Axisymmetric Bis-Tridentate Ir(iii) Photoredox Catalysts for Anticancer Phototherapy under Hypoxia

A novel axisymmetric bis-tridentate Ir(III) photocatalyst (Ir3) with synergetic type I/II photosensitization and photocatalytic activity was reported. Ir3 exhibited high photocytotoxicity toward drug-resistant cancer cells under normoxia and hypoxia. The photoactivated anticancer mechanism of Ir3 were investigated in detail. Overall, this new photo-redox catalyst can overcome hypoxia and drug resistance-related problems in clinical anticancer therapy.