Meta‐Benziporphodimethenes: New Cell‐Imaging Porphyrin Analogue Molecules

Abstract

Abstractmeta‐Benziporphodimethene is a recently synthesized porphyrin analogue molecule which contain discrete conjugated system. These molecules are nearly non‐fluorescent in their free base form. The binding of zinc ions with these molecules turn‐on its fluorescence properties. In the present study, the fluorescent turn‐on properties after binding with zinc ions of these molecules have been explored for cellular imaging of zinc ions in MDA‐MB‐468 breast carcinoma cells. The effect of substitutents on meso‐phenyl groups on cellular imaging of zinc ions in MDA‐MB‐468 breast carcinoma cells have also been studied. The electron releasing and withdrawing group on meso‐phenyl do not effect on internalization of these molecules into cells. The MTT assay confirms lesser cytotoxic nature of these molecules for a longer time. These metallated meta‐benziporphodimethenes shows higher absorption and emission wavelength which avoid the photodamage of cells. To get insight into the structural change after binding with zinc ions, DFT calculation has been carried out.