A multifunctional phosphorescent iridium(III) complex for specific nucleus staining and hypoxia monitoring

A multifunctional phosphorescent iridium(III) complex (Ir1) for specific nucleus staining was synthesized and applied for monitoring the intranuclear oxygen level. With the advantageous long emission lifetime of Ir1, the influence of autofluorescence could be eliminated by using photoluminescence lifetime imaging and time-gated luminescence imaging techniques.