Interaction of cationic chlorin photosensitizers with non-ionic surfactant Tween 80

The interaction between cationic chlorophyll photosensitizers (PSs) for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and non-ionic surfactant Tween 80 as a potential carrier system was studied using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results, analyzed in terms of our approach and the Stern-Volmer approach, indicate that all three PSs form stable molecular complexes with Tween 80, the PS molecules being located at the periphery of surfactant micelles next to hydrophilic head groups. The higher the charge of the macrocyclic cation, the stronger the interaction of PS with the surfactant.

Automated summary

The study showed that cationic chlorophyll photosensitizers interact with non-ionic surfactant Tween 80 to form stable molecular complexes, with the PS molecules located at the periphery of surfactant micelles. Additionally, the interaction strength between PS and surfactant increases with the charge of the macrocyclic cation.