Novel phosphorescent hydrogels based on an Ir ^III metal complex

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. This work represents a facile pathway for fabrication of a hybrid phosphorescent hydrogel based on a Ir ^III metal complex. The Ir ^III-PNaAMPS hydrogel is achieved by irreversible incorporation of positively charged [Ir(ppy) ₂(dmbpy)]Cl into negatively charged PNaAMPS hydrogel via electrostatic interaction.