Synthesis, Photophysical and Photochemical Aspects of Phthalocyanines for Photodynamic Therapy

Phthalocyanines exhibit a number of unique properties that make them of great interest in different scientific and technological areas. One of the most promising fields is the use of metallo phthalocyanine derivatives as photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Using PDT against cancer involves the irradiation of tumors with visible light following selective uptake of a photosensitizer by the tumor tissue. This review briefly summarizes the photophysical, photochemical and synthetic aspects of phthalocyanines compounds, evaluating their application for PDT.