A mitochondrion-targeting Mn(ii)-terpyridine complex for two-photon photodynamic therapy.

We developed a mitochondrion-targeting MnII-terpyridine complex (MTP) for two-photon photodynamic therapy. MTP was subjected to two-photon excitation in the NIR region to generate 1O2 and hence produce a PDT effect. This use of MTP overcame the drawbacks of traditional PDT agents. The MnII center of MTP apparently catalyzed the H2O2-mediated production of ROS and oxygen, which subsequently promoted the 1O2 generation, furthering the PDT effect. Additionally, the mitochondrion targeting of MTP provided a good spatial condition for the generation of 1O2, which further promoted the PDT effect.