Influence of nanoparticle materials on the photophysical behavior of phthalocyanines

• The interactions between nanoparticles and phthalocyanines are reviewed.
• The nanoparticles studied are quantum dots, and gold and magnetic nanoparticles.
• Triplet state parameters of the phthalocyanines generally increase in the presence of nanoparticles.
• Energy transfer occurs from quantum dots to phthalocyanines on excitation of the former.

This review presents recent data on the photophysical behavior of phthalocyanines when conjugated to quantum dots, gold and magnetic nanoparticles. In some cases such conjugates offer the possibility of being used in “combination therapy”, where two or more substances may be used for treating one disease. The review focuses on the effect that the presence of nanoparticles has on the excited and triplet state parameters of the phthalocyanines. Five tables listing these parameters are presented.

Conjugates of phthalocyanines with nanoparticles (such as gold and magnetic nanoparticles or quantum dots) may be formed through an amide bond, with improved photophysical and photochemical properties compared to phthalocyanines alone.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (98 K)Download as PowerPoint slide