A mitochondrion-targeting Mn(ii)-terpyridine complex for two-photon photodynamic therapy

Abstract

We developed a mitochondrion-targeting Mn^II-terpyridine complex (MTP) for two-photon photodynamic therapy. MTP was subjected to two-photon excitation in the NIR region to generate ¹O₂ and hence produce a PDT effect. This use of MTP overcame the drawbacks of traditional PDT agents. The Mn^II center of MTP apparently catalyzed the H₂O₂-mediated production of ROS and oxygen, which subsequently promoted the ¹O₂ generation, furthering the PDT effect. Additionally, the mitochondrion targeting of MTP provided a good spatial condition for the generation of ¹O₂, which further promoted the PDT effect.