The preparation of a supramolecular nanocomposite containing BODIPY, tryptophan and gold nanoparticles capable of photosensitized generation of singlet oxygen is reported.
Strong coupling between localized surface plasmons and molecular absorptions leads to remarkable changes in the photophysical properties of dye‐loaded metal nanoparticles. Here, we report supramolecular nanocomposites consisting of BODIPY, tryptophan, and gold nanoparticles, and investigate the effect of structural variations on their photophysical properties. Our results indicate that the photostability and photosensitization properties of the nanocomposites depend on the chemical composition of the BODIPY molecules. The singlet oxygen quantum yield of the nanocomposites NC1 (BODIPY, B1 bearing a single methyl group) and NC3 (BODIPY, B3 with 5 methyl and 2 iodo groups) were 0.46 and 0.42, respectively, which were significantly higher compared to their individual components. Ultrafast spectroscopy studies revealed that the migration of photoexcited BODIPY electrons to the plasmonic photoexcitation allowed electron transfer into the singlet oxygen states, thereby leading to efficient generation of singlet oxygen.
Anion receptors have attracted growing interest because of their role in chemistry, the environment, biology and medicine. The mis-regulation of anion flux causes a variety of lethal human diseases. Recently, triazole has been found to be an excellent motif for molecular recognition. This review depicts an overall picture of developments in the design and synthesis of anion receptors along with an up-to-date emphasis on the triazole unit as a motif for anion recognition. The acidic CH of triazole is involved in binding with the anions, which makes these receptors different from other classes of receptors. The chemo-and regio-selectivity of the click reaction provides further impetus for future developments in this area.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been extensively investigated for their use in various biomedical applications. Owing to their biocompatibility, simple surface modifications, and electrical and unique optical properties, AuNPs are considered promising nanomaterials for use in in vitro disease diagnosis, in vivo imaging, drug delivery, and tissue engineering applications. The functionality of AuNPs may be further expanded by producing hybrid nanocomposites with polymers that provide additional functions, responsiveness, and improved biocompatibility. Polymers may deliver large quantities of drugs or genes in therapeutic applications. A polymer alters the surface charges of AuNPs to improve or modulate cellular uptake efficiency and their biodistribution in the body. Furthermore, designing the functionality of nanocomposites to respond to an endo- or exogenous stimulus, such as pH, enzymes, or light, may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic applications. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in the use of AuNPs and Au-polymer nanocomposites in therapeutic applications such as drug or gene delivery, photothermal therapy, and tissue engineering.
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