Functional cationic nanomagnet-porphyrin hybrids for the photoinactivation of microorganisms.

Carvalho, Carla M B; Alves, Eliana; Costa, Liliana; Tomé, João P C; Faustino, Maria A F; Neves, Maria G P M S; Tomé, Augusto C; Cavaleiro, José A S et al. · ACS Nano · 2010

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Cationic nanomagnet-porphyrin hybrids were synthesized and their photodynamic therapy capabilities were investigated against the Gram (-) Escherichia coli bacteria, the Gram (+) Enterococcus faecalis bacteria and T4-like phage. The synthesis, structural characterization, photophysical properties, and antimicrobial activity of these new materials are discussed. The results show that these new multicharged nanomagnet-porphyrin hybrids are very stable in water and highly effective in the photoinactivation of bacteria and phages. Their remarkable antimicrobial activity, associated with their easy recovery, just by applying a magnetic field, makes these materials novel photosensitizers for water or wastewater disinfection.

Medical subject headings