Synthesis and Characterization of Fluorescent Porphyrinoid Bioconjugates for Imaging and Bioanalyses

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA

Investigators

Abstract

Maria Graca Vicente, Robert P. Hammer and Steven Soper, Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, are funded with an award from the Collaborative Research in Chemistry Program with funds provided by the Division of Chemistry, the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology and the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities. This multifaceted team will investigate synthetic routes to novel water-soluble unsymmetrically-substituted tetrabenzoporphyrins and phthalocyanines, their chemical and photophysical characterization and conjugation to biomolecules. The use of these new biomarkers should contribute to an in-depth understanding of the structural factors controlling the effectiveness of novel bioimaging and bioanalytical probes. Tetrabenzoporphyrin and phthalocyanine These macrocycles have unique chemical, photophysical and solubility properties, and offer unique functionalization for conjugation to biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids and peptides.,. This synergistic collaboration will involve synthesis, characterization and application of unique porphyrinoid materials to develop improved fluorescent biomarkers, or fluorophores. In addition, students, including postdoctoral associates, graduate students and undergraduates will receive interdisciplinary training in modern bioimaging and bioanalytical science.