New insights about the self-aggregation of benzoporphyrin derivatives: A theoretical and experimental investigation

The self-aggregation process and its overcoming remain a barrier for the employment of many molecules as photosensitizers (PS) in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The B-ring isomer co-produced during the synthesis of the Verteporfin[Formula: see text] (A-ring) is an example. Although both isomers possess similar in vitro/in vivo efficiency, the strong and not well-understood self-aggregation process of the B-ring derivative impairs its clinical use. This paper reports the use of theoretical calculus and its correlation with experimental analysis to find the main differences between the A and B-ring isomers. For that purpose, micelles of Pluronic[Formula: see text] P-123 and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate were chosen as simple membrane models and possible drug delivery system, as in the case of P-123. At physiological pH, the main reason for the high self-aggregation tendency is associated with the higher (22%) molecular volume of the B ring, which increases the van der Waals interactions. However, at mildly acidic conditions, the B ring possesses a shallow dihedral angle between the methyl ester group and the tetrapyrrolic macrocycle that favors the approach of units in the aggregate. These discrepancies directly affect the binding and stability of the isomers in the micelles. However, P-123 micelles were able to readily incorporate and monomerize/stabilize both PS over long periods. NOESY experiments confirmed a deep location of both PS inside P-123 micelles, which justifies their efficiency in preventing the self-aggregation process. These findings may substantiate new studies involving the marginalized B-ring isomers and encourage new development in formulations for their use in PDT.

Design of Pluronic-Based Formulation for Enhanced Redaporfin-Photodynamic Therapy against Pigmented Melanoma

The therapeutic outcome of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with redaporfin (a fluorinated sulfonamide bacteriochlorin, F2BMet or LUZ11) was improved using Pluronic-based (P123, F127) formulations. Neither redaporfin encapsulated in Pluronic nor micelles alone exhibited cytotoxicity in a broad concentration range. Comprehensive in vitro studies against B16F10 melanoma cells showed that redaporfin-P123 micelles enhanced cellular uptake and increased oxidative stress compared with redaporfin-F127 or photosensitizer alone after short incubation times. ROS-sensitive fluorescent probes showed that the increased oxidative stress is due, at least in part, to a more efficient formation of hydroxyl radicals, and causes strong light-dose dependent apoptosis and necrosis. Tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic studies in tumor-bearing mice show that the Pluronic P123 formulation of redaporfin increases its bioavailability as well as the tumor-to-muscle and tumor-to-skin ratios, in comparison with Cremophor EL and Pluronic F127 formulations. Redaporfin in P123 was most successful in the PDT of C57BL/6J mice bearing subcutaneously implanted B16F10 melanoma tumors. Vascular-targeted PDT combining 1.5 mg kg(-1) redaporfin in P123 with a light dose of 74 J cm(-2) led to 100% complete cures (i.e., no tumor regrowth over one year post-treatment). This remarkable result reveals that modification of redaporfin with Pluronic block copolymers overcomes the resistance of melanoma cells to PDT possibly via increased tumor selectivity and enhanced ROS generation.

Fluorination of phthalocyanine substituents: Improved photoproperties and enhanced photodynamic efficacy after optimal micellar formulations

A fluorinated phthalocyanine and its non-fluorinated analogue were selected to evaluate the potential enhancement of fluorination on photophysical, photochemical and redox properties as well as on biological activity in cellular and animal models. Due to the pharmacological relevance, the affinity of these phthalocyanines towards biological membranes (logP_ow) as well as their primary interaction with human serum albumin (HSA) or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were determined. Water-dispersible drug formulation of phthalocyanines via Pluronic^®-based triblock copolymer micelles was prepared to avoid self-aggregation effects and to improve their delivery. The obtained results demonstrate that phthalocyanines incorporation into tunable-polymeric micelles significantly enhanced their cellular uptake and their photocytotoxicity. The improved biodistribution and photodynamic efficacy of the phthalocyanines-triblock copolymer conjugates was also confirmed in vivo in CT26 bearing BALB/c mice. PDT with both compounds led to tumor growth inhibition in all treated animals. Fluorinated phthalocyanine 2 turned out to be the most effective anticancer agent as the tumors of 20% of mice treated regressed completely and did not appear for over one year after treatment.

Spectroscopic studies of pyridil and methoxyphenyl porphyrins in homogeneous and Pluronic®-based nanostructured systems

Spectroscopic properties of Porphyrins TPyP (tetra(4-pyridil)porphyrin), TMPP (tetrakis(4-methoxypheny) porphyrin) and its zinc metaled derivatives porphyrins Zn-TPyP and Zn-TMPP respectively, were studied in homogeneous and micro heterogeneous systems, comprising nanostructured Pluronic® copolymeric micellar systems, as a promising drug delivery systems for the porphyrins investigated. Physico-chemical properties such as, hydrophobicity degree, self- aggregation in solvents of different polarities and water/ethanol mixtures (monofasic binary), as well as kinetics profile and isotherm binding, molecular organization, [Formula: see text] and relative localization in neutral micellar systems. The hydrophobic character was the key to relative drug location in the micellar systems. In homogenous solvents systems the porphyrins presented relatively high values of molar absorptivity and low values of [Formula: see text]. The K[Formula: see text] values obtained are modulated by the structure of porphyrins, state of aggregation, as well as, structure and macro molecular self-organization of copolymers. Fluorescence quenching studies have shown that porphyrins in F-127 are located in a less hydrophobic region than the porphyrins in P-123, which are located preferentially in a deeper micellar microenvironment. The zinc porphyrins showed high values of K[Formula: see text]. Thus, the association of the porphyrins with specific binding sites of micellar systems is strongly modulated by the presence of the metal coordinated to the porphyrinic ring.

Polymeric Nanoparticles for Cancer Photodynamic Therapy

In chemotherapy a fine balance between therapeutic and toxic effects needs to be found for each patient, adapting standard combination protocols each time. Nanotherapeutics has been introduced into clinical practice for treating tumors with the aim of improving the therapeutic outcome of conventional therapies and of alleviating their toxicity and overcoming multidrug resistance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved, minimally invasive procedure emerging in cancer treatment. It involves the administration of a photosensitizer (PS) which, under light irradiation and in the presence of molecular oxygen, produces cytotoxic species. Unfortunately, most PSs lack specificity for tumor cells and are poorly soluble in aqueous media, where they can form aggregates with low photoactivity. Nanotechnological approaches in PDT (nanoPDT) can offer a valid option to deliver PSs in the body and to solve at least some of these issues. Currently, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are emerging as nanoPDT system because their features (size, surface properties, and release rate) can be readily manipulated by selecting appropriate materials in a vast range of possible candidates commercially available and by synthesizing novel tailor-made materials. Delivery of PSs through NPs offers a great opportunity to overcome PDT drawbacks based on the concept that a nanocarrier can drive therapeutic concentrations of PS to the tumor cells without generating any harmful effect in non-target tissues. Furthermore, carriers for nanoPDT can surmount solubility issues and the tendency of PS to aggregate, which can severely affect photophysical, chemical, and biological properties. Finally, multimodal NPs carrying different drugs/bioactive species with complementary mechanisms of cancer cell killing and incorporating an imaging agent can be developed. In the following, we describe the principles of PDT use in cancer and the pillars of rational design of nanoPDT carriers dictated by tumor and PS features. Then we illustrate the main nanoPDT systems demonstrating potential in preclinical models together with emerging concepts for their advanced design.

Interactions of NO2 with amine-functionalized SBA-15: effects of synthesis route

SBA-15 mesoporous silica was modified using (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS) following co-condensation or grafting methods and then used as a NO(2) adsorbent at room temperature. The samples were characterized before and after exposure to NO(2) by SEM-EDX, N(2) adsorption at 77 K, potentiometric titration, thermal analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. Even though, regardless of the synthesis route, the addition of propylamine groups leads to a significant enhancement in the amount of NO(2) adsorbed (from 21 to 124 mg(NO(2))/g), a higher retention of NO(2) and NO (released as a result of surface reactions) was measured on the grafted silica than on all of the co-condensed samples. In the case of the latter materials, improvements in both NO(2) adsorption capacity and NO retention were found for the samples treated with NaOH. This behavior is related to the higher reactivity of deprotonated propylamine groups (formed during NaOH treatment) with NO(2), the presence of silanol groups, and the residual amount of sodium present in the samples. The mechanism of NO(2) adsorption on propylamine groups involves the formation of nitramine and/or nitrosamine. Analysis of the spent materials indicates that the porosity of co-condensed materials is not affected to the same extent by adsorption of NO(2) as that of the grafted silica.

Influences of experimental parameters on the stability of a benzoporphyrin drug in water/ethanol mixtures: a statistical approach investigation

The benzoporphyrin derivative, named B3B, is a promising new drug for application in photodynamic therapy. In aqueous organic solvent mixtures, B3B, can be used in topical application for superficial diseases, like for skin cancer. In this paper, the self-aggregation phenomena of porphyrin molecules in aqueous media was investigated using a chemometric tool to evaluate the effects of experimental variables on the stability of the B3B monomer in water/ethanol mixtures. A 23 factorial design was employed which permitted determination of the magnitude of experimental parameters which influence aggregation of the drug at different pHs using the minimum number of experiments. At first, the pK a values of the B3B in water/ethanol mixtures were determined by spectrophotometric measurements, resulting in pK a1 = 3.3 and pK a2 = 5.7, corresponding to the imino nitrogens and carboxylic groups, respectively. The experimental variables (B3B concentration, time and water/ethanol composition) were evaluated in three protonation states of the drug, at pH 7.0, 4.1 and 2.6. The two levels (low and high) were set up at: time 5 (-) and 360 minutes (+); [B3B] 4.4 × 10-6(-) and 26.5 × 10-6 M (+); and water content in ethanol 40 (-) and 60% (+). The main parameter that determines the magnitude of the effects seems to be the charge component of B3B, which can be modulated by the pH. The results from the 23 fractional design indicated that the main variable inducing B3B aggregation is the water percentage in ethanol at each pH selected. The magnitude of this effect was pronounced at pH 4.1 where the carboxylic and nitrogen free base forms of B3B are maintained. The factors of time and [B3B], despite being small, are not insignificant. Finally, the effect of water content was investigated in a wide range of water percentage in these three pHs.

Self-aggregation processes of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene in water/ethanol mixtures with high water percentages

This work describes the behavior of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) in ethanol/water mixtures. The dependence of DPH photophysical properties (absorption and fluorescence emission) on the water percentage in ethanol indicates that DPH undergoes self-aggregation processes in solvent conditions above a critical water content. Evidence such as an additional absorption band, Beer's law deviation, kinetic behavior, and other experimental results obtained from temperature variation and surfactant addition demonstrated the presence of several types of DPH aggregates. Resonance light scattering measurements proved that the aggregate grew in water-rich media by a self-catalyzed process.

Effects of metal and the phytyl chain on chlorophyll derivatives: physicochemical evaluation for photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms

Chlorophyll compounds and their derivatives containing metal or phytyl chain can be used as photosensitizer in photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms (PDI). So, the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial effect of chlorophyll derivatives were investigated: Mg-chlorophyll (Mg-Chl), Zn-chlorophyll (Zn-Chl), Zn-chlorophyllide (Zn-Chlde), Cu-chlorophyll (Cu-Chl), pheophytin (Pheo) and pheophorbide (Pheid). The photobleaching experiments showed photostability according to Cu-Chl > Pheo ∼ Pheid ≫ Zn-Chl ∼ Zn-Chlde > Mg-Chl. This order was discussed in terms of metal and the phytyl chain presences. Pheid and Zn-Chl in aqueous Tween 80 solution exhibited highest singlet oxygen yield compared with the other derivatives. Chlorophyll derivatives (CD) with phytyl chain was limited by the self-aggregation phenomenon at high concentrations, even in micellar systems (Tween 80 and P-123). The antimicrobial effect of CD derivatives was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Artemia salina. Pheid showed the best results against all organisms tested, Zn-Chlde was an excellent bactericide in the dark and Cu-Chl had no PDI effect. No correlation with CD uptake by microorganisms and darkness cytotoxicity was found. The physicochemical properties allied to bioassays results indicate that Mg-Chl, Pheo, Zn-Chl and Pheid are good candidates for PDI.

Spray-dried microparticles containing polymeric micelles encapsulating hematoporphyrin

The purpose of this study was to examine the properties of a new pulmonary delivery platform of microparticles containing micelles in which a therapeutic photosensitizing drug, hematoporphyrin (Hp), was encapsulated. Different poloxamers were used to form micellar Hp, and one of these, Pluronic L122-Hp, was subsequently incorporated into lactose microparticles by spray-drying. Spectral and morphological analyses were performed on both micellar Hp, and lactose microparticles containing micellar Hp (lactose-micellar Hp) before and after dissolution of the microparticles in water. Photodynamic activity of the various Hp samples were evaluated in human lung epithelial carcinoma A549 cells using a light-emitting diode (LED) device at a wavelength of 630 +/- 5 nm. No significant difference was observed between micellar Hp and lactose-micellar Hp regarding the generation of singlet oxygen. The mean particle size of the microparticles was 2.3 +/- 0.7 microm which is within the size range for potential lung delivery. The cellular uptake of micellar Hp and lactose-micellar Hp measured on A549 cells was at least twofold higher than those obtained with the Hp at equivalent concentrations. Micellar Hp exhibited higher cytotoxicity than Hp due to reduced formation of Hp aggregates and increased cellar uptake. The spectral properties as well as the photodynamic activity of the micellar Hp was retained when formulated into microparticles by spray-drying. Microparticles containing micelles have the potential for delivering micelle-encapsulated hydrophobic drugs in targeted therapy of pulmonary diseases.

Photodynamic Therapy: Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines as Photosensitizers

The present work is focussed on the principles of photodynamic therapy (PDT), emphasizing the photochemical mechanisms of reactive oxygen species formation and the consequent biochemical processes generated by the action of reactive oxygen species on various biological macromolecules and organelles. This paper also presents some of the most used photosensitizers, including Photofrin, and the new prototypes of photosensitizers, analysing their physicochemical and spectroscopic properties. At this point, the review discusses the therapeutic window of absorption of specific wavelengths involving first- and second-generation photosensitizers, as well as the principal light sources used in PDT. Additionally, the aggregation process, which consists in a phenomenon common to several photosensitizers, is studied. J-aggregates and H-aggregates are discussed, along with their spectroscopic effects. Most photosensitizers have a significant hydrophobic character; thus, the study of the types of aggregation in aqueous solvent is very relevant. Important aspects of the coordination chemistry of metalloporphyrins and metallophthalocyanines used as photosensitizers are also discussed. The state-of-the-art in PDT is evaluated, discussing recent articles in this area. Furthermore, macrocyclic photosensitizers, such as porphyrins and phthalocyanines, are specifically described. The present review is an important contribution, because PDT is one of the most auspicious advances in the therapy against cancer and other non-malignant diseases.

A new photostable terrylene diimide dye for applications in single molecule studies and membrane labeling

A new terrylene diimide-based dye (WS-TDI) that is soluble in water has been synthesized, and its photophysical properties are characterized. WS-TDI forms nonfluorescing H-aggregates in water that show absorption bands being blue-shifted with respect to those of the fluorescing monomeric form. The ratio of monomeric WS-TDI to aggregated WS-TDI was determined to be 1 in 14 400 from fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) measurements, suggesting the presence of a large amount of soluble, nonfluorescent aggregates in water. The presence of a surfactant such as Pluronic P123 or CTAB leads to the disruption of the aggregates due to the formation of monomers in micelles. This is accompanied by a strong increase in fluorescence. A single molecule study of WS-TDI in polymeric films of PVA and PMMA reveals excellent photostability with respect to photobleaching, far above the photostability of other common water-soluble dyes, such as oxazine-1, sulforhodamine-B, and a water-soluble perylenediimide derivative. Furthermore, labeling of a single protein such as avidin is demonstrated by FCS and single molecule photostability measurements. The high tendency of WS-TDI to form nonfluorescent aggregates in water in connection with its high affinity to lipophilic environments is used for the fluorescence labeling of lipid membranes and membrane containing compartments such as artificial liposomes or endosomes in living HeLa cells. The superior fluorescence imaging quality of WS-TDI in such applications is demonstrated in comparison to other well-known membrane staining dyes such as Alexa647 conjugated with dextran and FM 4-64 lipophilic styryl dye.

Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) block copolymer micelles as drug delivery agents: improved hydrosolubility, stability and bioavailability of drugs

The low solubility in biological fluids displayed by about 50% of the drugs still remains the main limitation in oral, parenteral, and transdermal administration. Among the existing strategies to overcome these drawbacks, inclusion of hydrophobic drugs into polymeric micelles is one of the most attractive alternatives. Amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) block copolymers are thermoresponsive materials that display unique aggregation properties in aqueous medium. Due to their ability to form stable micellar systems in water, these materials are broadly studied as hydrosolubilizers for poorly water-soluble drugs. The present review provides a concise description of the most important applications of PEO-PPO-based copolymers in the Pharmaceutical Technology field as means for attaining improved solubility, stability, release, and bioavailability of drugs.

Interactions of charged porphyrins with nonionic triblock copolymer hosts in aqueous solutions

The extent and locus of solubilization of guest and self-assembling surfactant host molecules in aqueous solutions are influenced by a variety of hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, as well as by more specific interactions between the various species present. By using a combination of two-dimensional heteronuclear 13C[1H] NMR correlation experiments with pulsed-gradient NMR diffusion and proton cross-relaxation measurements, the locations and distributions of porphyrin guest molecules have been established unambiguously with respect to the hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties of a triblock copolymer species in solution. The interactions of tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin with the poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) and the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) segments of amphiphilic PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymer species have been measured as functions of solution conditions, including temperature and pH. The porphyrin/PEO-PPO-PEO interactions are established to be selective and adjustable according to the different temperature-dependent hydrophilicities or hydrophobicities of the PEO and PPO triblock copolymer components. Furthermore, such interactions influence the self-assembly properties of the block-copolymer amphiphiles in solution by stabilizing molecular porphyrin/PEO-PPO-PEO complexes well above the critical micellization temperature of the triblock copolymer species under otherwise identical conditions.

The effects of Pluronic block copolymers on the aggregation state of nystatin

The purpose of this work was to characterize the effect of block copolymer composition on the aggregation state of nystatin in the presence of Pluronic micelles. The critical aggregation concentrations (CACs) of nystatin were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The CAC of nystatin in phosphate-buffered saline was 20 microM at 37 degrees C. Addition of Pluronics significantly increased the CAC of nystatin up to >350 microM at 37 degrees C at the concentrations studied. The CAC values corresponded directly to the size of the Pluronic hydrophobic blocks, and inversely with Pluronic critical micellization concentration (CMC). Predictably, increasing Pluronic concentration and temperature revealed increases in CACs. The micelle-water partition coefficient (P) of nystatin was determined by nystatin fluorescence. The P for nystatin at 37 degrees C was calculated in F68, F98, P105, and F127 to be 15, 21, 73, and 79, respectively. Pluronic micelle core polarity experiments, determined by pyrene fluorescence, revealed decreased polarity with increasing hydrophobic block length and temperature. Thus, nystatin CACs in the presence of Pluronics correlated directly with the partition coefficients, and inversely with core polarity. These results point to the number of micelles in solution as the primary factor responsible for nystatin solubilization by Pluronics.

Formulation of benzoporphyrin derivatives in Pluronics

This study investigates the potential of Pluronics for the formulation of tetrapyrrole-based photosensitizers, with a particular focus on B-ring benzoporphyrin derivatives. The B-ring derivatives have a high tendency to aggregate in aqueous solutions, and this poses a significant formulation problem. Pluronics are ABA-type triblock copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic polypropylene oxide section with two hydrophilic polyethylene oxide sections of equal length at either end. Out of a range of different commercially available block copolymers studied, it was found that the longer the hydrophobic block, the better the stabilization of tetrapyrrolic drugs in monomeric form in aqueous suspensions. Of these the best performance was observed in the micelle-forming Pluronic P123. Micelle size determination by laser light scattering confirmed that particle size in stable Pluronic formulations was around 20 nm. Pluronics such as L122 formed emulsions spontaneously without the need for emulsion stabilizers; emulsions were highly stable at ambient temperatures over several days and also highly effective as potential drug delivery agents.