Cyclotriphosphazene-based micelle structures: synthesis, photochemical behavior and ROS production capabilities in aqueous media

Photochemistry, which studies the chemical effects of light, is used in many fields from organic reactions to phototherapeutic approaches, from controlled drug release to photo-resistant technologies. The indispensable component of photochemistry is photosensitizers (PSs) that can produce reactive oxygen species. Although PSs that are soluble in organic solvents are suitable for chemical applications, their use in biological applications is limited. Water-soluble PSs offer a number of advantages over conventional PSs, especially for biological applications. In this study, six compounds and their micelle structures capable of producing singlet oxygen in aqueous media are reported. The compounds exhibited strong absorption in the range of 642–662 nm, stable state under light excitation and singlet oxygen production ability reaching 99 %. The compounds were then encapsulated in Tween 80 by re-precipitation. The zeta potential values ​​of the micelle structures were measured in the range of -24.2–14.0 mV and it was determined that they consisted of electrically negatively charged surfaces. In the last stage, it was proved by chemical method that the micelles can produce singlet oxygen in aqueous medium. Novel water-soluble cyclotriphosphazene-based micelles capable of generating singlet oxygen under light excitation have been proposed for biological applications.