LAUSR

The synthesis of a new dinuclear complexes containing linked RuII(dppz) and ReI(dppz) moieties is reported. The photophysical and biological properties of the new complex, which incorporates a N,N'-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)-1,6-hexanediamine tether ligand, are compared to a previously reported RuII/ReI complex linked by a simple dipyridyl alkane ligand. Although both complexes bind to DNA with similar affinities, steady state and time-resolved photophysical studies reveal that the nature of the linker affects the excited state dynamics of the complexes and their DNA photocleavage properties. Density functional theory calculations on these systems offer insights into these effects. Whilst both complexes are live-cells permeant, their intracellular localization are significantly affected by the nature of the linker. Notably, one of the complexes displayed concentration-dependent localization and possesses photophysical properties that are compatible with SIM and STED nanoscopy. This allowed the dynamics of its intracellular localization to be tracked at super resolutions.