Synthesis and in vitro PDT activity of miscellaneous porphyrins with amino acid and uracil

Abstract

The synthesis of a series of modularized porphyrins bearing bioactive molecule is described. Starting with meso-tetraphenylporphyrin, the compounds with two nitro functional groups were synthesized via regiospecific nitration reaction. After reduction to the amino group and subsequent coupling with l-phenylalanine or 1-carboxylmethyl-5-fluorouracil (5-Fu acid), the functionalized porphyrins were metallized with Co(II) or Mn(II) to form miscellaneous porphyrins in good yields. The spectra of all the porphyrins were furnished. In vitro photodynamic therapy of the porphyrins against Ec9706 cell line was evaluated by standard cytotoxicity assays.