Three iridium photosensitizers, [Ir(dCF 3 ppy) 2 (N−N)] + , where N−N is 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene (TAP), pyrazino[2,3-a]phenazine (pzph), or benzo[a]pyrazino[2,3-h]phenazine (bpph) and dCF 3 ppy is 2-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethylphenyl)pyridine), were found to be remarkably strong photo-oxidants with enhanced light absorption in the visible region. In particular, judicious ligand design provided access to Ir-bpph, with a molar absorption coefficient, ε = 9800 M −1 cm −1 , at 450 nm and an excited-state reduction potential, E(Ir + * /0 ) = 1.76 V vs NHE. These complexes were successful in performing light-driven charge separation and energy storage, where all complexes photo-oxidized seven different electron donors with rate constants (0.089−3.06) × 10 10 M −1 s −1 . A Marcus analysis provided a total reorganization energy of 0.7 ± 0.1 eV for excited-state electron transfer.

Among all molecules developed for anticancer therapies, photodynamic therapeutic agents have a unique profile. Their maximal activity is specifically triggered in tumors by light and toxicity of even systemically delivered drug is prevented in non-illuminated parts of the body. Photosensitizers exert their therapeutic effect by producing reactive oxygen species via a lightactivated reaction with molecular oxygen. Consequently, the lowering of pO2 deep in solid tumors limits their treatment and makes essential the design of oxygen-independent sensitizers. In this perspective, we have recently developed Ir(III)-based molecules able to oxidize biomolecules by type I processes under free-oxygen conditions. We examine here their photo-toxicity in relevant biological models. We show that drugs, which are mitochondria-accumulated, induce upon light irradiation a dramatic decrease of the cell viability, even under low oxygen conditions. Finally, assays on 3D tumor spheroids highlight the importance of the light-activation step and the oxygen consumption rate on the drug activity.

Photo‐induced electron transfer chemistry between molecules is a central theme in several fields including biology, physics and chemistry. Specifically, in photoredox catalysis, greater use has been made of iridium(III) complexes as they exhibit ground‐ and excited‐state redox potentials that span a very large range. Unfortunately, most of these complexes suffer from limited visible light absorption properties. This concept article highlights recent developments in the synthesis of iridium(III) complexes with increased visible light absorption properties and their use as candidates for visible light driven redox catalysis. Fundamental tools are provided to enable the independent tuning of the HOMO and LUMO energy levels. Recent examples are given with the hope that this concept article will foster further developments of iridium(III)‐based sensitizers for visible light driven reactivity.

OmpA, a protein commonly found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, has served as a paradigm for the study of b-barrel proteins for several decades. In Escherichia coli, OmpA was previously reported to form complexes with RcsF, a surface-exposed lipoprotein that triggers the Rcs stress response when damage occurs in the outer membrane and the peptidoglycan. How OmpA interacts with RcsF and whether this interaction allows RcsF to reach the surface has remained unclear. Here, we integrated in vivo and in vitro approaches to establish that RcsF interacts with the C-terminal, periplasmic domain of OmpA, not with the N-terminal b-barrel, thus implying that RcsF does not reach the bacterial surface via OmpA. Our results suggest a novel function for OmpA in the cell envelope: OmpA competes with the inner membrane protein IgaA, the downstream Rcs component, for RcsF binding across the periplasm, thereby regulating the Rcs response.