The two-photon absorption (2PA), the luminescence and the photosensitization properties of porphyrin-cored fluorenyl dendrimers and meso-substituted fluorenylporphyrin monomer, dimer and trimer are described. In comparison with model tetraphenylporphyrin, these compounds combine enhanced (non-resonant) 2PA cross-sections in the near infrared and enhanced fluorescence quantum yields, together with maintained singlet oxygen generation quantum yields. 'Semi-disconnection' between fluorenyl groups and porphyrins (i.e. direct meso substitution) proved to be more efficient than non-conjugated systems (based on efficient FRET between fluorenyl antennae and porphyrins). These results are of interest for combined two-photon imaging and photodynamic therapy. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.