Ru(ii) polypyridyl complex-incorporated and folate-conjugated vehicle for cancer cell imaging and photoinduced inactivation.

Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes have been expected as promising therapeutic agents against cancer owing to its DNA photocleavage activity. However, the lack of cell selectivity poses a significant obstacle to their practical application. Herein, the strategy combining cell-specific imaging with photoinduced cell death based on [Ru(phen)2(dppz)](2+) has been developed by incorporating [Ru(phen)2(dppz)](2+) into folate-conjugated liposomes. The cells overexpressing folate receptors could specifically recognize this vehicle and be imaged through the luminescence of [Ru(phen)2(dppz)](2+). Thereafter, the delivered [Ru(phen)2(dppz)](2+) interacted with DNA in cells and led to photoinduced cell death. This work provided a possible alternative for cancer diagnosis and therapy.