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Pham TC, Cho M, Nguyen VN, Nguyen VKT, Kim G, Lee S, Dehaen W, Yoon J, Lee S. Charge Transfer-Promoted Excited State of a Heavy-Atom-Free Photosensitizer for Efficient Application of Mitochondria-Targeted Fluorescence Imaging and Hypoxia Photodynamic Therapy. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024; 16:21699-21708. [PMID: 38634764 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Conventional photosensitizers (PSs) used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) have shown preliminary success; however, they are often associated with several limitations including potential dark toxicity in healthy tissues, limited efficacy under acidic and hypoxic conditions, suboptimal fluorescence imaging capabilities, and nonspecific targeting during treatment. In response to these challenges, we developed a heavy-atom-free PS, denoted as Cz-SB, by incorporating ethyl carbazole into a thiophene-fused BODIPY core. A comprehensive investigation into the photophysical properties of Cz-SB was conducted through a synergistic approach involving experimental and computational investigations. The enhancement of intersystem crossing (kISC) and fluorescence emission (kfl) rate constants was achieved through a donor-acceptor pair-mediated charge transfer mechanism. Consequently, Cz-SB demonstrated remarkable efficiency in generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) under acidic and low-oxygen conditions, making it particularly effective for hypoxic cancer PDT. Furthermore, Cz-SB exhibited good biocompatibility, fluorescence imaging capabilities, and a high degree of localization within the mitochondria of living cells. We posit that Cz-SB holds substantial prospects as a versatile PS with innovative molecular design, representing a potential "one-for-all" solution in the realm of cancer phototheranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Chung Pham
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Moonyeon Cho
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Van-Nghia Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Van Kieu Thuy Nguyen
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea
| | - Gyoungmi Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Seongman Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea
| | - Wim Dehaen
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Juyoung Yoon
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Songyi Lee
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea
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Ju M, Yang L, Wang G, Zong F, Shen Y, Wu S, Tang X, Yu D. A type I and type II chemical biology toolbox to overcome the hypoxic tumour microenvironment for photodynamic therapy. Biomater Sci 2024. [PMID: 38683541 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00319e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive therapeutic modality employed for the treatment of various types of cancers, localized infections, and other diseases. Upon illumination, the photo-excited photosensitizer generates singlet oxygen and other reactive species, thereby inducing cytotoxicity in the target cells. The hypoxic tumour microenvironment (TME), however, poses a limitation on the supply of oxygen in tumour tissues. Moreover, under such conditions, tumour metastasis and drug resistance frequently occur, further compromising the efficacy of PDT in combating tumours. Traditionally, type I photosensitizers with lower oxygen consumption demonstrate significant potential in overcoming hypoxic environments and play a crucial role in determining the therapeutic efficacy of PDT because type I photosensitizers can generate highly cytotoxic free radicals. In comparison, type II photosensitizers exhibit high oxygen dependence. The rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the type II process is significantly higher than that in the type I process. Thus, the efficiency and selectivity of PDT depend on the properties of the photosensitizer. Here, the recent development and application of type I and type II photosensitizers, mainly in the past year, are summarized. The design methods, electronic structures, photophysical properties, lipophilic properties, electric charge, and other molecular characteristics of these photosensitizers are discussed in detail. These modifications alter the microstructure of photosensitizers and directly impact the results of PDT. The main content of this paper will have a positive promoting and inspiring effect on the future development of PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzi Ju
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guowei Wang
- Department of Specialist Clinic, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Research Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Feng Zong
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yu Shen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shuangshuang Wu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xuna Tang
- Department of Specialist Clinic, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Research Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Decai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Tran DN, Hoang TTH, Nandanwar S, Ho VTTX, Pham VT, Vu HD, Nguyen XH, Nguyen HT, Nguyen TV, Nguyen TKV, Tran DL, Park M, Lee S, Pham TC. Dual anticancer and antibacterial activity of fluorescent naphthoimidazolium salts. RSC Adv 2023; 13:36430-36438. [PMID: 38099251 PMCID: PMC10719908 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06555c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer has emerged as a significant global health challenge, ranking as the second leading cause of death worldwide. Moreover, cancer patients frequently experience compromised immune systems, rendering them susceptible to bacterial infections. Combining anticancer and antibacterial properties in a single drug could lead to improved overall treatment outcomes and patient well-being. In this context, the present study focused on a series of hydrophilic naphthoimidazolium salts with donor groups (NI-R), aiming to create dual-functional agents with antibacterial and anticancer activities. Among these compounds, NI-TPA demonstrated notable antibacterial activity, particularly against drug-resistant bacteria, with MIC value of 7.8 μg mL-1. Furthermore, NI-TPA exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity against four different cancer cell lines, with an IC50 range of 0.67-2.01 μg mL-1. The observed high cytotoxicity of NI-TPA agreed with molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies targeting c-Met kinase protein. Additionally, NI-TPA stood out as the most promising candidate for two-photo excitation, fluorescence bioimaging, and localization in lysosomes. The study findings open new avenues for the design and development of imidazolium salts that could be employed in phototheranostic applications for cancer treatment and bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dung Ngoc Tran
- Faculty of Chemistry, Hanoi National University of Education Hanoi Vietnam
| | | | - Sondavid Nandanwar
- Eco-friendly New Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu Daejeon City Republic of Korea
| | | | - Van Thong Pham
- R&D Center, Vietnam Education and Technology Transfer JSC Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Huy Duc Vu
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University Daegu 42472 Korea
| | - Xuan Ha Nguyen
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Huy Trung Nguyen
- Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Trang Van Nguyen
- Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Thuy Kieu Van Nguyen
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University Busan 48513 Korea
| | - Dai Lam Tran
- Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Myeongkee Park
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University Busan 48513 Korea
| | - Songyi Lee
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University Busan 48513 Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University Busan 48513 Korea
| | - Thanh Chung Pham
- Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
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Pham TC, Hoang TTH, Tran DN, Kim G, Nguyen TV, Pham TV, Nandanwar S, Tran DL, Park M, Lee S. Imidazolium-Based Heavy-Atom-Free Photosensitizer for Nucleus-Targeted Fluorescence Bioimaging and Photodynamic Therapy. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:47969-47977. [PMID: 37812505 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The development of heavy-atom-free photosensitizers (PSs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) has encountered significant challenges in achieving simultaneous high fluorescence emission and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Moreover, the limited water solubility of these PSs imposes further limitations on their biomedical applications. To overcome these obstacles, this study presents a molecular design strategy employing hydrophilic heavy-atom-free PSs based on imidazolium salts. The photophysical properties of these PSs were comprehensively investigated through a combination of experimental and theoretical analyses. Notably, among the synthesized PSs, the ethylcarbazole-naphthoimidazolium (NI-Cz) conjugate exhibited efficient fluorescence emission (ΦF = 0.22) and generation of singlet oxygen (ΦΔ = 0.49), even in highly aqueous environments. The performance of NI-Cz was validated through its application in fluorescence bioimaging and PDT treatment in HeLa cells. Furthermore, NI-Cz holds promise for two-photon excitation and type I ROS generation, nucleus localization, and selective activity against Gram-positive bacteria, thereby expanding its scope for the design of heavy-atom-free PSs and phototheranostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Chung Pham
- Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | | | - Dung Ngoc Tran
- Faculty of Chemistry, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Gun Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Science and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Trang Van Nguyen
- Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Thong Van Pham
- R&D Center, Vietnam Education and Technology Transfer JSC, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Sondavid Nandanwar
- Eco-friendly New Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon City 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Dai Lam Tran
- Institute for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Myeongkee Park
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea
| | - Songyi Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea
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