<i>meso</i>-side-chain dual-amide-bonded ZnII porphyrins: Substitutions controlled tunable <i>ct</i>DNA binding interactions and <i>in vitro</i> antitumor activities

Herein, we prepared a series of three dual-amide-bonded Zn[Formula: see text]porphyrins with different types of meso-side-chain substituents (L-tryptophan, L-alanine, and L-phenylalanine units), thereby regulating the adaptability of Zn[Formula: see text] porphyrins in hydrophilic environments. In addition, these dual-amide-bonded Zn[Formula: see text] porphyrins exhibit a tunable interaction with ctDNA, their ability to inhibit oral squamous cell carcinoma cells, and the interaction relationship, elucidating the interaction capability between functional molecules induced by substituents and biomolecules.