Synthesis, photophysics and photochemistry of phthalocyanine-ɛ-polylysine conjugates in the presence of metal nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus

This work reports on the photodynamic activity of Zn phthalocyanine-ɛ-polylysine conjugates in the presence of gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs) towards the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The conjugates showed high photoinactivation with ∼6% growth at a drug dose of 3 μM and fluence of 39.6 mW/cm2 for 10 min irradiation time in the presence of silver nanoparticles. The presence of silver nanoparticels from the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC50) studies showed remarkable growth inhibition for the tested conjugates even at low concentrations. The MIC50 was lowest for the conjugate of 3 with ɛ-polylysine at concentrations of less than 0.0058 μM in the presence of AgNPs. The lethal photosensitization of microorganisms has emerged as a promising treatment since bacteria have reduced possibilities of developing resistance to photodynamic therapy.

Graphical abstractZn phthalocyanine-ɛ-polylysine conjugates show improved activity towards the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of gold and silver nanoparticles.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Zn phthalocyanine-ɛ-polylysine conjugates were synthesized. ► The conjugates were linked to gold and silver nanoparticles. ► The conjugates were used to inactivate bacteria ► In the presence of silver the conjugates showed the best inactivation.