ABSTRACT
240The localization of a metal complex has a dramatic effect on its biological activity as well as therapeutic or diagnostic efficiency. To rationally design novel compounds with specifically tailored properties, it is crucial to understand the subcellular accumulation of the compound inside human cells. Herein, advanced methods for the detection of metal-based compounds inside cancerous cells are described and their application for the intracellular localization of metal-based anticancer compounds is highlighted based on recent examples from the chemical literature. In particular, this chapter covers X-ray Fluorescence Imaging, and optical microscopy methods that have recently gained popularity, namely Luminescence Lifetime Imaging and Two-Photon Excitation Microscopy.
