Heavy-atom-free π-twisted photosensitizers for fluorescence bioimaging and photodynamic therapy
Darío Puchán Sánchez, Korentin Morice, Monika Mutovska, Lhoussain Khrouz, Pierre Josse, Magali Allain, Frédéric Gohier, Philippe Blanchard, Cyrille Monnereau, Tangui Le Bahers, Nasim Sabouri, Yulian Zagranyarski, Clément Cabanetos, Marco Deiana
Abstract
), resulting in improved and efficient intersystem crossing (ISC). Both PSs are highly effective in producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), including singlet oxygen and/or superoxide species. Additionally, they also demonstrate remarkably strong fluorescence emission. Indeed, in addition to providing exceptional photocytotoxicity, this emissive feature, generally lacking in other reported structures, allows for the precise monitoring of the PSs' distribution within specific cellular organelles even at nanomolar concentrations. These findings underscore the dual functionality of these PSs, serving as both fluorescent imaging probes and light-activated therapeutic agents, emphasizing their potential as versatile and multifunctional tools in the field of PDT.