Ultrafast excited-state dynamics and “three-in-one” phototheranostic properties of a phenanthroline-carbolong photosensitizer

Abstract

The favorable excited-state dynamics, nonlinear optics, and extraordinary phototheranostic capabilities of conjugated metallaaromatics are attractive topics of research. A promising and multifunctional photosensitizer, double-phenanthroline-carbolong DPC, was investigated comparatively. It featured strong two-photon absorption (2PA) properties within the near-infrared (NIR) range, with a maximum 2PA cross-section of ∼7417 GM at 770 nm in MeOH. Time-dependent density functional theory and ultrafast excited-state dynamics illustrated that fast charge transfer coupled with intersystem crossing to the stable triplet state outcompeted radiative decays. The “three-in-one” phototherapeutic effect included NIR-wavelength 2PA excitation, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy in DPC, as illustrated subsequently. The significant contribution from the intrinsic intramolecular charge communication along the DPC skeleton provided the possibility for moderate photothermal conversion (η = 36.8%) and photodynamic synergistic therapy (Φ_Δ = 8.4%). Interestingly, singlet oxygen generation from DPC was also observed when irradiated at two-photon excitation wavelengths. In vitro experiments demonstrated the synergistic phototoxicity of DPC in 4T1 cancer cells. This work offers insights into extraordinary carbolong metallaaromatics and highlights their potential applications in the fields of nonlinear optics and multifunctional phototheranostics.