OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF FILMS OF CARBON NANOSTRUCTURES WITH PHOTOSENSITIZING DYES FOR PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

Abstract

Introduction. Carbon nanotubes, due to their unique physical properties, namely, absorption in the IR range and the ability to convert absorbed energy into heat, have great potential for use in photodynamic and photothermal therapy for the treatment of cancer.

Methods. Single-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with octadecylamine were dissolved in water (0.05 mg/mg) with additional dispersion by ultrasound, and then deposited on substrates. A film of squaraine dye was deposited by vacuum thermal deposition. Optical absorption spectra were measured using a SHIMADZU spectrophotometer. Quantum-chemical calculations of model molecules were performed in the Gaussian 09 software package using semi-empirical methods PM6, ZINDO.

Results. Experimental absorption spectra of nanocomposite films of squaraine dyes with multi-walled carbon nanotubes were studied in comparison with the effects for films of C60 fullerenes. Changes in optical properties are explained taking into account changes in the hybridization of carbon atoms using the example of model π-stacked complexes of C70 fullerenes with squaraine dyes using quantum chemical calculations.

Сonclusions. Thus, during the complex formation of squaraine dye with carbon nanostructures with different degrees of carbon atom hybridization, the electronic structure of the complexes undergoes transformation. This is accompanied by changes in the electronic band gap and, accordingly, may manifest as shifts in absorption peaks, influencing the potential application of the dyes as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy.

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