Recent Advances in Applications of Fluorescent Perylenediimide and Perylenemonoimide Dyes in Bioimaging, Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

The emblematic perylenediimide (PDI) motif which was initially used as a simple dye has undergone incredible development in recent decades. The increasing power of synthetic organic chemistry has allowed it to decorate PDIs to achieve highly functional dyes. As these PDI derivatives combine thermal, chemical and photostability, with an additional high absorption coefficient and near-unity fluorescence quantum yield, they have been widely studied for applications in materials science, particularly in photovoltaics. Although PDIs have always been in the spotlight, their asymmetric counterparts, perylenemonoimide (PMI) analogues, are now experiencing a resurgence of interest with new efforts to create architectures with equally exciting properties. Namely, their exceptional fluorescence properties have recently been used to develop novel systems for applications in bioimaging, biosensing and photodynamic therapy. This review covers the state of the art in the synthesis, photophysical characterizations and recently reported applications demonstrating the versatility of these two sister PDI and PMI compounds. The objective is to show that after well-known applications in materials science, the emerging trends in the use of PDI- and PMI-based derivatives concern very specific biomedicinal applications including drug delivery, diagnostics and theranostics.

An anti-freeze fluorescent organogel with rapid shape-forming properties for constructing artificial light harvesting systems used in extremely cold environments

“…We also noticed the superior fluorescence properties of perylene derivatives. 41–43 In addition, we found that DMF is an excellent plasticizer. 44 PVA organogels could be prepared when the mixed solution of PVA/DMSO/DMF was placed at room temperature for 2 h instead of photo-induced polymerization or freezing/thawing, which provides a novel strategy for the rapid preparation of organogels.…”

Straightforward, Sustainable, and Scalable Access to 3,4-Perylenedicarboxylic Monoanhydride

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