Amphiphilic Cationic Phthalocyanines for Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer

Effective interaction with biomembranes is essential for activity of photosensitizers; however, majority of them are highly charged symmetrical species. Amphiphilic cationic phthalocyanines differing in bulkiness of substitution on lipophilic part (-H, -SMe, -StBu) were therefore prepared. Compounds had high singlet oxygen production (ΦΔ =0.38-0.46, DMSO), good fluorescence emission (ΦF =0.21-0.26, DMSO), and log P values ranging -0.07-1.1 (1-octanol/PBS). Study of interaction with liposomes revealed that also bulky -StBu derivatives are able to enter biomembranes. Detail in vitro studies (toxicity, subcellular localization, type of cell death, and morphology) were performed. Compounds were characterized by excellent EC50 values in range of dozens of nM (HeLa, EA.hy926, MCF-7, HCT116), which were dependent on drug-light interval and reached plateau after 4 h on HeLa cells. Well-balanced lipophilicity with ability to interact with biomembranes rank these derivatives among perspective photosensitizers, even for vascular-targeted PDT (VTP) since they kill EA.hy926 without any preincubation time.

Plasmon Energy Transfer in Hybrid Nanoantennas

Plasmonic metal nanoparticles exhibit large dipole moments upon photoexcitation and have the potential to induce electronic transitions in nearby materials, but fast internal relaxation has to date limited the spatial range and efficiency of plasmonic mediated processes. In this work, we use photo-electrochemistry to synthesize hybrid nanoantennas comprised of plasmonic nanoparticles with photoconductive polymer coatings. We demonstrate that the formation of the conductive polymer is selective to the nanoparticles and that polymerization is enhanced by photoexcitation. In situ spectroscopy and simulations support a mechanism in which up to 50% efficiency of nonradiative energy transfer is achieved. These hybrid nanoantennas combine the unmatched light-harvesting properties of a plasmonic antenna with the similarly unmatched device processability of a polymer shell.

Syntheses of Water-Soluble Silver(II)-Phthalocyanines toward Optical Sensing for Thiol Detection

Water-soluble silver(II)-phthalocyanine complexes (AgPcs), tetrakis{4-(N-alkylpyridinium)thio}phthalocyaninato silver(II) tetrafluoroborate, [Ag(tRpySpc)](BF₄)₄, (R = Me and Et), have been synthesized for the first time by quaternization of pyridyl groups of tetrakis(4-pyridylthio)phthalocyaninato silver(II) by using Meerwein reagents and characterized by ESI-MS, elemental analyses, and optical absorption spectroscopy. Although they strongly aggregate in water, the presence of appropriate surfactants, such as polyethyleneglycol-monooleyl ether (n = approximately 50; PEG50) and sodium dodecyl sulfate, effectively disaggregates them to monomeric species. The spectral properties of the AgPcs and their aggregates in aqueous and nonaqueous solutions have been investigated by optical absorption, emission, and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy. These AgPcs rapidly react with thiols such as cysteine, glutathione, homocysteine, and sodium 2-sulfanylethanesulfonate (even on the order of 0.01 mM) in aqueous PEG50 solutions at room temperature to liberate the corresponding macrocyclic ligand, H₂Pc, but not with the other amino-acid analogs without sulfhydryl groups. The molar ratio of thiol to AgPc has been determined to be 1:1. Since AgPcs are essentially nonfluorescent at room temperature, while H₂Pcs emit intense red fluorescence, AgPcs can be a potent thiol-sensor toward bioimaging.

Spectral investigation of phthalocyanine complexes of high-valence silver and their aggregates

Several novel silver(II) complexes ligating a tetra-substituted phthalocyaninate, [Ag(tbpc)] (where tbpc denotes tetra-tert-butylphthalocyaninate), [Ag(tppc)] (tppc = tetrakis(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)phthalocyaninate), [Ag(tObpc)] (tObpc = tetra-n-butoxyphthalocyaninate), and [Ag(tpySpc)] (tpySpc = tetrakis(4-pyridylthio)phthalocyaninate) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, MALDI-TOF MS, optical absorption, and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy. Although all the compounds are well soluble in common organic solvents, concentration studies on their optical spectra in solutions have found that they are prone to strongly aggregate in a cofacial manner (i.e., H-aggregate). Silver(II) complexes, which are essentially non-fluorescent, are readily demetallated in the presence of appropriate reductant (e.g., I^- or BH₄^-) to liberate the corresponding macrocyclic ligand, which emits intense red fluorescence. Chemical oxidation by using NOBF₄ generates the corresponding silver(III) species.

Third-order nonlinear optical properties of axially modified indium phthalocyanines with alkyl chains

Novel axially substituted indium phthalocyanine with strong NLO properties: effects of the length of the alkyl chain.

Structural Diversity of F-Element Monophthalocyanine Complexes

The preparation and structural characterization of a series of lanthanide and uranium(IV) phthalocyanine halide complexes were achieved by reaction of the corresponding metal halide with Li₂ Pc. A preliminary survey of their reactivity includes ring reduction of Li(THF)₄ [PcUCl₃ ] with KC₈ leading to the first structurally characterized Pc^4- actinide complex, hydrolysis of PcDyCl(DMSO) to PcDyOH(H₂ O)₃ and preparation of a unique trimeric triangular Li(PcDy)₃ (OH)₄ (H₂ O) cluster.

DNA Complexes with Cobalt(II) Phthalocyanine Disodium Disulfonate

The interaction of cobalt phthalocyanine disodium disulfonate (CoPc) with calf thymus DNA in solutions was investigated by UV/vis spectrophotometry, circular dichroism (CD), and hydrodynamic methods (viscosity and flow birefringence). Two types of CoPc binding to DNA were observed. Fast CoPc interactions with DNA via external binding to phosphates were accompanied by the formation of stack-type phthalocyanine structures on the periphery of the DNA helix. The optical absorption spectra of such CoPc complexes with DNA were analyzed in order to obtain a binding constant K = (4.8 ± 0.4) × 10⁴ M^-1. CD spectra show the increasing optical activity of phthalocyanines bonded to DNA. DNA plays the role of a matrix, contributing to an increase in their stacking interactions. The CD spectrum of DNA varies slightly. The second type of cobalt-to-DNA binding manifests itself over a certain time. It can be associated with the reorganization of ligands in the cobalt coordination sphere by introducing DNA atoms. In our experiments, such binding was observed after storage of solutions for approximately 20 h at a temperature of 4 °C. It was shown that the minor groove of DNA remains free in CoPc-DNA complexes. CoPc does not bind with the most important group for metal coordinating to DNA in the major groove (N7 guanine). We completely excluded the intercalation binding model. The planes of phthalocyanines in CoPc-DNA complexes are oriented predominantly normal to the axis of the DNA helix. DNA rigidity (persistent length) does not change. This follows from the data on the measurement of the optical anisotropy and intrinsic viscosity of DNA in complexes.

Red-Emitting Fluorescence Sensors for Metal Cations: The Role of Counteranions and Sensing of SCN- in Biological Materials

The spatiotemporal sensing of specific cationic and anionic species is crucial for understanding the processes occurring in living systems. Herein, we developed new fluorescence sensors derived from tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines (TPyzPzs) with a recognition moiety that consists of an aza-crown and supporting substituents. Their sensitivity and selectivity were compared by fluorescence titration experiments with the properties of known TPyzPzs (with either one aza-crown moiety or two of these moieties in a tweezer arrangement). Method of standard addition was employed for analyte quantification in saliva. For K⁺ recognition, the new derivatives had comparable or larger association constants with larger fluorescence enhancement factors compared to that with one aza-crown. Their fluorescence quantum yields in the ON state were 18× higher than that of TPyzPzs with a tweezer arrangement. Importantly, the sensitivity toward cations was strongly dependent on counteranions and increased as follows: NO₃^- < Br^- < CF₃SO₃^- < ClO₄^- ≪ SCN^-. This trend resembles the chaotropic ability expressed by the Hofmeister series. The high selectivity toward KSCN was explained by synergic association of both K⁺ and SCN^- with TPyzPz sensors. The sensing of SCN^- was further exploited in a proof of concept study to quantify SCN^- levels in the saliva of a smoker and to demonstrate the sensing ability of TPyzPzs under in vitro conditions.

Photophysicochemical properties and photodynamic therapy activity of highly water-soluble Zn(II) phthalocyanines

The syntheses of two zinc(II) phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) having either imidazole (ZnPc 1) or pyridiloxy (ZnPc 2) moieties as their macrocycle substituents are reported. Quaternization of the ZnPcs with methyl iodide afforded water soluble cationic phthalocyanines. The photophysical, photochemical properties and photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity of the ZnPcs were studied in solution. The fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime of ZnPc 1 were higher as compared to ZnPc 2. ZnPc 2 afforded higher triplet state (Φ_T) and singlet oxygen quantum yields (Φ_Δ) in comparison to ZnPc 1. The PDT activity of ZnPcs was investigated against human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7). The two compounds afforded a very minimal in vitro dark cytotoxicity with 85% viable cells at concentration ≤80 μM. On irradiation of the cells having the ZnPcs, ≥50% cell death was recorded for ZnPc 1 which was also evidenced by the cells photo-micrograph.

Ring-Oxidized Zinc(II) Phthalocyanine Cations: Structure, Spectroscopy, and Decomposition Behavior

A bromonium oxidizing agent was used to produce a ring-oxidized zinc phthalocyanine (PcZn), [PcZn(solvent)]^•₂[BAr^F₄]₂ (1·solvent), in good yield. This material is dimeric in the solid state with one axially coordinated solvent [tetrahydrofuran (THF) or 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME)] and close intradimer ring-ring distances of 3.18 and 3.136 Å (THF and DME respectively); this proximity facilitates strong antiferromagnetic coupling to yield diamagnetic dimers. 1·THF is present in solution as a monomer and a dimer. In CH₂Cl₂, the dimer is favored above 0.1 mM, and it is almost exclusively present in solvents with a high dielectric constant such as acetonitrile. The material 1·THF/DME decomposes in DME to a meso-nitrogen-protonated species, [HPcZn(DME)₂][BAr^F₄] (2), which was isolated and represents the first example of such a structurally characterized, protonated, unsubstituted PcM complex. A partially oxidized dimer or "pimer" [(PcZn(DME))₂]^•[BAr^F₄] (3) was also structurally characterized and has a intradimer ring-ring distance of 3.192 Å, similar to 1·THF/DME. Dimer 3 also represents the first isolated PcM-based pimer. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis of a 1.0 mM solution of 1·DME in DME showed the production of 3 over hours by the combination of 1·DME and 2 in solution.

Solvent effects on molecular aggregation of highly water-soluble phthalocyanines

Molecular aggregation phenomena of a highly water-soluble, metal-free phthalocyanine, H[Formula: see text]Pc, and its copper complex, Cu(Pc); where Pc denotes tetrakis{(2[Formula: see text],6[Formula: see text]-dimethyl-4[Formula: see text]-sulfonic acid)phenoxy}phthalocyaninate) in water, ethanol, and their mixed solvent systems have been investigated by spectroscopic approach In both aqueous and ethanolic solutions, H[Formula: see text]Pc molecules aggregate in a slipped-cofacial manner, although very weakly in ethanol. On the other hand, Cu(Pc) molecules aggregate in a cofacial manner in water while aligning in a slipped-cofacial manner in ethanol. Magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy was undertaken to investigate aggregation behaviors of Cu(Pc) in water and ethanol. Presence of 4-phenylpyridine in ethanol effectively inhibited aggregation of Cu(Pc) molecules, although little affected the spectra of the monomers. In a mixed solvent system, where water/ethanol [Formula: see text] 10/90 (v/v), Cu(Pc) is free from aggregation up to almost 10[Formula: see text] M. Driving forces of this molecular aggregation are discussed on the basis of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] interaction and coordination chemistry involving copper ions.

Photophysicochemical behaviour and antimicrobial properties of monocarboxy Mg (II) and Al (III) phthalocyanine-magnetite conjugates

Asymmetric Mg (II) or Al (III) phthalocyanine (containing a COOH group and 3-pyridylsulfanyl units) was conjugated via an amide bond to amino functionalized magnetic nanoparticle (AIMN) to form MgPc-AIMN or AlPc-AIMN conjugate, and characterized. The photophysicochemical behaviour of the phthalocyanine-AIMN conjugates was investigated and compared to the asymmetric Pcs and to the simple mixture of Pc with AIMNs without a chemical bond, (MPc-AIMN (mixed)). The directed covalent linkage of AIMNs to the asymmetrical metallopthalocyanines afforded improvements in the singlet oxygen (Ф_Δ) and triplet state quantum yield (Ф_T) as well as singlet oxygen lifetimes for the MPcs-AIMN-linked conjugates compared to MPc-AIMN (mixed) and MPcs alone. The asymmetric phthalocyanines and their conjugates showed effective antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria under illumination.

Amphoteric phosphorous(V)-phthalocyanines as proton-driven switchable fluorescers toward deep-tissue bio-imaging

Spectral (optical absorption and emission) properties of three amphoteric phosphorous(V)-phthalocyanine derivatives, [P(Pc)(O)OH], where Pc=tetra(tert-butyl)phthalocyaninate (tbpc), tetrakis(2',6'-dimethylphenoxy)phthalocyaninate (tppc), and octakis(4'-tert-butylphenoxy)phthalocyaninate (obppc), have been investigated in ethanolic solutions. Spectral changes upon protonation/deprotonation (the reaction sites have been determined to be their axial ligands by magnetic circular dichroism study) are drastic and rapid. All the initial ([P(Pc)(O)OH]), protonated ([P(Pc)(OH)₂]⁺), and deprotonated ([P(Pc)(O)₂]^-) species are possessed with sufficient brightness (defined as the product of their molar extinction coefficient, ε (inM^-1cm^-1), and fluorescence quantum yield, Φ_F) in bio-imaging window (650-900nm). For example, spectral characteristics of the tbpc derivatives have been determined as follows: ε=1.65×10⁵ (absorption maximum 676nm) and Φ_F=0.80 (emission maximum 686nm) for [P(tbpc)(O)(OH)] while ε=1.45×10⁵ (697nm) and Φ_F=0.27 (714nm) for [P(tbpc)(OH)₂]⁺, and ε=2.25×10⁵ (662nm) and Φ_F=0.90 (667nm) for [P(tbpc)(O)₂]^-. Emission of tppc and obppc derivatives behave in essentially the same manner irrespective of nature of the peripheral substituents and hence Φ_F values are greater with increasing emission peak wavenumbers in line with the "energy gap law". These characteristics make these compounds promising candidates as chemical probes for deep-tissue bio-imaging.

A gold–chitosan composite with low symmetry zinc phthalocyanine for enhanced singlet oxygen generation and improved photodynamic therapy activity

A gold–chitosan composite with low symmetry zinc phthalocyanine showed no dark cytotoxicity activity and improved photodynamic therapy compared to that of the phthalocyanine alone.

Graphene quantum dots coordinated to mercaptopyridine-substituted phthalocyanines: Characterization and application as fluorescence "turn ON" nanoprobes

This study reports on the design of novel nanoconjugates of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and tetra or octa-mercaptopyridine-substituted zinc and aluminium phthalocyanines (Pcs) deployed as fluorescence "turn ON" nanoprobes. The phthalocyanines were separately adsorbed onto the planar structure of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) via π-π stacking interaction to form GQDs-mercaptopyridine Pcs nanoconjugates. The quaternized Pc complexes could also interact with the GQDs through electrostatic attraction due to the positive charges on the Pcs ring substituents and the negative charges on the surface of GQDs. The fluorescence emission of the GQDs was quenched upon coordination to the respective Pcs. However, the fluorescence emission was "turned ON" in the presence of Hg²⁺ employed as a test analyte. The mechanism of the "turn ON" of the GQDs emission in the nanoconjugates is ascribed to the strong affinity of Hg²⁺ to bind with the bridging sulfur on the Pcs periphery thereby disrupting the π-π stacking interaction between the GQDs and the Pcs with a consequent "turn ON" of the coordinated GQDs' fluorescence.

An efficient perovskite solar cell with symmetrical Zn(ii) phthalocyanine infiltrated buffering porous Al2O3 as the hybrid interfacial hole-transporting layer

A new Zn(ii) phthalocyanine (Pc) based low bandgap HTM is introduced for perovskite solar cells. Steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements indicated an evenly matched hole extraction efficiency between sym-HTPcH and spiro-OMeTAD. On account of the low film quality and resulting high recombination, Zn(ii) Pc normally cannot work as an effective HTM. We adopted insulating Al₂O₃ for the infiltration of sym-HTPcH to form a hybrid interfacial buffer layer, affording perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with an average PCE value of up to 12.3%, which is a significant improvement with respect to the control cell without the meso-Al₂O₃ layer (4.21%) and is the highest value ever reported for Zn(ii) phthalocyanine based devices under AM1.5G standard conditions. A hysteresis test revealed that our device structure with the new HTM exhibited a balanced charge extraction behaviour.

Physicochemical and antimicrobial photodynamic chemotherapy of unsymmetrical indium phthalocyanines alone or in the presence of magnetic nanoparticles

An aminophenoxy substituent indium phthalocyanine was linked to magnetic nanoparticles and the conjugate showed less activity than the Pc alone towards photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy ofE. coli.

Combined MCD/DFT/TDDFT Study of the Electronic Structure of Axially Pyridine Coordinated Metallocorroles

A series of metallocorroles were investigated by UV-vis and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopies. The diamagnetic distorted square-pyramidal main-group corrole Ga(tpfc)py (2), the diamagnetic distorted octahedral transition-metal adduct Co(tpfc)(py)2 (3), and paramagnetic distorted octahedral transition-metal complex Fe(tpfc)(py)2 (4) [H3tpfc = tris(perfluorophenyl)corrole] were studied to investigate similarities and differences in the electronic structure and spectroscopy of the closed- and open-shell metallocorroles. Similar to the free-base H3tpfc (1), inspection of the MCD Faraday B-terms for all of the macrocycles presented in this report revealed that a ΔHOMO < ΔLUMO [ΔHOMO is the energy difference between two highest energy corrole-centered π-orbitals and ΔLUMO is the energy difference between two lowest energy corrole-centered π*-orbitals originating from ML ± 4 and ML ± 5 pairs of perimeter] condition is present for each complex, which results in an unusual sign-reversed sequence for π-π* transitions in their MCD spectra. In addition, the MCD spectra of the cobalt and the iron complexes were also complicated by a number of charge-transfer states in the visible region. Iron complex 4 also exhibits a low-energy absorption in the NIR region (1023 nm). DFT and TDDFT calculations were used to elaborate the electronic structures and provide band assignments in UV-vis and MCD spectra of the metallocorroles. DFT and TDDFT calculations predict that the orientation of the axial pyridine ligand(s) has a very minor influence on the calculated electronic structures and absorption spectra in the target systems.

Reducing zirconium(iv) phthalocyanines and the structure of a Pc4−Zr complex

Reduced Zirconium(iv) phthalocyanines were prepared from a variety of reducing agents (KC₈, KEt₃BH or LiCp*) and a reduced Pc⁴⁻Zr(iv) species was isolated and structurally characterized; it shows partial bond localization consistent with a reduction of the Pc ring.

Improved photodynamic efficacy of Zn(II) phthalocyanines via glycerol substitution

Phthalocyanines are excellent photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy as they have strong absorbance in the near infra-red region which is most relevant for in vivo activation in deeper tissular regions. However, most phthalocyanines present two major challenges, ie, a strong tendency to aggregate and low water-solubility, limiting their effective usage clinically. In the present study, we evaluated the potential enhancement capability of glycerol substitution on the photodynamic properties of zinc (II) phthalocyanines (ZnPc). Three glycerol substituted ZnPc, 1–3, (tetra peripherally, tetra non-peripherally and mono iodinated tri non-peripherally respectively) were evaluated in terms of their spectroscopic properties, rate of singlet oxygen generation, partition coefficient (log P), intracellular uptake, photo-induced cytotoxicity and vascular occlusion efficiency. Tetrasulfonated ZnPc (ZnPcS₄) was included as a reference compound. Here, we showed that 1–3 exhibited 10–100 nm red-shifted absorption peaks with higher molar absorptivity, and at least two-fold greater singlet oxygen generation rates compared to ZnPcS₄. Meanwhile, phthalocyanines 1 and 2 showed more hydrophilic log P values than 3 consistent with the number of glycerol attachments but 3 was most readily taken up by cells compared to the rest. Both phthalocyanines 2 and 3 exhibited potent phototoxicity against MCF-7, HCT-116 and HSC-2 cancer cell-lines with IC₅₀ ranging 2.8–3.2 µM and 0.04–0.06 µM respectively, while 1 and ZnPcS₄ (up to 100 µM) failed to yield determinable IC₅₀ values. In terms of vascular occlusion efficiency, phthalocyanine 3 showed better effects than 2 by causing total occlusion of vessels with diameter <70 µm of the chorioallantoic membrane. Meanwhile, no detectable vascular occlusion was observed for ZnPcS₄ with treatment under similar experimental conditions. These findings provide evidence that glycerol substitution, in particular in structures 2 and 3, is able to improve the photodynamic properties of ZnPc.

Synthesis, spectral and electrochemical properties of a novel phosphorous(V)-phthalocyanine

A novel phosphorous(V)-phthalocyanine, [ P ( tppc )( OH )( O )], where tppc denotes tetrakis{(2′,6′-dimethyl)phenoxy}phthalocyaninate, has been synthesized and its spectral properties in non-aqueous and aqueous media have been investigated. This compound has been found free from aggregation in EtOH whereas forms J-aggregates in CH 2 Cl 2 and acetonitrile, suggesting the presence of chemical interaction between the axial ligand and the surrounding solvent molecules. The most intense absorption band (Q-band) appears at 683 nm in EtOH , however, reaction with CF 3 COOH has given rise to a large red shift of the Q-band without lowering of its C 4 symmetry (evidenced by magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy), indicating protonation at the axial site. Its fluorescence quantum yield has been determined (0.49 in EtOH ) and has been found much higher than those of the known Sb V or As V derivatives by more than one order of magnitude. The first reduction potential has been determined by cyclic voltammetry (-1.09 V vs. ferrocenium+/ferrocene) in CH 2 Cl 2. It is noteworthy that the Q-band maximum wavelength and the first reduction potential values are normal for conventional phthalocyanines despite the presence of pnictogen(V) in the cavity of the macrocyclic ligand.

Dissociation of imino proton(s) of a highly water-soluble metal-free phthalocyanine and determination of its pKa value in water

Dissociation of imino proton(s) in the cavity of the macrocycle of a highly water-soluble, metal-free phthalocyanine ( H 2( H 4 tsppc ); where H 4 tsppc denotes tetrakis{(2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-sulfonic acid)phenoxy}phthalocyaninate) in ethanolic and aqueous solutions has spectrophotometrically been investigated. The spectral changes associated with reaction with NaOH have been found to involve one-proton transfer process in aqueous media while two-protons process in ethanolic media. The acid-dissociation constant of the first imino proton in water (in the presence of Triton X-100) has been determined to be 12.5 ± 0.2 (as pKa) at 25 °C. The doubly deprotonated species in EtOH has been easily converted to its corresponding cobalt(II) derivative by thermal reaction with anhydrous CoCl 2.

Synthesis and photophysical properties of peripherally and non-peripherally mercaptopyridine substituted metal free, Mg(II) and Al(III) phthalocyanines

The syntheses and photophysical properties of metallophthalocyanines containing Mg(2+) and Al(3+) as central metal ions and their unmetallated derivative (complexes 3-8) tetra- substituted at the non-peripheral (α) and peripheral (β) positions with 2-mercaptopyridine are reported. The trends in triplet and fluorescence quantum yields are described for these compounds. The complexes exhibited relatively high triplet quantum yields (Φ(T)) ranging from 0.33 to 0.54 and fluorescence quantum yields (Φ(F)) ranging from 0.02 to 0.29. Triplet state lifetimes of the complexes were long ranging from 120 to 460 μs, indicating a potential use of these complexes as photosensitizers.