Advanced sono-photochemical properties of axial 2-acetyl-7-hydroxyben-zofuran di-substituted Silicon(IV) phthalocyanine

Abstract

This study presents the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a new Silicon(IV) phthalocyanine-based sono/ photosensitizer (ABF-SiPc) for application in both sono-photodynamic therapy (SPDT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). By integrating light and ultrasound activation, SPDT provides a synergistic strategy to improve singlet oxygen generation and treatment efficacy against cancer. The molecular structure of ABF-SiPc was optimized for chemical modifiability and solubility in organic solvents, ensuring its effective incorporation into these therapeutic approaches. The sono/photosensitizer was functionalized with 2-acetyl-7-hydroxybenzofuran (ABF), a substituent chosen to enhance solubility through its alkyl and oxygen-containing groups. ABF-SiPc compound was ultimately obtained as the final product and characterized by various relevant spectroscopy methods, including UV-Vis, FT-IR, 1H-NMR and MALDI-TOF MS. Photophysical and photochemical features were evaluated in two different solvents [dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) - dimethylformamide (DMF)]. The data reveal remarkably higher singlet oxygen quantum yields under SPDT conditions (Phi Delta = 0.88 in DMSO - Phi Delta = 0.83 in DMF) versus conventional PDT (Phi Delta = 0.67 in DMSO - Phi Delta = 0.61 in DMF), demonstrating the clear advantage of sono-photochemical activation.