Metalloporphyrin nanoparticles: Coordinating diverse theranostic functions

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2017.09.002
• Publication Date: 2017-09-22T13:30:18Z
• Authors: Shuai Shao; Venugopal Rajendiran; Jonathan F. Lovell
• Keywords: Bioconjugation; Biomolecule

Metalloporphyrins serve key roles in natural biological processes and also have demonstrated utility for biomedical applications. They can be encapsulated or grafted in conventional nanoparticles or can self-assemble themselves at the nanoscale. A wide range of metals can be stably chelated either before or after porphyrin nanoparticle formation, without the necessity of any additional chelator chemistry. The addition of metals can substantially alter a range of behaviors such as modulating phototherapeutic efficacy; conferring responsiveness to biological stimuli; or providing contrast for magnetic resonance, positron emission or surface enhanced Raman imaging. Chelated metals can also provide a convenient handle for bioconjugation with other molecules via axial coordination. This review provides an overview of some recent biomedical, nanoparticulate approaches involving gain-of-function metalloporphyrins and related molecules.