A three-component supramolecular nanocomposite as a heavy-atom-free photosensitizer

Chem Commun (Camb). 2019 May 9;55(39):5623-5626. doi: 10.1039/c9cc02480h.

Abstract

Design of photosensitizers capable of generating singlet oxygen is crucial for the success of photodynamic therapy, and biocompatible supramolecular systems are emerging in this area. We report a supramolecular nanocomposite consisting of BODIPY, tryptophan and gold nanoparticles. While the individual components in isolation were inactive, the nanocomposite was found to be photostable and exhibited efficient photosensitization properties.