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Photosensitizer: Design, Characteriazation and Application
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Photosensitizer: Design, Characteriazation and Application

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Photochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 33799

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jamal Uddin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, 2500 W. North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21216, USA
Interests: dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC); Terahertz spectroscopy; nanomaterials; polymetallic complexes; renewable energy; chemical sensors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A photosensitizer is a natural or synthetic molecule capable of effecting a chemical change in another molecule through a photochemical process. Chlorophyll and quantum dots are common examples of photosensitizers. Typically, photosensitizers absorb either ultraviolet or visible light which is subsequently transferred to adjacent molecules. They are not used up during the photosensitization process. Photosensitizers have application in several systems as in photosynthesis, photodynamic therapy, and solar cell fabrication.

Dye sensitized solar cells are a third class of photovoltaic cell that convert solar energy into electrical energy. It is composed of a photoanode, counter electrode and an electrolyte. The photoanode comprise of the photosensitizer adsorbed onto the surface of a titanium dioxide semiconductor. Ruthenium complexes are some of the most commonly used dye in dye sensitized solar cell. However, several different kinds of photosensitizers, both natural and artificial have been employed in the fabrication of DSSC since the device was invented by Michael Gratzel in 1991.

This special encompass all the photosensitizers that have used in recent years in dye sensitized solar cells. Topics discussed include the synthesis, characterization and application of these photosensitizers in dye sensitized solar cells.

Prof. Dr. Jamal Uddin
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Sensitizers
  • Dye
  • Solar Cell
  • Natural Photosensitizer
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Anchoring group

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4536 KiB  
Article
Cyanoarylporphyrazines with High Viscosity Sensitivity: A Step towards Dosimetry-Assisted Photodynamic Cancer Treatment
by Irina V. Balalaeva, Tatiana A. Mishchenko, Victoria D. Turubanova, Nina N. Peskova, Natalia Y. Shilyagina, Vladimir I. Plekhanov, Svetlana A. Lermontova, Larisa G. Klapshina, Maria V. Vedunova and Dmitri V. Krysko
Molecules 2021, 26(19), 5816; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26195816 - 25 Sep 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2341
Abstract
Despite the significant relevance of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an efficient strategy for primary and adjuvant anticancer treatment, several challenges compromise its efficiency. In order to develop an “ideal photosensitizer” and the requirements applied to photosensitizers for PDT, there is still a need [...] Read more.
Despite the significant relevance of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an efficient strategy for primary and adjuvant anticancer treatment, several challenges compromise its efficiency. In order to develop an “ideal photosensitizer” and the requirements applied to photosensitizers for PDT, there is still a need for new photodynamic agents with improved photophysical and photobiological properties. In this study, we performed a detailed characterization of two tetracyanotetra(aryl)porphyrazine dyes with 4-biphenyl (pz II) and 4-diethylaminophenyl (pz IV) groups in the periphery of the porphyrazine macrocycle. Photophysical properties, namely, fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime of both photosensitizers, demonstrate extremely high dependence on the viscosity of the environment, which enables them to be used as viscosity sensors. PzII and pz IV easily enter cancer cells and efficiently induce cell death under light irradiation. Using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, we demonstrated the possibility of assessing local intracellular viscosity and visualizing viscosity changes driven by PDT treatment with the compounds. Thus, pz II and pz IV combine the features of potent photodynamic agents and viscosity sensors. These data suggest that the unique properties of the compounds provide a tool for PDT dosimetry and tailoring the PDT treatment regimen to the individual characteristics of each patient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photosensitizer: Design, Characteriazation and Application)
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11 pages, 4128 KiB  
Article
Imaging and SERS Study of the Au Nanoparticles Interaction with HPV and Carcinogenic Cervical Tissues
by Andrea Ceja-Fdez, Ramon Carriles, Ana Lilia González-Yebra, Juan Vivero-Escoto, Elder de la Rosa and Tzarara López-Luke
Molecules 2021, 26(12), 3758; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26123758 - 20 Jun 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3089
Abstract
In this work, gold NPs were prepared by the Turkevich method, and their interaction with HPV and cancerous cervical tissues were studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, confocal and multiphoton microscopy and SERS. The SEM images confirmed the presence and localization [...] Read more.
In this work, gold NPs were prepared by the Turkevich method, and their interaction with HPV and cancerous cervical tissues were studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, confocal and multiphoton microscopy and SERS. The SEM images confirmed the presence and localization of the gold NPs inside of the two kinds of tissues. The light absorption of the gold NPs was at 520 nm. However, it was possible to obtain two-photon imaging (red emission region) of the gold NPs inside of the tissue, exciting the samples at 900 nm, observing the morphology of the tissues. The infrared absorption was probably due to the aggregation of gold NPs inside the tissues. Therefore, through the interaction of gold nanoparticles with the HPV and cancerous cervical tissues, a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was obtained. As preliminary studies, having an average of 1000 Raman spectra per tissue, SERS signals showed changes between the HPV-infected and the carcinogenic tissues; these spectral signatures occurred mainly in the DNA bands, potentially offering a tool for the rapid screening of cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photosensitizer: Design, Characteriazation and Application)
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18 pages, 3921 KiB  
Article
A Highly Efficient and Stable Photocatalyst; N-Doped ZnO/CNT Composite Thin Film Synthesized via Simple Sol-Gel Drop Coating Method
by Md Elias, Md Nizam Uddin, Joyanta Kumar Saha, Md Awlad Hossain, Dali R. Sarker, Sonia Akter, Iqbal A. Siddiquey and Jamal Uddin
Molecules 2021, 26(5), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26051470 - 8 Mar 2021
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5638
Abstract
The thin film of N-doped ZnO/CNT nanocomposite was successfully fabricated on soda lime glass substrate by a simple sol-gel drop-coating method. The structural, morphological, chemical, and optical properties of as prepared samples were characterized by a variety of tools such as X-ray Diffraction [...] Read more.
The thin film of N-doped ZnO/CNT nanocomposite was successfully fabricated on soda lime glass substrate by a simple sol-gel drop-coating method. The structural, morphological, chemical, and optical properties of as prepared samples were characterized by a variety of tools such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The hexagonal crystalline structure was confirmed from XRD measurement without any other impurity phase detection in samples. The N-doped ZnO/CNT composite showed excellent photo-catalytic activity towards cationic methylene blue (MB) dye degradation with 100% removal rate under UV light irradiation as compared to N-doped ZnO (65%) and pure ZnO (47.36%). The convincing performance has also been observed for the case of visible light irradiation. The enhancement of that photocatalytic activity might be due to narrowing the band gap as well as the reduction of electron–hole pair recombination in ZnO matrix with the incorporation of dopant nitrogen and CNT. It is assumed from the obtained results that N-doped ZnO/CNT nanocomposite thin film can be employed as an economically achievable and ecofriendly method to degrade dye with UV and visible light irradiation. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were applied to explore the effect of N-doping on electronic structure of ZnO. The computational study has supported the experimental results of significant band gap contraction, which leads to the maximum absorption towards higher wavelength and no appreciable change of lattice parameters after doping. A conceivable photocatalytic mechanism of N-doped ZnO/CNT nanocomposite has been proposed as well. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photosensitizer: Design, Characteriazation and Application)
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15 pages, 3831 KiB  
Article
Physico-Chemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of Hybrid Film Based on Saponite and Phloxine B
by Nitin Chandra teja Dadi, Matúš Dohál, Veronika Medvecká, Juraj Bujdák, Kamila Koči, Anna Zahoranová and Helena Bujdáková
Molecules 2021, 26(2), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26020325 - 10 Jan 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2837
Abstract
This research was aimed at the preparation of a hybrid film based on a layered silicate saponite (Sap) with the immobilized photosensitizer phloxine B (PhB). Sap was selected because of its high cation exchange capacity, ability to exfoliate into nanolayers, and to modify [...] Read more.
This research was aimed at the preparation of a hybrid film based on a layered silicate saponite (Sap) with the immobilized photosensitizer phloxine B (PhB). Sap was selected because of its high cation exchange capacity, ability to exfoliate into nanolayers, and to modify different surfaces. The X-ray diffraction of the films confirmed the intercalation of both the surfactant and PhB molecules in the Sap film. The photosensitizer retained its photoactivity in the hybrid films, as shown by fluorescence spectra measurements. The water contact angles and the measurement of surface free energy demonstrated the hydrophilic nature of the hybrid films. Antimicrobial effectiveness, assessed by the photodynamic inactivation on hybrid films, was tested against a standard strain and against methicillin-resistant bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). One group of samples was irradiated (green LED light; 2.5 h) and compared to nonirradiated ones. S. aureus strains manifested a reduction in growth from 1-log10 to over 3-log10 compared to the control samples with Sap only, and defects in S. aureus cells were proven by scanning electron microscopy. The results proved the optimal photo-physical properties and anti-MRSA potential of this newly designed hybrid system that reflects recent progress in the modification of surfaces for various medical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photosensitizer: Design, Characteriazation and Application)
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10 pages, 4056 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Using Silver Nanoparticles Modified Photoanode
by Faizah Saadmim, Taseen Forhad, Ahmed Sikder, William Ghann, Meser M. Ali, Viji Sitther, A. J. Saleh Ahammad, Md. Abdus Subhan and Jamal Uddin
Molecules 2020, 25(17), 4021; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25174021 - 3 Sep 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4632
Abstract
In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized, and applied to a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) to enhance the efficiency of solar cells. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized with UV–Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron [...] Read more.
In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized, and applied to a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) to enhance the efficiency of solar cells. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized with UV–Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The silver nanoparticles infused titanium dioxide film was also characterized by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The performance of DSSC fabricated with silver nanoparticle-modified photoanode was compared with that of a control group. The current and voltage characteristics of the devices as well as the electrochemical impedance measurements were also carried out to assess the performance of the fabricated solar cells. The solar-to-electric efficiency of silver nanoparticles based DSSC was 1.76%, which is quite remarkable compared to the 0.98% realized for DSSC fabricated without silver nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photosensitizer: Design, Characteriazation and Application)
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9 pages, 1787 KiB  
Article
New Phosphine Oxides as High Performance Near- UV Type I Photoinitiators of Radical Polymerization
by Céline Dietlin, Thanh Tam Trinh, Stéphane Schweizer, Bernadette Graff, Fabrice Morlet-Savary, Pierre-Antoine Noirot and Jacques Lalevée
Molecules 2020, 25(7), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25071671 - 4 Apr 2020
Cited by 69 | Viewed by 6117
Abstract
Carbazole structures are of high interest in photopolymerization due to their enhanced light absorption properties in the near-UV or even visible ranges. Therefore, type I photoinitiators combining the carbazole chromophore to the well-established phosphine-oxides were proposed and studied in this article. The aim [...] Read more.
Carbazole structures are of high interest in photopolymerization due to their enhanced light absorption properties in the near-UV or even visible ranges. Therefore, type I photoinitiators combining the carbazole chromophore to the well-established phosphine-oxides were proposed and studied in this article. The aim of this article was to propose type I photoinitiators that can be more reactive than benchmark phosphine oxides, which are among the more reactive type I photoinitiators for a UV or near-UV light emitting diodes (LED) irradiation. Two molecules were synthesized and their UV-visible light absorption properties as well as the quantum yields of photolysis and photopolymerization performances were measured. Remarkably, the associated absorption was enhanced in the 350–410 nm range compared to benchmark phosphine oxides, and one compound was found to be more reactive in photopolymerization than the commercial photoinitiator TPO-L for an irradiation at 395 nm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photosensitizer: Design, Characteriazation and Application)
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Review

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19 pages, 2561 KiB  
Review
Some Natural Photosensitizers and Their Medicinal Properties for Use in Photodynamic Therapy
by Tomasz Piotr Kubrak, Przemysław Kołodziej, Jan Sawicki, Anna Mazur, Katarzyna Koziorowska and David Aebisher
Molecules 2022, 27(4), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041192 - 10 Feb 2022
Cited by 65 | Viewed by 7689
Abstract
Despite significant advances in early diagnosis and treatment, cancer is one of the leading causes of death. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapy for the treatment of many diseases, including cancer. This therapy uses a combination of a photosensitizer (PS), light irradiation of [...] Read more.
Despite significant advances in early diagnosis and treatment, cancer is one of the leading causes of death. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapy for the treatment of many diseases, including cancer. This therapy uses a combination of a photosensitizer (PS), light irradiation of appropriate length and molecular oxygen. The photodynamic effect kills cancer cells through apoptosis, necrosis, or autophagy of tumor cells. PDT is a promising approach for eliminating various cancers but is not yet as widely applied in therapy as conventional chemotherapy. Currently, natural compounds with photosensitizing properties are being discovered and identified. A reduced toxicity to healthy tissues and a lower incidence of side effects inspires scientists to seek natural PS for PDT. In this review, several groups of compounds with photoactive properties are presented. The use of natural products has been shown to be a fruitful approach in the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals. This review focused on the anticancer activity of furanocoumarins, polyacetylenes, thiophenes, tolyporphins, curcumins, alkaloid and anthraquinones in relation to the light-absorbing properties. Attention will be paid to their phototoxic and anti-cancer effects on various types of cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photosensitizer: Design, Characteriazation and Application)
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