Size-Selected Graphene Oxide Loaded with Photosensitizer (TMPyP) for Targeting Photodynamic Therapy In Vitro

Abstract

Targeted therapies of various diseases are nowadays widely studied in many biomedical fields. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a modern treatment of cancer using a locally activated light. TMPyP is an efficient synthetic water-soluble photosensitizer (PS), yet with poor absorption in the visible and the red regions. In this work, we prepared size-selected and colloidally stable graphene oxide (GO) that is appropriate for biomedical use. Thanks to the negative surface charge of GO, TMPyP was easily linked in order to create conjugates of GO/TMPyP by electrostatic force. Due to the strong ionic interactions, charge transfers between GO and TMPyP occur, as comprehensively investigated by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Biocompatibility and an in vitro effect of GO/TMPyP were confirmed by a battery of in vitro tests including MTT, comet assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and monitoring the cellular uptake. PDT efficiency of GO/TMPyP was tested using 414 and 740 nm photoexcitation. Our newly prepared nanotherapeutics showed a higher PDT effect than in free TMPyP, and is promising for targeted therapy using clinically favorable conditions.

Controllable Preparation and Research Progress of Photosensitive Antibacterial Complex Hydrogels

“…Oxidative stress, which occurs when ROS concentrations exceed the limits of a cell's antioxidant defense system, causes damage to the nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids of bacteria [88]. Currently, commonly used PSs include porphyrins [89], organic dyes [90], conjugated polymers [91], zinc oxide [92], molybdenum disulfide [93], black phosphorus [94], and graphene and its derivatives [95]. PSs produce ROS under light irradiation of the appropriate wavelength to achieve the purpose of killing bacteria.…”

Porphyrins in Photodynamic Therapy: A Review

“…[152][153][154] TMPyP is among the most widely studied PSs. [155][156][157][158][159][160][161] The compound reportedly has DNA intercalation properties and promotes apoptosis in a PDT treatment regime. 62,155,160,162 However, the high affinity of TMPyP for all kinds of nucleic acid is disadvantageous for it to be an ideal PS for cPDT, as is its lack of selectivity.…”

“…62,155,160,162 However, the high affinity of TMPyP for all kinds of nucleic acid is disadvantageous for it to be an ideal PS for cPDT, as is its lack of selectivity. 26 As such, several approaches have been explored to enhance its therapeutic outcome in PDT, including PS formulations containing combinations of TMPyP and other hydrophilic PSs, 151,159 conjugations of TMPyP with graphene oxide, 158,163 Au, [164][165] Ag, [166][167] iron oxide NPs, [168][169] nanoencapsulation 170 and metalation with biologically active metals. 156,[171][172][173][174] TMPyP has a net charge of four units which imparts to its necessary hydrophilicity for photobiological applications.…”

Photo-activated Efficacy Against HIV-1, Multiple Microbes and Biofilms by Zinc-complexes of Combinations of Cationic Ammoniumphenyl and Methylpyridinium-Porphyrins

“…27 Additionally, the application of 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)porphyrin (TMAPP) as PS in cPDT 20,21 has been researched and with great success. Though reports indicate promising photobiological applications of both TMAPP [20][21][22] and 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-methylpyridinium)porphyrin (TMPyP), [28][29][30][31] biological applications of PSs bearing a mixture of either of the cationic groups, meso-(4trimethylammoniumphenyl) and meso-(4-methylpyridinium), requires further exploration. The concoction of positive charges from different chemical environments can be expected to develop into interesting photobiological outcomes.…”