Turn-on fluorescence of ruthenium pyrene complexes in response to bovine serum albumin

Two novel pyrene triphenylphosphine ruthenium conjugates act as fluorescent turn-on beacons for serum albumin, being non-fluorescent in aqueous media but exhibiting strong emission upon binding to BSA. The selective cytotoxicity of the compounds against tumour cells is enhanced upon irradiation by UV-light, paving the way for application in photodynamic therapy under two-photon excitation.

Automated summary

Two novel pyrene triphenylphosphine ruthenium conjugates function as fluorescent turn-on beacons for serum albumin, exhibiting strong emission upon binding to BSA while being non-fluorescent in aqueous media. The compounds' selective cytotoxicity against tumour cells is enhanced under UV-light irradiation, suggesting potential application in two-photon excited photodynamic therapy.