A fast ruthenium polypyridine cage complex photoreleases glutamate with visible or IR light in one and two photon regimes

We introduce a new caged glutamate, based in a ruthenium bipyridyl core, that undergoes heterolytic cleavage after irradiation with visible light with wavelengths up to 532 nm, yielding free glutamate in less than 50 ns. Glutamate photorelease occurs also efficiently following two-photon (2P) excitation at 800 nm, and has a functional cross section of 0.14 GM.

Graphical abstractWe developed a new caged compound for glutamate photodelivery. [Ru(bpy)2(PMe3)(Glu)] having high uncaging quantum yield at visible wavelengths, up to 532 nm, very fast photolysis kinetics, and full 2P capabilities. These properties, combined with the lack of toxicity in biological preparations, make this complex an ideal tool for biological research.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide