Phosphorescent proteins for bio-imaging and site selective bio-conjugation of peptides and proteins with luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes.

A new bio-conjugation reaction for site selective modification of proteins and peptides with phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes has been developed; the Ir(III)-modified proteins and peptides display long emission lifetimes and large Stoke shifts that can be used for bio-imaging studies.