Bodipy-based photosensitizers with long alkyl tails at the meso position: efficient singlet oxygen generation in Cremophor-EL micelles

Bodipy dyes with n-decyloxyphenyl-(4, 5) and pentadecyl-(8) meso substituents can easily embed themselves into micellar structures formed from Cremophor-EL. In micelles of approximately 20 nm median size, heavy-atom substituted dyes show remarkable photosensitization properties as evidenced by the rate of reaction with an anthracene-based selective singlet oxygen trap in buffered aqueous solutions. Considering the ease of Bodipy derivatization and the advantages of Cremophor-EL carried therapeutic agents, these photosensitizing agents may offer novel targeting opportunities and enhanced chemical and photophysical stability.