Synthesis, characterization and staining performance of peripherally and non-peripherally substituted metallo-phthalocyanines bearing 1,3-bis-(trimethylamino)-2-propoxy groups

In this study, water-soluble symmetrical phthalocyanines having cationic 1,3-bis-(trimethylamino)-2-propoxy groups at the peripheral and non-peripheral positions were synthesized and characterized. These compounds were evaluated in terms of staining specific components in the tissue sections, determining glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins that dissolve in the polyacrylamide gels with cationic phthalocyanines, and usability of these phthalocyanine derivatives in spectrophotometric methods. According to the results obtained, alternative stains to the Alcian Blue 8GX in terms of staining power were found. Also, non-peripherally substituted copper phthalocyanine stained tissue sections and glycosaminoglycans in polyacrylamide gels more evidently than other the synthesized phthalocyanines and gave promising results for spectrophotometric measurements of mucin for clinical usage.