Patent ID: 8445475

Claim:
A method for cleaving DNA comprising the steps of: combining said DNA with a supramolecular complex to form a mixture, said supramolecular complex comprising: at least one metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) light absorbing metal, at least one bridging π-acceptor ligand, and an electron acceptor metal selected from the group consisting of rhodium(III), platinum(IV), cobalt(III), and iridium(III), wherein said supramolecular complex is present in sufficient quantity to bind to and cleave said DNA, and exposing said mixture to light or radiant energy sufficient to activate said supramolecular complex to cleave said DNA, wherein said step of exposing said mixture to light or radiant energy induces the production of a metal-to-metal charge transfer state within said supramolecular complex, and wherein said metal-to-metal charge transfer state mediates the cleavage of said DNA.