Synthesis, Properties, and Live-Cell Imaging Studies of Luminescent Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Polypyridine Complexes Containing Two or Three Biotin Pendants

Luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) polypyridine bis- and tris-biotin complexes and their biotin-free counterpart have been designed and their properties investigated. The protein-binding characteristics, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake of these complexes have been examined with various methods.