BF2-25-oxasmaragdyrin based systems for Near Infra-Red Fluorescence (NIRF) Imaging and Photothermal Therapy (PTT) for Cancer Treatment

Photothermal therapy has recently gained in interest for the treatment of cancer where organic agents serve as promising leads because of their biodegradable nature and low toxicity. This thesis examined expanded porphyrin macrocycles, specifically a 22π-electron BF2-oxasmaragdyrin system, which absorb and emit energy in the visible-near infra-red region. A series of materials were synthesized and evaluated for near infra-red fluorescence imaging and photothermal cancer therapy in preclinical settings. These materials could be ideal candidates for image guided theragnostic applications for clinical translation.