pH-induced interconversion between J-aggregates and H-aggregates of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin in polyelectrolyte multilayer films

Porphyrin Aggregation under Homogeneous Conditions Inhibits Electrocatalysis: A Case Study on CO2 Reduction

Metalloporphyrins are widely used as homogeneous electrocatalysts for transformations relevant to clean energy and sustainable organic synthesis. Metalloporphyrins are well-known to aggregate due to π-π stacking, but surprisingly, the influence of aggregation on homogeneous electrocatalytic performance has not been investigated previously. Herein, we present three structurally related iron meso-phenylporphyrins whose aggregation properties are different in commonly used N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) electrolyte. Both spectroscopy and light scattering provide evidence of extensive porphyrin aggregation under conventional electrocatalytic conditions. Using the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO as a test reaction, cyclic voltammetry reveals an inverse dependence of the kinetics on the catalyst concentration. The inhibition extends to bulk performance, where up to 75% of the catalyst at 1 mM is inactive compared to at 0.25 mM. We additionally report how aggregation is perturbed by organic additives, axial ligands, and redox state. Periodic boundary calculations provide additional insights into aggregate stability as a function of metalloporphyrin structure. Finally, we generalize the aggregation phenomenon by surveying metalloporphyrins with different metals and substituents. This study demonstrates that homogeneous metalloporphyrins can aggregate severely in well-solubilizing organic electrolytes, that aggregation can be easily modulated through experimental conditions, and that the extent of aggregation must be considered for accurate catalytic benchmarking.

Stabilizing Liquids Using Interfacial Supramolecular Assemblies

Stabilizing liquids based on supramolecular assembly (non-covalent intermolecular interactions) has attracted significant interest, due to the increasing demand for soft, liquid-based devices where the shape of the liquid is far from the equilibrium spherical shape. The components comprising these interfacial assemblies must have sufficient binding energies to the interface to prevent their ejection from the interface when the assemblies are compressed. Here, we highlight recent advances in structuring liquids based on non-covalent intermolecular interactions. We describe some of the progress made that reveals structure-property relationships. In addition to treating advances, we discuss some of the limitations and provide a perspective on future directions to inspire further studies on structured liquids based on supramolecular assembly.

Tin Porphyrin-Based Nanozymes with Unprecedented Superoxide Dismutase-Mimicking Activities

As the oxidative stress is related to human aging and many diseases, a diversity of antioxidant biomimetic enzymes to eliminate reactive oxygen species in vivo and maintain the redox balance has attracted intensive attention. Of particular interest are superoxide dismutase (SOD)-mimicking artificial enzymes that bear inherent characteristics of natural counterparts but overcome their deficiencies in thermal and acidic stability. Inspired by the metallized active center of natural SODs, here, we engineered different groups of metalloporphyrins and found that Sn-metallized porphyrins can act as novel SOD mimics, in which Sn-metallized meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphine (Sn-TCPP) can more effectively catalyze the disproportionation of superoxide radical anions (•O₂^-) into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. Especially, Sn-TCPP-based metal-organic frame nanozyme (Sn-PCN222) displays an unusually high catalytic activity that remarkably exceeds those of commonly used counterparts. Such unprecedented catalytic behaviors are proposed to depend on the Sn(IV)/Sn(II) transition at the center of Sn-TCPP. In addition, the metal-organic framework (MOF) nanozymes also display higher thermal and acidic stability than natural SODs. Interestingly, we find that Sn-complexed methylated tetra-(4-aminophenyl) porphyrin shows an aggregation-induced SOD activity in an acidic environment, whereas conventional SOD mimics do not function well in this case. Given these unique features, our reported Sn-porphyrin-based nanozymes would be potent alternatives for natural SODs to be widely used in clinical treatments of oxidative stress-related diseases.

Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Porphyrin and Metallosurfactant as a Drug Nanocontainer Design

The combined method of treating malignant neoplasms using photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy is undoubtedly a promising and highly effective treatment method. The development and establishment of photodynamic cancer therapy is closely related to the creation of sensitizers based on porphyrins. The present study is devoted to the investigation of the spectroscopic, aggregation, and solubilization properties of the supramolecular system based on 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TSPP) and lanthanum-containing surfactant (LaSurf) in an aqueous medium. The latter is a complex of lanthanum nitrate and two cationic amphiphilic molecules of 4-aza-1-hexadecylazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide. The mixed TSPP–LaSurf complexes can spontaneously assemble into various nanostructures capable of binding the anticancer drug cisplatin. Morphological behavior, stability, and ability to drug binding of nanostructures can be tailored by varying the molar ratio and the concentration of components. The guest binding is shown to be additional factor controlling structural rearrangements and properties of the supramolecular TSPP–LaSurf complexes.

Visualizing Assembly Dynamics of All-Liquid 3D Architectures

To better exploit all-liquid 3D architectures, it is essential to understand dynamic processes that occur during printing one liquid in a second immiscible liquid. Here, the interfacial assembly and transition of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (H₆ TPPS) over time provides an opportunity to monitor the interfacial behavior of nanoparticle surfactants (NPSs) during all-liquid printing. The formation of J-aggregates of H₄ TPPS^2- at the interface and the interfacial conversion of the J-aggregates of H₄ TPPS^2- to H-aggregates of H₂ TPPS^4- is demonstrated by interfacial rheology and in situ atomic force microscopy. Equally important are the chromogenic changes that are characteristic of the state of aggregation, where J-aggregates are green in color and H-aggregates are red in color. In all-liquid 3D printed structures, the conversion in the aggregate state with time is reflected in a spatially varying change in the color, providing a simple, direct means of assessing the aggregation state of the molecules and the mechanical properties of the assemblies, linking a macroscopic observable (color) to mechanical properties.

Surfactant-Induced Interfacial Aggregation of Porphyrins for Structuring Color-Tunable Liquids

Locking nonequilibrium shapes of liquids into targeted architectures by interfacial jamming of nanoparticles is an emerging area in material science. 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (H₆ TPPS) shows three different aggregation states that present an absorption imaging platform to monitor the assembly and jamming of supramolecular polymer surfactants (SPSs) at the liquid/liquid interface. The interfacial interconversion of H₆ TPPS, specifically H₄ TPPS^2- dissolved in water, from J- to an H-aggregation was induced by strong electrostatic interactions with amine-terminated polystyrene dissolved in toluene at the water/toluene interface. This resulted in color-tunable liquids due to interfacial jamming of the SPSs formed between H₄ TPPS^2- and amine-terminated polystyrene. However, the formed SPSs cannot lock in nonequilibrium shapes of liquids. In addition, a self-wrinkling behavior was observed when amphiphilic triblock copolymers of PS-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) were used to interact with H₄ TPPS^2- . Subsequently, the SPSs formed can lock in nonequilibrium shapes of liquids.

Photodynamic Inactivation of Bacteria with Porphyrin Derivatives: Effect of Charge, Lipophilicity, ROS Generation, and Cellular Uptake on Their Biological Activity In Vitro

Resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics has led to research on various therapeutic strategies with different mechanisms of action, including photodynamic inactivation (PDI). In this work, we evaluated a cationic, neutral, and anionic meso-tetraphenylporphyrin derivative’s ability to inactivate the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria in a planktonic suspension under blue light irradiation. The spectroscopic, physicochemical, redox properties, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capacity by a set of photosensitizers varying in lipophilicity were investigated. The theoretical calculations were performed to explain the distribution of the molecular charges in the evaluated compounds. Moreover, logP partition coefficients, cellular uptake, and phototoxicity of the photosensitizers towards bacteria were determined. The role of a specific microbial efflux pump inhibitor, verapamil hydrochloride, in PDI was also studied. The results showed that E. coli exhibited higher resistance to PDI than S. aureus (3–5 logs) with low light doses (1–10 J/cm²). In turn, the prolongation of irradiation (up to 100 J/cm²) remarkably improved the inactivation of pathogens (up to 7 logs) and revealed the importance of photosensitizer photostability. The PDI potentiation occurs after the addition of KI (more than 3 logs extra killing). Verapamil increased the uptake of photosensitizers (especially in E. coli) due to efflux pump inhibition. This effect suggests that PDI is mediated by ROS, the electrostatic charge interaction, and the efflux of photosensitizers (PSs) regulated by multidrug-resistance (MDR) systems. Thus, MDR inhibition combined with PDI gives opportunities to treat more resistant bacteria.

pH-Responsive Polyketone/5,10,15,20-Tetrakis-(Sulfonatophenyl)Porphyrin Supramolecular Submicron Colloidal Structures

In this work, we prepared color-changing colloids by using the electrostatic self-assembly approach. The supramolecular structures are composed of a pH-responsive polymeric surfactant and the water-soluble porphyrin 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS). The pH-responsive surfactant polymer was achieved by the chemical modification of an alternating aliphatic polyketone (PK) via the Paal–Knorr reaction with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine (HEDA). The resulting polymer/dye supramolecular systems form colloids at the submicron level displaying negative zeta potential at neutral and basic pH, and, at acidic pH, flocculation is observed. Remarkably, the colloids showed a gradual color change from green to pinky-red due to the protonation/deprotonation process of TPPS from pH 2 to pH 12, revealing different aggregation behavior.

Synthesis and characterization of novel porphyrin-cinnamic acid conjugates

A series of novel porphyrin-cinnamic acid (porphyrin/CA) conjugates (4a-4c) have been synthesized by condensation of 5-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenyl- porphyrin (1) with different substituted cinnamic acids (CAs) through an alkyl linker due to the biological activities of CAs and the application of porphyrins in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Their related zinc (II) complexes (5a-5c) were also prepared. These novel compounds have been fully characterized by ¹H NMR, Infrared (IR), Mass spectra (Ms) and Elemental analysis. The photophysical properties of these target molecules were studied by absorption and Fluorescence spectroscopy. In solution, the effect of pH, ionic strength in acid media and concentration on the aggregation behaviors of 4a has also been investigated by UV-Vis spectra. The broadened and red shifted Soret band indicated the formation of J-aggregates when the pH value was up to 2.0 in THF-aqueous solution. Furthermore, the higher ionic strength of 0.3 M NaCl in acid media resulted in the generation of J-aggregates in THF-aqueous solution. And the significant blue shift of Soret band also demonstrated the formation of H-aggregates of 4a at 1.1 × 10^-4 M in THF.

Utilizing Polymer Micelle to Control Dye J-aggregation and Enhance Its Theranostic Capability

We utilize polymer micelle to precisely control indocyanine green (ICG) J-aggregation in a fast and highly efficient way. In addition to simple encapsulation, the polymer micelle plays a role as a host template to drive ICG J-aggregation by the synergy of electrostatic and hydrophobic attractions. We further demonstrate that, due to the robust host-guest interaction, the intact of ICG J-aggregate will be secured by the polymer encapsulation during the intracellular and in vivo incubation. These features make this hierarchical assembly between ICG J-aggregate and the micelle polymer a promising biomedicine for cancer phototheranostics. Therefore the complex micelles are further modified by introduction of doxorubicin for chemotherapy and DNA aptamer for tumor targeting, and the final multi-functional micellar medicine shows high therapeutic efficacy for tumor, i.e., the tumor can be completely eliminated with no local reoccurrence and without long-term toxicity or side effects during a 24-day period after the treatment.

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J-aggregation of ICG is facilitated by polymer micelle

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Proper host-guest interactions are very critical

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The aggregation significantly improves the capability of ICG in phototheranostics

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The hierarchical assembly exhibits excellent photo/bio-stability

A de novo strategy for predictive crystal engineering to tune excitonic coupling

In molecular solids, the intense photoluminescence (PL) observed for solvated dye molecules is often suppressed by nonradiative decay processes introduced by excitonic coupling to adjacent chromophores. We have developed a strategy to avoid this undesirable PL quenching by optimizing the chromophore packing. We integrated the photoactive compounds into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and tuned the molecular alignment by introducing adjustable "steric control units" (SCUs). We determined the optimal alignment of core-substituted naphthalenediimides (cNDIs) to yield highly emissive J-aggregates by a computational analysis. Then, we created a large library of handle-equipped MOF chromophoric linkers and computationally screened for the best SCUs. A thorough photophysical characterization confirmed the formation of J-aggregates with bright green emission, with unprecedented photoluminescent quantum yields for crystalline NDI-based materials. This data demonstrates the viability of MOF-based crystal engineering approaches that can be universally applied to tailor the photophysical properties of organic semiconductor materials.

Enforcing Extended Porphyrin J-Aggregate Stacking in Covalent Organic Frameworks

The potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for realizing porous, crystalline networks with tailored combinations of functional building blocks has attracted considerable scientific interest in the fields of gas storage, photocatalysis, and optoelectronics. Porphyrins are widely studied in biology and chemistry and constitute promising building blocks in the field of electroactive materials, but they reveal challenges regarding crystalline packing when introduced into COF structures due to their nonplanar configuration and strong electrostatic interactions between the heterocyclic porphyrin centers. A series of porphyrin-containing imine-linked COFs with linear bridges derived from terephthalaldehyde, 2,5-dimethoxybenzene-1,4-dicarboxaldehyde, 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxaldehyde and thieno[3,2- b]thiophene-2,5-dicarboxaldehyde, were synthesized, and their structural and optical properties were examined. By combining X-ray diffraction analysis with density-functional theory (DFT) calculations on multiple length scales, we were able to elucidate the crystal structure of the newly synthesized porphyrin-based COF containing thieno[3,2- b]thiophene-2,5-dicarboxaldehyde as linear bridge. Upon COF crystallization, the porphyrin nodes lose their 4-fold rotational symmetry, leading to the formation of extended slipped J-aggregate stacks. Steady-state and time-resolved optical spectroscopy techniques confirm the realization of the first porphyrin J-aggregates on a > 50 nm length scale with strongly red-shifted Q-bands and increased absorption strength. Using the COF as a structural template, we were thus able to force the porphyrins into a covalently embedded J-aggregate arrangement. This approach could be transferred to other chromophores; hence, these COFs are promising model systems for applications in photocatalysis and solar light harvesting, as well as for potential applications in medicine and biology.

Chirality Enhancement of Porphyrin Supramolecular Assembly Driven by a Template Preorganization Effect

Cationic polylysine promotes, under neutral conditions, the spontaneous aggregation of opposite charged ZnTPPS in water. Spectroscopic investigations evidence a different preorganization of ZnTPPS onto the polypeptide matrix depending on the chain length. Spinodal decomposition theory in confined geometry is used to model this mechanism by considering the time evolution of a homogeneous distribution of randomly adsorbed particles (porphyrins) onto a rodlike polyelectrolyte (polymer) of variable length L.

Synergy of Catechol-Functionalized Zinc Oxide Nanorods and Porphyrins in Layer-by-Layer Assemblies

Catechol-functionalized, positively charged ZnO nanorods (NRs) and anionic porphyrins were integrated into layer-by-layer (LbL) assemblies. In general, this study focuses on the impact that different porphyrins, varying in size and number of negative charges, exert on the LbL architecture in terms of morphology and spectroscopy. In particular, through a combination of analytical methods, including UV/Vis spectroscopy, SEM, and profilometry, valuable insights into LbL assembly formation were gathered. A key feature was the surface coverage in the resulting films. Denser films and surface coverages were realized when highly negatively charged and sterically demanding porphyrins were employed. As a complement to basic characterization, the LbL assembled films were used to fabricate proof-of-concept solar cells.

Potentiation by potassium iodide reveals that the anionic porphyrin TPPS4 is a surprisingly effective photosensitizer for antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation

We recently reported that addition of the non-toxic salt, potassium iodide can potentiate antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation of a broad-spectrum of microorganisms, producing many extra logs of killing. If the photosensitizer (PS) can bind to the microbial cells, then delivering light in the presence of KI produces short-lived reactive iodine species, while if the cells are added after light the killing is caused by molecular iodine produced as a result of singlet oxygen-mediated oxidation of iodide. In an attempt to show the importance of PS-bacterial binding, we compared two charged porphyrins, TPPS4 (thought to be anionic and not able to bind to Gram-negative bacteria) and TMPyP4 (considered cationic and well able to bind to bacteria). As expected TPPS4+light did not kill Gram-negative Escherichia coli, but surprisingly when 100mM KI was added, it was highly effective (eradication at 200nM+10J/cm² of 415nm light). TPPS4 was more effective than TMPyP4 in eradicating the Gram-positive bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the fungal yeast Candida albicans (regardless of KI). TPPS4 was also highly active against E. coli after a centrifugation step when KI was added, suggesting that the supposedly anionic porphyrin bound to bacteria and Candida. This was confirmed by uptake experiments. We compared the phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate derivative (ClAlPCS4), which did not bind to bacteria or allow KI-mediated killing of E. coli after a spin, suggesting it was truly anionic. We conclude that TPPS4 behaves as if it has some cationic character in the presence of bacteria, which may be related to its delivery from suppliers in the form of a dihydrochloride salt.

Core-Assisted Formation of Porphyrin J-Aggregates in pH-Sensitive Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules Followed by Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy

A strategy assisted by an inorganic template was developed to promote the organized self-assembly of meso-(tetrakis)-(p-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) on pH-sensitive core-shell polyelectrolyte microcapsules (PECs) of poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). A key feature of this strategy is the use of template CaCO₃ microparticles as a nucleation site endorsing inside-outside directional growth of porphyrin aggregates. Using this approach, TPPS self-assembly in positively charged PECs with CaCO₃ (PAH/PSS)₂PAH as a sequence of layers was successfully achieved using mild pH conditions (pH 3). Evidence for porphyrin aggregation was obtained by UV-vis with the characteristic absorption bands in PECs functionalized with porphyrins. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of the polyelectrolyte core-shell confirmed the presence of radially distributed needlelike structures sticking out from polyelectrolyte shells. Microscopic images also revealed a sequential process (adsorption, redistribution, and aggregation) for the directional growth (inside/outside) of TPPS aggregates, which highlights the importance of the core in the aggregation induction. Removing the CaCO₃ core alters the porphyrin interaction in the PEC environment, and aggregate growth is no longer favored.

Preparation and characterization of a pH-responsive membrane carrier for meso-tetraphenylsulfonato porphyrin

The pH-responsive PSF-g-P4VP-blended PSF membrane smartly rejects meso-tetraphenylsulfonato porphyrin (TPPS) and induces TPPS to form J-type aggregates.

pH-Responsive nanofiltration membranes based on porphyrin supramolecular self-assembly by layer-by-layer technique

A novel pH-responsive nanofiltration membrane was fabricated by means of layer-by-layer technique based on porphyrin supramolecular self-assembly.

Peptide-Modulated Self-Assembly of Chromophores toward Biomimetic Light-Harvesting Nanoarchitectonics

Elegant self-assembling complexes by the combination of proteins/peptides with functional chromophores are decisively responsible for highly efficient light-harvesting and energy transfer in natural photosynthetic systems. Mimicking natural light-harvesting complexes through synthetic peptides is attractive due to their advantanges of programmable primary structure, tunable self-assembly architecture and easy availability in comparison to naturally occuring proteins. Here, an overview of recent progresses in the area of biomimetic light-harvesting nanoarchitectonics based on peptide-modulated self-assembly of chromophores is provided. Adjusting the organization of chromophores, either by creating peptide-chromophore conjugates or by the non-covalent assembly of peptides and chromophores are highlighted. The light-harvesting properties, especially the energy transfer of the biomimetic complexes are critically discussed. The applications of such complexes in the mineralization of inorganic nanoparticles, generation of molecular hydrogen and oxygen, and photosynthesis of bioactive molecules are also included.

Biphasic aggregation of a perylene bisimide dye identified by exciton-vibrational spectra

The quantum efficiency of light emission supramolecular aggregates strongly depends on the intermolecular coupling. We present a molecule which demonstrates two different aggregated structures with high and low quantum efficiency. The spectral signatures can be understood by simulating the aggregated structures and the corresponding exciton-vibrational spectra.

The memory-driven order–disorder transition of a 3D-supramolecular architecture based on calix[5]arene and porphyrin derivatives

A 3D-supramolecular structure, “pre-formed” in solution, collapses when transferred to a solid matrix: a short thermal shock partially restore the original 3D-architecture.

Real-time analysis of porphyrin J-aggregation on a plant-esterase-functionalized surface using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring

The J-aggregation of meso-tetra (4-sulfonatophenyl) porphine (TPPS4) on a plant-esterase-functionalized surface in a 1:1 v/v mixture of 0.05 M HCl/ethanol (pH ∼1.38) was analyzed in real time using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Simultaneous changes in frequency (Δf) and energy dissipation (ΔD) correlated well with mass and structural changes during the sequential phases of slow nucleation, rapid aggregation, and equilibration in J-aggregation. The time-dependent mass adsorption could be quantitatively analyzed with a model, which integrated two simple equations obtained when the surface concentration of TPPS4 (Γ(TPPS4)) was below and above the critical aggregation surface concentration (CASC). This study provides a new view for the protein-induced J-aggregation process, which may be helpful for understanding the interactions of self-assembled nanostructures with biomolecules.

Organic and Inorganic Dyes in Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films

Polyelectrolyte multilayer films are a versatile functionalization method of surfaces and rely on the alternated adsorption of oppositely charged species. Among such species, charged dyes can also be alternated with oppositely charged polymers, which is challenging from a fundamental point of view, because polyelectrolytes require a minimal number of charges, whereas even monovalent dyes can be incorporated during the alternated adsorption process. We will not only focus on organic dyes but also on their inorganic counterparts and on metal complexes. Such films offer plenty of possible applications in dye sensitized solar cells. In addition, dyes are massively used in the textile industry and in histology to stain textile fibers or tissues. However, the excess of non bound dyes poses serious environmental problems. It is hence of the highest interest to design materials able to adsorb such dyes in an almost irreversible manner. Polyelectrolyte multilayer films, owing to their ion exchange behavior can be useful for such a task allowing for impressive overconcentration of dyes with respect to the dye in solution. The actual state of knowledge of the interactions between charged dyes and adsorbed polyelectrolytes is the focus of this review article.

Complexation of fluorescent tetraphenylthiophene-derived ammonium chloride to poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with sulfonate terminal: aggregation-induced emission, critical micelle concentration, and lower critical solution temperature

Amphiphilic polymers with hydrophilic poly(N-isopropylacylamide) (PNIPAM) shell connecting hydrophobic tetraphenylthiophene (TP) core, which has the novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) property, by ionic bonds were prepared to explore the AIE-operative emission responses toward critical micelle concentration (CMC) and lower critical solution temperature (LCST). To exercise the idea, ammonium-functionalized TP2NH(3)(+) and sulfonate-terminated PNIPAM were separately prepared and mixed in different molar ratios to yield three amphiphilic TP-PNIPAMn complexes for the evaluations of CMC and LCST by fluorescence responses. The nonemissive dilute aqueous solutions of TP-PNIPAMn became fluorescent when increasing concentrations above CMC. Heating micelles solution to temperatures above LCSTs causes further enhancement on the emission intensity. The fluorescence responses are explained by the extent of aggregation in the micelles and in the globules formed at room temperature and at high temperatures, respectively.

Significantly enhanced adsorption of bulk self-assembling porphyrins at solid/liquid interfaces through the self-assembly process

Controlling the adsorption behavior of bulk-phase self-assembling dye molecules at solid/liquid interfaces is of importance for application to various devices. Herein, we report an unexpected phenomenon on the adsorption behaviors of bulk J-aggregating water-soluble porphyrin diacids. A comparative study on the adsorption amounts of J-aggregated meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin diacid from freshly prepared and pre-aged solutions revealed enhanced adsorption through the self-assembly process (EASAP). The aggregate structure formed by EASAP is almost identical to the one from preformed J-aggregate solutions. The generation ratio of J-aggregates at an interface and in bulk strongly depends on the interface-to-volume ratio of the solutions. The surface property of cuvettes and coexisting inorganic ions has no significant effects on EASAP. While EASAP occurs in the J-aggregations of the other water-soluble porphyrin diacids, it is suggested that self-assembly properties play an important role in the adsorption proportion. These results will provide new insight into the adsorption equilibrium of bulk self-assembling molecules at solid/liquid interfaces.

Exciton Energy and Charge Transfer in Porphyrin Aggregate/Semiconductor (TiO2) Composites

A porphyrin aggregate is reported that exhibits novel exciton state properties for light-harvesting applications. This porphyrin aggregate enables control of energy dissipation of coherent excited states by changing the self-assembly pattern. New exciton spectral features create a new route of energy transfer in this porphyrin aggregate. The kinetic model of exciton state decay is addressed in this Perspective by reporting steady-state and transient emission and absorption studies of porphyrin J- and H-aggregates. The porphyrin J-aggregate emerges with better spectral coverage and exciton dynamics, which are suitable for light-harvesting antenna functions. This motif is explored in a photosensitization study of TiO2 semiconductor materials. The transient absorption studies show that the J-aggregate improves the photoinduced charge separation at the porphyrin/TiO2 interface. The higher charge separation is attributed to exciton-coupled charge-transfer processes in porphyrin J-aggregate/TiO2 hybrid materials. It represents the potential of porphyrin aggregates in biomimetic artificial antenna activity.

Preparation and characterization of SDS-stabilized hydrophobic porphyrinic nanoaggregates in water

Porphyrin nanoaggregates formed in the interior of colloidal suspensions can be considered as examples of supramolecular systems with self-organized architecture. Due to their peculiar optical and electrochemical properties such as decrease of fluorescence, increase of conductivity and possible electron transfer, these aggregates can be used in the design and fabrication of optoelectronic devices, such as organic solar cells and optical and electrochemical sensors. In this paper, we first describe the synthesis of a series of hydrophobic tetraphenylporphyrins by a change in the order of reagents addition that results in high yields of the desired products. These products were then employed to obtain stable suspensions of porphyrinic nanoaggregates in aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The aggregates resulting of the encapsulation of the tetraphenylporphyrins into the micelles of the surfactant were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. The results indicate that the nanoggregates have a spherical morphology with particles whose average size ranges between 46–78 nm and ζ-potential values (higher than 55 mV), indicative of excellent stability. Optical characterization was used to determine the classification of nanoaggregates, according to the observed shifts on the absorption spectra.

Characterization of mesoscale coiled-coil peptide-porphyrin complexes

Photoelectronically conductive self-assembling peptide-porphyrin assemblies have great potential in their use as biomaterials, owing largely to their environmentally responsive properties. We have successfully designed a coiled-coil peptide that can self-assemble to form mesoscale filaments and serve as a scaffold for porphyrin interaction. In our earlier work, peptide-porphyrin-based biomaterials were formed at neutral pH, but the structures were irregular at the nano- to microscale size range, as judged by atomic force microscopy. We identified a pH in which mesoscale fibrils were formed, taking advantage of the types of porphyrin interactions that are present in well-characterized J-aggregates. We used UV-visible spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectropolarimetry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy to characterize these self-assembling biomaterials. We propose a new assembly paradigm that arises from a set of unique porphyrin-porphyrin and porphyrin-peptide interactions whose structure may be readily modulated by changes in pH or peptide concentration.

Comparative study of the self-aggregation of rhodamine 6G in the presence of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate), poly(N-phenylmaleimide-co-acrylic acid), poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid), and poly(sodium acrylate)

The interaction between rhodamine 6G and different polyelectrolytes is analyzed. Structural aspects differentiate these polyelectrolytes, such as the presence of aromatic groups and the number and localization of their respective charges, which may be directly attached to the aromatic groups or to the polymeric main chain. In the case of poly(sodium acrylate), which does not bear aromatic groups, the polyelectrolyte induces cooperative self-stacking between the dyes which is highly sensitive to the ionic strength, due to the predominance of long-range electrostatic interactions between the polymer and the dye. In the case of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate), whose charge is directly attached to the aromatic groups, a high dispersant ability of the dyes is found and the interaction is less dependent on the ionic strength, due to the predominance of short-range aromatic-aromatic interactions between the dye and the polymer. Among the two polyelectrolytes studied for which the polymeric charge is directly attached to the main chain, and separated from the aromatic group, poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) shows a lower dependence of the interaction on the ionic strength than poly(N-phenylmaleimide-co-acrylic acid) at a comonomer composition of 1:2, due to a higher linear aromatic density and a lower linear charge density, indicating the importance of hydrophobic forces. Both copolymers exhibit a high ability to induce cooperative self-aggregation of the dye.