Porphyrin Complexes in Aqueous Systems
Summary
Porphyrin macrocycles are distinguished by a conjugated tetrapyrrolic core capable of coordinating metal centres and engaging in diverse non‐covalent interactions in water. In aqueous media, solubility challenges arising from the hydrophobic macrocycle are addressed through derivatisation (sulfonation, PEGylation) or encapsulation within polymeric and micellar assemblies. Metal–porphyrin complexes exhibit tunable redox and photophysical properties, enabling applications from photodynamic therapy and biosensing to catalysis and environmental remediation. Key processes include axial ligand binding, aggregate formation (H- and J-type), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under light irradiation. Advances in supramolecular control have yielded water‐soluble constructs that combine robust metal coordination with stimuli-responsive behaviour, fostering innovation in targeted drug delivery, light‐triggered degradation of biomolecules, and the fabrication of functional nanosensors. The interplay between porphyrin structure, metal centre identity and the aqueous microenvironment underpins a growing portfolio of water‐compatible systems with global relevance in biomedicine, green chemistry and materials science.
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Porphyrin Complexes in Aqueous Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in porphyrin complexes in aqueous systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Porphyrin: A macrocyclic molecule of four pyrrole subunits interconnected by methine bridges, capable of coordinating metal ions and exhibiting strong absorption in the visible region.
Polyion complex micelle: A nanoscale assembly formed by the electrostatic interaction between charged polymers and oppositely charged small molecules, creating a core–shell structure in water.
PEGylation: The covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol chains to a molecule or nanoparticle to enhance water solubility, biocompatibility and colloidal stability.
H- and J-aggregates: Non-covalent porphyrin assemblies distinguished by face-to-face (H-type) or head-to-tail (J-type) stacking, each exhibiting characteristic spectral shifts.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen (e.g., singlet oxygen, superoxide) generated under light activation of photosensitisers, used for oxidative degradation or therapy.
References
- Molecular Recognition of Imidazole-Based Drug Molecules by Cobalt(III)- and Zinc(II)-Coproporphyrins in Aqueous Media. Molecules (2023).
- Water-Soluble Star Polymer as a Potential Photoactivated Nanotool for Lysozyme Degradation. Polymers (2024).
- Development of Double Hydrophilic Block Copolymer/Porphyrin Polyion Complex Micelles towards Photofunctional Nanoparticles. Polymers (2022).
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