Enhancing the tumor cell selectivity of a rhodamine-decorated iridium(III) complex by conjugating with indomethacin for COX-2 targeted photodynamic therapy.

Abstract A rhodamine-iridium (III) complex bearing indomethacin moiety, named IM-rho-Ir, was synthesized and evaluated for COX-2 targetable photodynamic therapy. By integrating COX-2 directing group, IM-rho-Ir exhibited enhanced cellular uptake in cancer cells than in normal cells compared to rhodamine-iridium (III) complex without indomethacin moiety.