Biocompatible ruthenium polypyridyl complexes as efficient radiosensitizers

A biocompatible ruthenium polypyridyl complex has been rationally designed and synthesized, which self-assembles into nanoparticles in aqueous solution to enhance the water solubility and biocompatibility. When activated by X-rays, the nanostructure synergistically triggers ROS overproduction in cancer cells to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and cell cycle arrest, thus realizing simultaneous chemo-radiotherapy.