Title:The Photodynamic Anti-Tumor Effects of New PPa-CDs Conjugate with pH Sensitivity and Improved Biocompatibility
Volume: 22
Issue: 7
Author(s): Faiza Sajjad, Xu-Ying Liu, Yi-Jia Yan*, Xing-Ping Zhou*Zhi-Long Chen*
Affiliation:
- Shanghai Xianhui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, College of Chemistry and Biology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620,
China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, College of Chemistry and Biology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620,
China
Keywords:
Photodynamic therapy, photosensitizer, tumor, carbon dots, hemocompatibility, pH sensitivity.
Abstract: Background: Photodynamic therapy has been increasingly used to cope with the alarming problem of
cancer. Porphyrins and their derivatives are widely used as Potent Photosensitizers (PS) for PDT. However, the
hydrophobicity of porphyrins poses a challenge for their use in clinics, while most of the carbon dots (CDs) are
known for good biocompatibility, solubility, and pH sensitivity.
Objective: This study aimed to improve the properties/biocompatibility of the pyropheophorbide-α for PDT.
Methods: The PPa-CD conjugate was synthesized through covalent interaction using amide condensation. The
structure of synthesized conjugate was confirmed by TEM, 1HNMR, and FTIR. The absorption and emission
spectra were studied. In vitro, cytotoxicity of the conjugate was examined in human esophageal cancer cell line
(Eca-109).
Results: The results showed that the fluorescence of the drug was increased compared to its precursor. CDbased
conjugate could generate ROS as well as enhanced biocompatibility by decreasing cytotoxicity. The conjugated
drug also showed pH sensitivity in different solutions.
Conclusion: The dark toxicity, as well as hemocompatibility, was improved.