Synthesis and characterisation of highly emissive and kinetically stable lanthanide complexes suitable for usage 'in cellulo'

Poole, R., Bobba, G., Cann, M.J., Frias, J.C., Parker, D. and Peacock, R.D. (2005) Synthesis and characterisation of highly emissive and kinetically stable lanthanide complexes suitable for usage 'in cellulo'. Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 3, pp. 1013-1024. (doi: 10.1039/B418964G)

Abstract

The synthesis and photophysical characterisation are reported of a series of cationic, neutral and anionic europium and terbium complexes based on structurally related, nonadentate ligands based on the cyclen macrocycle. Each complex incorporates a tetraazatriphenylene moiety and overall absolute emission quantum yields are in the range 15–40% in aerated aqueous media. Dynamic quenching of the lanthanide excited state occurs with electron-rich donors, e.g. iodide, ascorbate and urate, and a mechanistic interpretation is put forward involving an electron transfer process. The cationic lanthanide complexes are taken up by NlH/3T3 cells and tend to localise inside the cell nucleus.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Peacock, Dr Robert
• Authors: Poole, R., Bobba, G., Cann, M.J., Frias, J.C., Parker, D., and Peacock, R.D.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry