Phthalocyanine-DNA origami complexes with enhanced stability and optical properties

In this communication, electrostatically assembled phthalocyanine (Pc)-DNA origami (DO) complexes are formed and their optical properties are demonstrated. The formation of the complex prevents the Pc aggregation, thus yielding an enhanced optical response and photooxidative resilience towards aggregation in biologically relevant media. Simultaneously, the Pc protects the DO against enzymatic digestion. Both features solve previous drawbacks associated with phthalocyanine photosensitizers and DNA nanocarriers. The studied complexes may find use in technologies related to the photogeneration of singlet oxygen, e.g. , photocatalysis, diagnositic arrays and photodynamic therapy. Cationic phthalocyanines bind DNA origami nanostructures, which protects them against enzymatic degradation and enhances the optical properties of the phthalocyanines.