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Controlled release of singlet oxygen using diphenylanthracene functionalized polymer nanoparticles
S Martins1, J P S Farinha, C Baleizão
1CQFM - Centro de Química-Física Molecular and IN - Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal. carlos.baleizao@tecnico.ulisboa.pt berberan@tecnico.ulisboa.pt.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|February 18, 2014
Summary
Functionalized polymer nanoparticles capture and store molecular oxygen as endoperoxides for weeks. Controlled release of singlet oxygen is triggered by heat, enabling on-demand applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer chemistry
- Materials science
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Singlet oxygen is a reactive oxygen species with applications in photodynamic therapy and chemical synthesis.
- Controlled generation and delivery of singlet oxygen remain challenges in various scientific fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop functionalized polymer nanoparticles capable of storing and releasing molecular oxygen.
- To investigate the controlled release of singlet oxygen on-demand using thermolysis.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of functionalized polymer nanoparticles.
- Characterization of oxygen storage capacity and stability.
- Investigation of singlet oxygen release mechanism via thermolysis.
Main Results:
- The polymer nanoparticles successfully reacted with and stored molecular oxygen for several weeks as endoperoxides.
- Thermolysis of the endoperoxide-containing nanoparticles resulted in the controlled release of singlet oxygen.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized polymer nanoparticles provide a viable platform for storing molecular oxygen.
- On-demand singlet oxygen release can be achieved through thermally induced decomposition of endoperoxides within the nanoparticles.
