Iridium(III) complexes are alternative bioimaging probes due to their tunable photophysical properties, but are limited by poor cell penetrability and high cytotoxicity. Recently, iridium(III)–peptide bioconjugates have received significant attention as bifunctional molecules in bioanalytical and biomedical fields. Conjugation to peptides endows iridium(III) complexes with specificity, potentially overcoming the side effects and drug resistance of metallodrugs, whilst enhancing cellular uptake due to the improved cell penetrability, low cytotoxicity and targetability of peptides. In this review, we briefly introduce the interactions between iridium(III) complexes and amino acids/peptides, including coordination to amino acids and detection and/or inhibition of peptides. We describe imaging applications of iridium(III)–peptide bioconjugates, involving direct coordination of functional peptides or ligand modification, for targeted imaging. Next, we present therapeutic and theranostic applications of iridium(III)–peptide bioconjugates through targeting of DNA and proteins. Finally, we outline the challenges and future opportunities in the development of iridium(III)–peptide bioconjugates for precision medicine.

中文翻译：

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用于生物分析和生物医学应用的发光铱 (III)-肽生物缀合物


铱（III）配合物由于其可调节的光物理特性而成为替代生物成像探针，但受到细胞穿透性差和高细胞毒性的限制。最近，铱（III）-肽生物结合物作为生物分析和生物医学领域的双功能分子受到了极大的关注。与肽的缀合赋予铱(III)复合物特异性，可能克服金属药物的副作用和耐药性，同时由于肽改善的细胞渗透性、低细胞毒性和靶向性而增强细胞摄取。在这篇综述中，我们简要介绍了铱（III）配合物与氨基酸/肽之间的相互作用，包括与氨基酸的配位以及肽的检测和/或抑制。我们描述了铱（III）-肽生物缀合物的成像应用，包括功能肽的直接协调或配体修饰，以进行靶向成像。接下来，我们通过靶向 DNA 和蛋白质介绍铱 (III)-肽生物缀合物的治疗和治疗诊断应用。最后，我们概述了用于精准医学的铱（III）肽生物结合物的开发面临的挑战和未来的机遇。