The construction of polymeric materials in submicrometer region with well-defined structures of functional organic molecules is a challenging topic for interdisciplinary research in the fields of chemistry, biology, and materials science. Recently several approaches have been used to fabricate nanoparticles such as template synthesis, self-assembly, emulsion polymerization, and core removal of dendrimers based on either noncovalent interactions or covalent interactions. Compared to self-assembled nanostructures via noncovalent interactions, covalently linked structures are robust and tolerant to retain their structural integrity at all times due to the nature of covalent bonds. However, until recently constructing the nanostructures through covalent bond formation is a laborious and time-consuming work. Recently we developed a new strategy to synthesize covalently bonded polymer nanocapsules that requires neither the use of a template or preorganized structure, nor core removal by using a flat and rigid disk-shaped molecule with multiple polymerizable groups at the periphery. This discovery prompted us to  investigate, for the first time, a one-pot, direct synthesis of a novel photosensitive phthalocyanine (Pc) nanoballs composed of ZnPc cores through thiol-ene �Click� chemistry without using any preorganized structure, emulsifier, or template. The shape and size of the Pc nanoballs were monitored by SEM and TEM. Details of the synthesis of Pc nanoball and its application in photodynamic therapy will be presented.

Phthalocyanine nanoballs

240th National Meeting (2010)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.