A generic platform for self-illuminating unimolecular systems enabling photodynamic therapy

The limited optical penetration depth and hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) are key factors that hinder the practical applications of conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT). To fundamentally address these issues, self-luminescent photosensitizers (PSs) can achieve efficient PDT. Herein, a self-chemiluminescence (CL)-triggered Ir complex PS, namely, IrL2, with low-O 2 -dependence type I photochemical processes is reported for efficient PDT. The rational design achieves efficient chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) from covalently bonded luminol units to the Ir complex in IrL2 under the catalysis of H 2 O 2 and hemoglobin (Hb) to generate O 2•− and 1 O 2 . Liposome IrL2H nanoparticles (NPs) are constructed by loading IrL2 and Hb. The intracellular H 2 O 2 and loaded Hb catalyze the luminol part of IrL2H, and the Ir2 part is then excited to produce types I and II reactive oxygen species (ROS) through CRET, inducing cell death, even under hypoxic conditions, and promoting cell apoptosis. IrL2H is used for tumor imaging and inhibits tumor growth in 4T1-bearing mouse models through intratumoral injection without external light sources. This work provides new designs for transition metal complex PSs that conquer the limitations of external light sources and the hypoxic TME in PDT.

show abstract

Nitric Oxide Activatable Photodynamic Therapy Agents Based on BODIPY–Copper Complexes

Ilhan,

Şeker,

Gülseren

et al. 2024

ACS Pharmacol. Transl. Sci.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Info

customersupport@researchsolutions.com

10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614

Henderson, NV 89052, USA

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Blog Terms and Conditions API Terms Privacy Policy Contact Cookie Preferences Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Made with 💙 for researchers

Part of the Research Solutions Family.

A generic platform for self-illuminating unimolecular systems enabling photodynamic therapy

Cited by 3 publications

References 71 publications

Luminescent carbon dots endowed with selective recognition of the carcinoid tumor biomarkers in biological fluids

Luminescent carbon dots endowed with selective recognition of the carcinoid tumor biomarkers in biological fluids

Self-Chemiluminescence-Triggered Ir(III) Complex Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy against Hypoxic Tumor

Nitric Oxide Activatable Photodynamic Therapy Agents Based on BODIPY–Copper Complexes

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About