Photocage Complexes for Zn ²⁺ and Biologically Relevant Metal Ion Release

Abstract

Photocaged complexes are important chemical tools for studying dynamic events in biology such as signaling and metal ion homeostasis. Several strategies now exist for photocaging metal ions based on the reactivity of light‐active nitroaromatics and similar chromophores. Designing an effective photocage requires balancing several different factors including photoactivity, metal ion selectivity, and ease of access to the desired molecules. The most widely available photocaged complexes are intended for investigating the biochemistry of calcium; however, more recent work has expanded the toolbox to include photocages designed to probe the importance of zinc and copper. In addition, detailed investigations of the photochemistry have revealed some best practices needed to design the best photocage for a particular application.