A lysosome-specific two-photon phosphorescent binuclear cyclometalated platinum(ii) probe for in vivo imaging of live neurons

Real-time tracking of fast axonal transport of acidic vesicles in live adult mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and cortical neurons in brain slices was visualized by the use of binuclear cycloplatinated complexes, {[Pt(L1)]2(μ-dppm)}(2+) (1) and {[Pt(L2)]2(μ-dppm)}(2+) (2), as lysosome-specific two-photon imaging probes.