Activation of a photodissociative ruthenium complex by triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion in liposomes.

Liposomes capable of generating photons of blue light in situ by triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion of either green or red light, were prepared. The red-to-blue upconverting liposomes were capable of triggering the photodissociation of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes from PEGylated liposomes using a clinical grade photodynamic therapy laser source (630 nm).