Gold–BODIPY Nanoparticles with Luminescence and Photosensitization Properties for Photodynamic Therapy and Cell Imaging

Abstract

Coupling of surface plasmons on metal nanoparticles with the electronic states of organic chromophores is known to result in hybrid states having unique photophysical properties. Previously, we had demonstrated that plasmon–molecule coupling in gold–BODIPY nanocomposites was effective for singlet oxygen production for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, we show that gold nanoparticles can function as a matrix on which Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is facilitated between two electronically distinct BODIPY chromophores in a multichromophoric nanocomposite, which opens up radiative pathways, thereby making the nanocomposite fluorescent. Additionally, photoinduced hot electron transfer between BODIPY and gold allows for the efficient photosensitized generation of singlet oxygen. Our approach to achieving simultaneous FRET and plasmon–molecule interactions on gold nanoparticles is unique and hitherto unknown and makes the multichromophoric nanocomposite a potential candidate for photodynamic therapy and cell imaging.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Water Pollutants and Pesticides Using Plasmon‐Molecule Coupled Gold‐BODIPY Nanoparticles

“…[23][24][25][26] Our recent investigations show that plasmon-molecule coupling in gold-BODIPY nanocomposites results in enhanced singlet oxygen generation and that these nanocomposites could be used for a variety of applications. [27][28][29] Here, we show that thin films incorporating plasmon-molecule coupled nanocomposites exhibit excellent thermal and photochemical stability and generate singlet oxygen efficiently. Furthermore, these thin films function as heterogeneous and reusable photocatalysts for the degradation of dissolved water contaminants and pesticides.…”

Plasmon-enhanced nano-photosensitizers: game-changers in photodynamic therapy of cancers

“…Eventually, AuNR-PSS-MLZnPcI 4 showed an effective performance in photodegrading DNA based on synergistic photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy, compared to the other hybrids studied in this research. In a similar study, Rahman and co-workers 36 prepared three types of gold-BODIPY nanocomposites (NCs) with different chromophores, NC1 contained 1, NC2 contained 2, and NC3 contained both 1 and 2 (Fig. 3(c)).…”

“…35 Using organic compounds in combination with plasmonic nanoparticles can lead to enhanced PDT activity by improving the singlet oxygen generation (SOG) and the movement of photo-induced hot-electrons between plasmonic NPs and organic components. 36 Moreover, the conjugation of plasmonic NPs to organic dyes can prompt enhanced optical absorption of the dye since most organic PSs suffer from low singlet oxygen generation or low fluorescence emission. 37 The tunability of the SPR wavelength of plasmonic nanostructures through controlling their size and shape can be used to reach the spectrum overlap with the excitation wavelength of the organic PSs, which is a critical factor for their potential as energy mediators to encourage the PS to produce singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ), which ultimately leads to apoptosis of tumor cells.…”

Recent Development of Photoresponsive Liposomes Based on Organic Photosensitizers, Au Nanoparticles, and Azobenzene Derivatives for Nanomedicine

“…Organic photosensitizers, Au nanoparticles, and azobenzene derivatives are used as clues because these three are the most representative materials in the current photoresponsive liposomes. Organic photosensitizers , have a large family system and were the first to enter the clinical practice of nanomedicine; Au nanoparticles , are masterpieces of inorganic nanomaterials known for their high biocompatibility and synergistic therapeutic ability; azobenzene derivatives − are a unique class of materials with active reversible photoresponsive ability. By virtue of the reversible, fast, and high degree photoisomerization conversion mechanism, they have become a well-known photoswitchable molecules.…”