Lysosome targeted visible light-induced photo-CORM for simultaneous CO-release and singlet oxygen generation

Abstract

We report a specific lysosome targeted light-responsive CO-releasing molecule (Lyso-CORM). Lyso-CORM is very stable under dark conditions. CO and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation was effectively triggered under one photon and two photon excitation (800 nm) conditions. The cytotoxicity results demonstrated that Lyso-CORM showed good phototoxicity due to the synergistic effect of CO and ¹O₂ release, and its good biocompatibility, negligible dark toxicity and specific lysosome targeting make Lyso-CORM a potent candidate for phototherapeutic applications.