A cyclodextrin-based nanoassembly with bimodal photodynamic action.
We have developed a supramolecular nanoassembly capable of inducing remarkable levels of cancer cell mortality through a bimodal action based on the simultaneous photogeneration of nitric oxide (NO) and singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)). This was achieved through the appropriate incorporation of an anionic porphyrin (as (1)O(2) photosensitizer) and of a tailored NO photodonor in different compartments of biocompatible nanoparticles based on cationic amphiphilic cyclodextrins. The combination of steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques showed the absence of significant intra- and interchromophoric interaction between the two photoactive centers embedded in the nanoparticles, with consequent preservation of their photodynamic properties. Photodelivery of NO and (1)O(2) from the nanoassembly on visible light excitation was unambiguously demonstrated by direct and real-time monitoring of these transient species through amperometric and time-resolved infrared luminescence measurements, respectively. The typical red fluorescence of the porphyrin units was essentially unaffected in the bichromophoric nanoassembly, allowing its localization in living cells. The convergence of the dual therapeutic action and the imaging capacities in one single structure makes this supramolecular architecture an appealing, multifunctional candidate for applications in biomedical research.
Laboratory of Photochemistry, Department of Drug Sciences, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
Noufal
N
Kandoth
Elisa
E
Vittorino
Maria Teresa
MT
Sciortino
Tiziana
T
Parisi
Ivana
I
Colao
Antonino
A
Mazzaglia
Salvatore
S
Sortino
D003505:Cyclodextrins / Q000737:chemistry*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D008163:Luminescent Measurements / Q000379:methods; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000737:chemistry; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000737:chemistry*; D026082:Singlet Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence
D003505:Cyclodextrins; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D026082:Singlet Oxygen; D009569:Nitric Oxide