Porphyrin nanoparticles as supramolecular systems

Certain applications of supramolecular porphyrinic systems, such as molecular sieves and photonics, rely on precise nanoarchitectural control of the molecules and/or atoms; therefore they require self-assembled systems of discrete arrays and highly ordered crystals. Other applications, such as oxidation catalysts for simple substrates, may be affected by the use of self-organized materials with less supramolecular order. Colloidal porphyrin nanoparticles can be considered self-organized systems that are governed by the principles of supramolecular chemistry. The formation and potential applications of nanoparticles of these chromophores are discussed in this report with special emphasis on the parameters in the methods used to make these materials, and in terms of the supramolecular chemistry. These principles, concepts, and methodologies are applicable to a wide variety of organic dyes.