Naphthalimide–organometallic hybrids as multi-targeted anticancer and luminescent cellular imaging agents

1,8-Naphthalimides with an organometallic moiety with anticancer and luminescence or photoactive properties are reviewed. Primarily highlighted are 1,8-naphthalimide complexes with iron, platinum, and ruthenium, while honourable mentions are given to iridium, rhenium and rhodium complexes. The cytotoxicity, mechanism of action and cell selectivity of the compounds are discussed alongside their photophysical properties for monitoring interactions with biomolecules, most notably DNA, by absorption, fluorescence and dichroism spectroscopy. The luminescence properties provide additional insight regarding the cellular uptake and location of the intelligent agents within both cancer and healthy cells. The versatility of this emerging hybrid class of molecules earmarks them as multi-functional therapeutic and cellular imaging agents. The review concludes with suggestions for designing more effective multi-targeting cytotoxic agents with improved biocompatibility and imaging in hopes of enhancing their clinical potential.