Mitochondria-targeting phosphorescent iridium(<scp>iii</scp>) complexes for living cell imaging

Abstract

Two phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes conjugated to a lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation moiety, IrMitoOlivine and IrMitoNIR, were synthesized. The complexes show high mitochondria-specificity and relatively lower cytotoxicity. Time-lapse confocal imaging indicates that both complexes exhibit an excellent anti-photobleaching capability under continuous laser irradiation.