Single-molecule chemiluminescent photosensitizer for a self-activating and tumor-selective photodynamic therapy of cancer

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

da Silva, LP (Author) FCUP; Nunez Montenegro, A (Author) Other; Magalhaes, CM (Author) Other; Ferreira, PJO (Author) Other; Duarte, D (Author) Other; Gonzalez Berdullas, P (Author) Other; Rodriguez Borges, JE (Author) FCUP; Nuno Vale (Author) ICBAS; Joaquim C G E Esteves da Silva (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Vol. 183

ISSN: 0223-5234

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 28 Citations

Scopus - 29 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-152

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111683

Abstract (EN): While photodynamic therapy is known for significant advantages over conventional cancer therapies, its dependence on light has limited it to treating tumors on or just under the skin or on the outer lining of organs/cavities. Herein, we have developed a single-molecule photosensitizer capable of intracellular self-activation and with potential tumor-selectivity due to a chemiluminescent reaction involving only a cancer marker. Thus, the photosensitizer is directly chemiexcited to a triplet excited state capable of generating singlet oxygen, without requiring either a light source or any catalyst/co-factor. Cytotoxicity assays involving the photosensitizer show significant toxicity toward tumor cells, even better than reference drugs, while not inducing toxicity toward normal cells. This work provides a proof-of-concept for a novel type of photosensitizer that eliminates the current restrictions that photodynamic therapy presents regarding tumor size and localization.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8