Exploration of Two Different Strategies in Near IR Absorbing Boron Dipyrromethene Derivatives for Photodynamic and Bioimaging Purposes

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a method for the treatment of non-oncological diseases and different types of cancers. Here, we report the synthesis and photophysical investigations of two different near IR absorbing classes of Boron dipyrromethene (Bodipy) photosensitizers to be used in PDT and for fluorescent bioimaging purposes. Successful utilization of benzofused Bodipy derivatives in other areas have encouraged us to exploit singlet oxygen generation abilities in comparison to a unique distyryl derivative (STBOD). In vitro cytotoxicity and fluorescence microscopy studies revealed that benzofused derivative (BFBOD) is an effective PDT agent at concentrations as low as 40 nM. Analysis with singlet oxygen trap molecule shows that distyryl derivative is more effective in terms of singlet oxygen formation ability. Furthermore, the same compound has higher fluorescence quantum yield. Novel agents including benzofused Bodipy derivatives are used for the first time by this study to expand the photosensitizer pool so to be used for various applications.

Automated summary

This study reports the synthesis and photophysical investigations of two different near IR absorbing classes of Boron dipyrromethene (Bodipy) photosensitizers for use in Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and fluorescent bioimaging purposes. The benzofused Bodipy derivative was found to be an effective PDT agent, while the unique distyryl derivative showed better singlet oxygen generation ability.