Photoresponsive ruthenium (Ru) complexes have been extensively studied in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. The metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption maximum of most Ru complexes is located in the short-wavelength visible region, which is well suited for superficial tumors but shows inefficient therapeutic effects for more deep-seated ones. Moreover, Ru complexes are primarily located in the mitochondria or nucleus, always resulting in high levels of dark toxicity and DNA mutation. Herein, we reported a new ruthenium complex (Ru-I) for red-light-triggered PDT. The activation wavelength of Ru-I is successfully extended to 660 nm. Importantly, the complex photosensitizer can be quickly taken up by cancer cells and selectively accumulated in the lysosome, an ideal localization for PDT purposes. Intratumoral injection of Ru-I into tumor-bearing mice achieved excellent therapeutic effects and thus holds great promise for applications in lysosome localization photodynamic therapy.
Keywords: lysosome-targeting; photodynamic therapy; red light; ruthenium complex; tumor treatment.