A series of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes with morpholine and piperazine groups are designed as dual photosensitizers and photothermal agents for more efficient antitumor phototherapy via infrared low-power laser. Their ground and excited state properties, as well as the structural effect on their photophysical and biological properties, are investigated by spectroscopic, electrochemical, and quantum chemical theoretical calculations. They target mitochondria in human melanoma tumor cells and trigger apoptosis related to mitochondrial dysfunction upon irradiation. The Ir(III) complexes, particularly Ir6, demonstrate high phototherapy indexes to melanoma tumor cells and a manifest photothermal effect. Ir6, with minimal hepato-/nephrotoxicity in vitro, significantly inhibits the growth of melanoma tumors in vivo under 808 nm laser irradiation by dual photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy and can be efficiently eliminated from the body. These results may contribute to the development of highly efficient phototherapeutic drugs for large, deeply buried solid tumors.
[1]Yunnan Univ, Sch Pharm, Yunnan Prov Ctr Res & Dev Nat Prod, Minist Educ,Key Lab Med Chem Nat Resource, Kunming 650500, Peoples R China.
[2]Yunnan Univ, Sch Life Sci, Anim Res & Resource Ctr, Kunming 650091, Peoples R China.
[3]Kunming Med Univ, Affiliated Hosp 1, Kunming 650032, Peoples R China.
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