The challenging combination of intense fluorescence and high singlet oxygen quantum yield in photostable chlorins : a contribution to theranostics

Abstract

High fl uorescence quantum yields, high singlet oxygen quantum yields and intense absorptions in the phototherapeutic window are fundamental properties for compounds intended for fl uorescence diagno- sis and photodynamic therapy. We report on photostable chlorins that combine these properties. The fl uorinated tetraphenylchlorin FCMet has Φ F = 0.396 and Φ Δ = 0.58 ± 0.07, whereas F 2 CMet has Φ F = 0.360 and Φ Δ = 0.54 ± 0.05, and both have molar absorption coe ffi cients larger than 30000 M − 1 cm − 1 above 650 nm. These dual functional agents use nearly all the energy absorbed to perform the desired functions and are appropriate for theranostics applications