D-A type (dfppy)₂Ir(pic-TPA) complex containing fluorinated pyridine-2-carboxylate ligand and triphenylamine: synthesis, photophysics and bioactivity

A novel Ir (III) complex (dfppy)₂Ir(pic-TPA) containing fluorinated phenylpyridine and pyridine-2-carboxylate ancillary ligand was synthesized according to rational design, its photophysical properties and therapeutical activities examined. Radiosensitization SER values (1.63-1.65) were observed even in radio-resistant cell lines after treatment with this complex. Furthermore, the complexes have shown antiviral activity against HSV-2 DNA virus. Comply with sub-cellular distribution imaging results and molecular docking calculations and cell cytometry analysis, this Ir (III) complex demonstrated functions as promising microviscosiy and micropolarity imaging probe, also as a prodrug for combinatorial therapy of radiochemo and antiviral treatment.