Synthesis of unsymmetrical phthalocyanine derivatives and their interaction with mammary MCF7 cells

• The phthalocyanines water solubility is related to the proportion of free hydroxyl groups.
• The cell interaction changes according to the hydrophobic to hydrophilic balance.
• Unprotected derivatives presented a greater tendency to aggregate but higher cell interaction.

We report herein the synthesis and characterization of a group of unsymmetrical phthalocyanines modified with different combinations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups. Our results demonstrated that their solubility in polar media varies with the proportion of hydroxylated groups present in each structure and that the cell interactions and generation of reactive oxygen species in aqueous media change according to the hydrophobic to hydrophilic balance in the macrocycle.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide