Exploring the photocatalytic and photodynamic effects of BODIPY-linked titanium dioxide nanoparticles

This study aimed to investigate the photocatalytic and photodynamic actions of a 2,6-diiodinated-BODIPY (2,6-diI₂-Bod) photosensitizer (PS) covalently linked to TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs). The TiO₂ NPs were synthesized utilizing the hydrothermal technique, yielding an average particle size of 4-5 nm as ascertained by transmission electron microscopy and 6.4 nm as determined by dynamic light scattering measurements. The integration of the nonsoluble Bod PS to TiO₂ NPs provided increased dispersibility in physiological media, making it more applicable to photodynamic therapy applications. Bod-TiO₂ NPs exhibited moderate efficiency of 56.9% in singlet oxygen generation. Additionally, the photocatalytic behavior of the TiO₂ NPs was evaluated using methylene blue and 83.8% photodegradation efficiency was observed. The loading efficiency and loading content of the Bod PS were found to be 90.8% and 54.5%, respectively. These results suggest that Bod-TiO₂ NPs possess higher dispersibility in aqueous solutions, moderate photocatalytic activity, and potential for photodynamic therapy applications.