A non-aggregated and tumour-associated macrophage-targeted photosensitiser for photodynamic therapy: a novel zinc(ii) phthalocyanine containing octa-sulphonates

A novel zinc(II) phthalocyanine bearing octa-sulphonates has been prepared, which is non-aggregated in water, highly photoactive and low dark-toxic. More interestingly, it exhibits specific affinity to macrophages via the scavenger receptor-A, and can selectively accumulate in tumour sites.