Recent Progress on the Exploration of the Biological Utility of Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes

Molecular imaging employing cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes is one of the fastest growing research areas. In this minireview, the key advances in phosphorescent bioimaging and photodynamic applications employing cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes are introduced. Focus is on understanding the structure-property relationships, with the aim to provide useful guidance to future development of molecular materials showing the intended photofunctions. The research covered in this minireview demonstrates that cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes can serve as versatile platforms for biological applications.