Abstract
The photophysical properties of a heavy atom-free Bodipy derivative with twisted π-conjugation framework were studied. Efficient intersystem crossing (ISC. Quantum yield: 56%) and exceptionally long-lived triplet state wereobserved (4.5 ms. In solid polymer film matrix; the intrinsic triplet state lifetime in fluid solution is 197.5 μs). Time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectroscopy and DFT computations confirmed the delocalization of triplet state on whole twisted π-conjugation framework, and the zero-field-splitting (ZFS) D parameter is D = −69.5 mT, which is smaller than the 2,6-diiodoBodipy (D = − 104.6 mT). The electron spin polarization (ESP) phase pattern of the triplet state TREPR spectrum of the twisted Bodipy is (a, a, e, a, e, e), which is different from that of 2,6-diiodoBodipy (e, e, e, a, a, a), indicates the electron spin selectivity of the ISC of the twisted structure is different from that of the spin orbital coupling effect. The computed spin-orbit coupling matrix elements (0.154 - 1.964 cm−1), together with the matched energy of the S1/Tn states, the ISC was proposed to be via S1-->T2/T3. The computational results are in agreement with the TREPR results on the electron spin selectivity (the overpopulation of the TY sublevel of the T1 state). The advantage of long-lived triplet state of twisted Bodipy was demonstrated by the efficient singlet oxygen (1O2) photosensitizing (quantum yield = 50.0%) even under severe hypoxia atmosphere (pO2 = 0.2%, v/v). High light toxicity (EC50 = 1.0 μM) and low dark toxicity (EC50 = 78.5 μM) was observed for the twisted Bodipy, cellular studies demonstrate its potential as a novel potent heavy atom-free photodynamic therapy (PDT) reagent.
Original language | English (US) |
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Journal | Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 10 2021 |
Bibliographical note
KAUST Repository Item: Exported on 2021-03-17Acknowledgements: J. Z. thanks the NSFC (U2001222, 21673031, 21761142005 and 21911530095) for financial support. M.F. thanks the Ministry of High Education and Science of Russia for access to EPR equipment. I.K. thanks RFBR (grant no. 19-29-10035) for financial support. D. E. thanks funding from KU Leuven Internal Funds.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry