Two new beta-carboline-based tris(biaryl) europium cryptates are introduced. The extended antenna moiety incorporated into the cryptand frameworks enables the sensitization of europium emission with excitation wavelengths well above 450 nm. In aqueous solution, the cryptates show great complex stability, luminescence lifetimes around 0.5 ms, and absolute quantum yields of ca. 3%. In addition, the europium luminescence shows a well-defined pH-dependence in the physiologically interesting pH range 7-9.