Functionalization of cyclometalated iridium(III) polypyridine complexes for the design of intracellular sensors, organelle-targeting imaging reagents, and metallodrugs

In the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the applications of cyclometalated iridium(III) polypyridine complexes in different areas. Since many of these complexes exhibit interesting photophysical properties, they have been utilized in the development of luminescent chemosensors, light-emitting devices, and photovoltaic cells. In addition, a number of organometallic iridium(III) polypyridine complexes have been applied in a range of biological studies. In this article, we summarize the applications of a selection of these complexes with a focus on intracellular sensors, organelle-targeting imaging reagents, and metallodrugs.