Spectroscopic studies on Zn(II)-phthalocyanine in homogeneous and microheterogeneous systems.

The absorption and fluorescence properties of Zn2+-phthalocyanine (Zn-Pc) have been characterized in homogeneous and microheterogeneous media. By our preparation procedure, the phthalocyanine can be associated in a monomeric state with cationic micelles, unilamellar liposomes, and low-density lipoproteins; the distribution of Zn-Pc in the hydrophobic phases appears to be controlled by the nature of the lipid environment. The potential use of liposome-bound Zn-Pc for photosensitization studies in aqueous media and for phototherapeutic applications in vivo is briefly discussed.