Template-directed self-assembly of porphyrin nanorings through an imine condensation reaction.

Template-directed self-assembly has proven to be an extremely effective method for the precise fabrication of biomacromolecules in natural systems, while artificial template-directed self-assembly systems for the preparation of highly intricate molecules remain a great challenge. In this article, we report the template-directed self-assembly of porphyrin nanorings with different cavity sizes from a tetraaldehyde-derived Zn(ii) porphyrin and a diamine precursor through an imine condensation reaction. Up to 9 or 18 precursor molecules self-assemble together to produce a triporphyrin nanoring and a hexaporphyrin nanoring in one step, with the assistance of a tripyridine or hexapyridine template, respectively.

Porphyrin Nanocage-Embedded Single-Molecular Nanoparticles for Cancer Nanotheranostics.

Single molecular nanoparticles (SMNPs) integrating imaging and therapeutic capabilities exhibit unparalleled advantages in cancer theranostics, ranging from excellent biocompatibility, high stability, prolonged blood lifetime to abundant tumor accumulation. Herein, we synthesize a sophisticated porphyrin nanocage that is further functionalized with twelve polyethylene glycol arms to prepare SMNPs (porSMNPs). The porphyrin nanocage embedded in porSMNPs can be utilized as a theranostic platform.