Synthesis and spectral characteristics of halogen-substituted meso-carboxypropyl-BODIPYs as effective photosensitizers

New luminophores, diiodo- and dibromo-substituted meso-BODIPY carboxylic acids, were synthesized. The compounds efficiently generate singlet oxygen and possess high affinity for hydrophilic biospheres, suggesting the dyes as potential photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.