrations in real samples. In this work, we designed and synthesized two near-infrared emitting iridium(III) complex probes containing a novel ligand functionalized with an α,β-unsaturated ketone for the rapid and sensitive detection of GSH. The molecular structure of Ir2 was determined by X-ray crystallography. Due to their large Stokes shift, long luminescence lifetime and NIR emission, these probes were successfully applied in the imaging of GSH in living cells. In addition, two iridium(III) complexes have strong singlet oxygen generation ability which can be used for photodynamic therapy (PDT) upon visible light irradiation. On the basis of these findings, our iridium(III) complexes may serve as GSH probes for HeLa cell imaging and as photosensitizers for PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Jie Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Weibin Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Fengfu Fu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Mei-Jin Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
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Wang J, Jin Y, Li M, Liu S, Lo KKW, Zhao Q. Time-Resolved Luminescent Sensing and Imaging for Enzyme Catalytic Activity Based on Responsive Probes. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200429. [PMID: 35819359 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Enzymes, as a kind of biomacromolecules, play an important role in many physiological processes and relate directly to various diseases. Developing an efficient detection method for enzyme activity is important to achieve early diagnosis of enzyme-relevant diseases and high throughput screening of potential enzyme-relevant drugs. Time-resolved luminescence assay provide a high accuracy and signal-to-noise ratios detection methods for enzyme activity, which has been widely used in high throughput screening of enzyme-relevant drugs and diagnosis of enzyme-relevant diseases. Inspired by these advantages, various responsive probes based on metal complexes and metal-free organic compounds have been developed for time-resolved bioimaging and biosensing of enzyme activity owing to their long luminescence lifetimes, high quantum yields and photostability. In this review, we comprehensively reviewed metal complex- and metal-free organic compound-based responsive probes applied to detect enzyme activity through time-resolved imaging, including their design strategies and sensing principles. Current challenges and future prospects in this rapidly growing field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wang
- Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Institute of Advanced Materials, 9 Wenyuan Road, 210023, Nanjing, CHINA
| | - Yibiao Jin
- Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Institute of Advanced Materials, 9 Wenyuan Road, 210023, Nanjing, CHINA
| | - Mingdang Li
- Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Institute of Advanced Materials, 9 Wenyuan Road, 210023, Nanjing, CHINA
| | - Shujuan Liu
- Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Institute of Advanced Materials, 9 Wenyuan Road, 210023, Nanjing, CHINA
| | - Kenneth Kam-Wing Lo
- City University of Hong Kong, Department of Chemistry, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong, CHINA
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, 210023, Nanjing, CHINA
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Wang Z, He S, Xu X, Xie P, Yan H, Zhang D, Ye Y, Zhao Y. A novel NIR fluorescent probe with ratiometric imaging of cysteine in endoplasmic reticulum. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2nj04902c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We develop a large Stoke's shift ratiometric probe for imaging endoplasmic reticulum oxidative stress induced by Cytoxan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziming Wang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shenwei He
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiujuan Xu
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Peiyao Xie
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hanlei Yan
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards and Testing Technology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yong Ye
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yufen Zhao
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
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Chelushkin PS, Shakirova JR, Kritchenkov IS, Baigildin VA, Tunik SP. Phosphorescent NIR emitters for biomedicine: applications, advances and challenges. Dalton Trans 2021; 51:1257-1280. [PMID: 34878463 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt03077a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Application of NIR (near-infrared) emitting transition metal complexes in biomedicine is a rapidly developing area of research. Emission of this class of compounds in the "optical transparency windows" of biological tissues and the intrinsic sensitivity of their phosphorescence to oxygen resulted in the preparation of several commercial oxygen sensors capable of deep (up to whole-body) and quantitative mapping of oxygen gradients suitable for in vivo experimental studies. In addition to this achievement, the last decade has also witnessed the increased growth of successful alternative applications of NIR phosphors that include (i) site-specific in vitro and in vivo visualization of sophisticated biological models ranging from 3D cell cultures to intact animals; (ii) sensing of various biologically relevant analytes, such as pH, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, RedOx agents, etc.; (iii) and several therapeutic applications such as photodynamic (PDT), photothermal (PTT), and photoactivated cancer (PACT) therapies as well as their combinations with other therapeutic and imaging modalities to yield new variants of combined therapies and theranostics. Nevertheless, emerging applications of these compounds in experimental biomedicine and their implementation as therapeutic agents practically applicable in PDT, PTT, and PACT face challenges related to a critically important improvement of their photophysical and physico-chemical characteristics. This review outlines the current state of the art and achievements of the last decade and stresses the most promising trends, major development prospects, and challenges in the design of NIR phosphors suitable for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel S Chelushkin
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii pr., 26, 198504, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Julia R Shakirova
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii pr., 26, 198504, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Ilya S Kritchenkov
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii pr., 26, 198504, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Vadim A Baigildin
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii pr., 26, 198504, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Sergey P Tunik
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii pr., 26, 198504, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Zhang Y, Qiao J. Near-infrared emitting iridium complexes: Molecular design, photophysical properties, and related applications. iScience 2021; 24:102858. [PMID: 34381981 PMCID: PMC8340135 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have become popular displays from small screens of wearables to large screens of televisions. In those active-matrix OLED displays, phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes serve as the indispensable green and red emitters because of their high luminous efficiency, excellent color tunability, and high durability. However, in contrast to their brilliant success in the visible region, iridium complexes are still underperforming in the near-infrared (NIR) region, particular in poor luminous efficiency according to the energy gap law. In this review, we first recall the basic theory of phosphorescent iridium complexes and explore their full potential for NIR emission. Next, the recent advances in NIR-emitting iridium complexes are summarized by highlighting design strategies and the structure-properties relationship. Some important implications for controlling photophysical properties are revealed. Moreover, as promising applications, NIR-OLEDs and bio-imaging based on NIR Ir(III) complexes are also presented. Finally, challenges and opportunities for NIR-emitting iridium complexes are envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Zhang
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Juan Qiao
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.,Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
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