Nanoscale porphyrin assemblies based on charge-transfer strategy with enhanced red-shifted absorption

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2022 Dec:627:554-561. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.07.088. Epub 2022 Jul 16.

Abstract

Charge-transfer assemblies (CTAs) represent a new class of functional material due to their excellent optical properties, and show great promise in the biomedical field. Porphyrins are widely used photosensitizers, but the short absorption wavelengths may restrict their practical applications. To obtain porphyrin phototherapeutic agents with red-shifted absorption, charge-transfer nanoscale assemblies (TAPP-TCNQ NPs) of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl) porphyrin (TAPP) and 7,7,8,8‑tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) were prepared via optimizing the stoichiometric ratios of donor-acceptor. The as-prepared TAPP-TCNQ NPs exhibit red-shifted absorption to the near-infrared (NIR) region and enhanced absorbance because of the charge-transfer interactions. In especial, TAPP-TCNQ NPs possess the capacity of both photodynamic and photothermal therapy, thus effectively killing the bacteria upon 808 nm laser irradiation. This modular assembly method provides an alternative strategy to enhance the application of the phototherapeutic agents.

Keywords: Charge-transfer; Near-infrared; Phototherapy; Porphyrin; Supramolecular assembly.

MeSH terms

  • Nanoparticles*
  • Nitriles
  • Photosensitizing Agents / pharmacology
  • Porphyrins*

Substances

  • Nitriles
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Porphyrins
  • tetracyanoquinodimethane