Antibacterial photoactivity and photosensitized oxidation of phenols with meso-tetra-(4-benzoate, 9-phenanthryl)-porphyrin and its metal complexes (Zn and Cu)

We performed the synthesis and characterization of meso-tetra-(4-benzoate-9-phenanthryl)-porphyrin and its Zn and Cu complexes. Synthesis of meso-tetra-(4-benzoate-9-phenanthryl)-porphyrin was carried out by dry gaseous HCl, meso-tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl)-porphyrin, and 9-phenantrol in tetrahydrofuran. The preparation of metal complexes was carried out using the method of the acetates. All porphyrins were characterized by FT-IR, NMR (¹H and ¹³C), MS, UV–visible, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Their photophysical properties: photostability, fluorescence quantum yields, energy transfer, and generation of singlet oxygen were determined and compared with the meso-tetraphenylporphyrin. Photochemical studies on their effectiveness as photosensitizers were performed through photo-oxidation of alcohols, phenol, and 2-naphthol. Higher efficiency of degradation was obtained with photostable TB9FPCu. The antibacterial photoactivity assay was tested against Escherichia coli and its viability was measured by chemiluminescence. The highest inactivation levels were obtained by ester TB9FP and Zn complex. The properties of the photosensitizer and its efficiency vary as a result of modifying its structure. The results obtained show that the efficiency of a photosensitizer depends on multiple factors. Thus, we can say that the copper complex is efficient in degradation of alcohol, while the metal-free porphyrin is better for antibacterial applications.