Recent Exploitation of Luminescent Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Polypyridine Complexes as Biomolecular and Cellular Probes

The interesting emission properties of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl polypyridine complexes have been exploited in the development of various sensors and probes for analytes. Luminescent probes targeting biomolecules have also been developed. Additionally, there has been a fast-growing interest in the cellular uptake properties of these complexes with a focus on their potential as cellular imaging reagents. In this Microreview, we describe the fundamental emission characteristics of luminescent rhenium(I) tricarbonyl polypyridine complexes and explain why they hold promise for use as luminescent sensors. Additionally, we summarize the recent design of these complexes as biomolecular and cellular probes, with an emphasis on studies of their structure-property relationships, bioconjugation, biomolecular binding, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and bioimaging applications.