Preparation of a DNA-bound [Ru(bpy)2(mbpibH2)]2+ film and its two-mode luminescence tuning by copper(II) ions and EDTA

► Ru(II) complexes can bind DNA via groove-binding and/or non-classical intercalation modes. ► Luminescent Ru(II)-based DNA films are assembled on ITO surfaces. ► Ru(II)-based DNA films show two-mode tunable photoluminescence by Cu2+ and EDTA.