A mitochondria-targeted iridium(iii)-based photoacid generator induces dual-mode photodynamic damage within cancer cells.

A mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent was designed and synthesized. Upon light irradiation, it can produce photoacid and its photolysis products can further sensitize 1O2 generation, causing dual-mode (oxygen-independent and oxygen-dependent) photodynamic damage in mitochondria and killing cancer cells effectively even under hypoxic conditions.