Novel phosphorescent hydrogels based on an Ir(III) metal complex

Abstract

Novel phosphorescent hydrogels have been explored by immobilizing an Ir(III) metal complex into the matrices of hydrogels. FTIR spectra demonstrate that the Ir(III) -PNaAMPS hydrogel is achieved by irreversible incorporation of positively charged [Ir(ppy)(2)(dmbpy)]Cl (ppy = 2-phenylpyrine, dmbpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) into negatively charged poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid sodium) (PNaAMPS) hydrogel via electrostatic interaction. The photoluminescent spectra indicate that the Ir(III)-PNaAMPS hydrogel exhibits stable phosphorescence. In vitro cultivation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells demonstrates the cytocompatibility of the Ir(III)-PNaAMPS hydrogel. This work herein represents a facile pathway for fabrication of phosphorescent hydrogels.