Supramolecular Nanocarrier of Anionic Dendrimer Porphyrins with Cationic Block Copolymers Modified with Polyethylene Glycol to Enhance Intracellular Photodynamic Efficacy

Abstract

Photo finish: A polymeric micelle system is formed in aqueous media by electrostatic assembly of an anionic dendrimeric porphyrin and a poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(L‐lysine) block copolymer (see picture). The micelles exhibit high photocytotoxicity and stability. The hydrodynamic size (ca. 60 nm) makes this polymeric micelle system suitable for intravenous administration in photodynamic tumor therapy.

Dendrimer porphyrin-based self-assembled nano-devices for biomedical applications

“…Although the local DP concentration is high in the micellar core, the PIC micelles did not exhibit fluorescent quenching. 34 Moreover, fluorescent quenching did not occur when PIC micelles containing DP were incubated with cells, suggesting an effective photochemical reaction in the living cells. These unique photochemical properties might not be achieved with other conventional PSs.…”

“…In addition, large dendritic wedges effectively prevent aggregation. [31][32][33][34] The high solubility of DP and DPc permits their use in PDT, a promising technology for less invasive cancer treatments. PDT involves the systemic administration of photosensitizers (PS) followed by the irradiation of the target tissue with laser light.…”

“…PIC micelles containing DP exhibited an oxygen depletion rate comparable to that of free DP in PBS containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a singlet oxygen acceptor, suggesting that the singlet oxygen molecules produced by DP effectively escape the micellar structure and react with proteins in FBS (Figure 3). 34 photocytotoxicity against LLC cells than free, anionic DP, although the cells only take up 6-8 times more DP-incorporated PIC micelles than free anionic DP ( Figure 4). 34 This strong photocytotoxicity can be explained by a high local concentration of singlet oxygen generation at the local site.…”

“…34 photocytotoxicity against LLC cells than free, anionic DP, although the cells only take up 6-8 times more DP-incorporated PIC micelles than free anionic DP ( Figure 4). 34 This strong photocytotoxicity can be explained by a high local concentration of singlet oxygen generation at the local site.…”

“…The selective accumulation of DP-loaded micelles indicates that the CNV lesions may have features similar to solid tumor vasculatures, such as hyperpermeability and impaired lymphatic Oxygen depletion profiles by free DP (-) and the DP-loaded PIC micelle (-) in PBS containing 10% FBS. The light irradiation and the oxygen partial pressure measurements were performed using a Hg lamp and a Clark-type oxygen microelectrode, respectively (Jang et al, 34 with permission. Copyright Wiley-VCH).…”