Photophysical Characterization of Imidazolium-Substituted Pd(II), In(III), and Zn(II) Porphyrins as Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy

Synthesis of three novel imidazolyl-appended porphyrins and their cytostatic and phototoxic activity on A431 cells

Three imidazolyl-appended porphyrins were synthesized and characterized by 1 H NMR, elemental analyses, MS and UV-vis spectra. Anticancer activities of porphyrins have been evaluated against cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (A431 cells) in vitro. The results indicate that the porphyrins have high selective cytotoxicity towards A431 cells in the absence of light and improved phototoxic activity upon exposure to UV light. The yield of singlet oxygen generated by porphyrins were also evaluated by measuring the absorption decay of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) in DMF. The phototoxicities of porphyrins against A431 cells were enhanced along with the increase of singlet oxygen.

Photophysics of glycosylated derivatives of a chlorin, isobacteriochlorin and bacteriochlorin for photodynamic theragnostics: discovery of a two-photon-absorbing photosensitizer

The photophysical properties of a chlorin, isobacteriochlorin and bacteriochlorin built on a core tetrapentafluorophenylporphyrin (TPPF20 ) and the nonhydrolyzable para thioglycosylated conjugates of these chromophores are presented. The photophysical characterization of these compounds was done in three different solvents to correlate with different environments in cells and tissues. Compared with TPPF20 other dyes have greater absorption in the red region of the visible spectrum and greater fluorescence quantum yields. The excited state lifetimes are from 3 to 11 ns. The radiative and nonradiative rate constants for deactivation of the excited state were estimated from the fluorescence quantum yield and excited state lifetime. The data indicate that the bacteriochlorin has strong absorption bands near 730 nm and efficiently enters the triplet manifold. The isobacteriochlorin has a 40-70% fluorescence quantum yield depending on solvent, so it may be a good fluorescent tag. The isobacteriochlorins also display enhanced two-photon absorption, thereby allowing the use of 860 nm light to excite the compound. While the two-photon cross section of 25 GM units is not large, excitation of low chromophore concentrations can induce apoptosis. The glycosylated compounds accumulate in cancer cells and a head and neck squamous carcinoma xenograft tumor model in mice. These compounds are robust to photobleaching.

Tetra-2,3-pyrazinoporphyrazines with externally appended pyridine rings 14: UV-visible spectral and electrochemical behavior of homo/heterobinuclear neutral and hexacationic macrocycles

Detailed UV-visible, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies were carried out in DMSO on two known series of homo/heterobimetallic pyrazinoporphyrazine compounds, i.e.[( M′Cl 2) LM ] and [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]( I )6, where L = tetrakis-2,3-[5,6-di(2-pyridyl)pyrazino]porphyrazinato anion, M = Zn II , Mg II ( H 2 O ) or Pd II and M′ = Pd II or Pt II . The [( M′Cl 2) LM ] compounds, as obtained from the mononuclear species [LM], undergo only subtle UV-visible spectral changes and exhibit practically unchanged half wave potentials for reduction; thus, peripheral coordination to the [LM] macrocycles of a single PdCl 2 or PtCl 2 unit at one of the external dipyridinopyrazine fragments only minimally disturbs the σ/π electronic distribution within the entire porphyrazine unit. In contrast, quaternization by CH 3 I of the six unligated pyridine N atoms of the species [( PtCl 2) LM ] leading to formation of the hexacations [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]6+ results in a significant bathochromic shift (5–15 nm) of the Q-band positions, thus suggesting an enhanced electron-withdrawing effect determined by an incremented displacement of the σ/π electronic system towards the periphery of the macrocycle. Accordingly, there is a facilitated thermodynamic uptake of electrons upon going from [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]6+ to [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ] n (n = 5+ → 2+). Noteworthy, the UV-visible spectra of the salt-like species [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]( I )6 in water at c = 5 × 10-5 M ) indicate the presence of a monomer-dimer equilibrium, persistent even at very low concentrations (ca. 5 × 10-7 M).

Molecular electronic tuning of photosensitizers to enhance photodynamic therapy: synthetic dicyanobacteriochlorins as a case study

Photophysical, photostability, electrochemical and molecular-orbital characteristics are analyzed for a set of stable dicyanobacteriochlorins that are promising photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The bacteriochlorins are the parent compound (BC), dicyano derivative (NC)2BC and corresponding zinc (NC)2BC-Zn and palladium chelate (NC)2BC-Pd. The order of PDT activity against HeLa human cancer cells in vitro is (NC)2BC-Pd > (NC)2BC > (NC)2BC-Zn ≈ BC. The near-infrared absorption feature of each dicyanobacteriochlorin is bathochromically shifted 35-50 nm (748-763 nm) from that for BC (713 nm). Intersystem crossing to the PDT-active triplet excited state is essentially quantitative for (NC)2BC-Pd. Phosphorescence from (NC)2BC-Pd occurs at 1122 nm (1.1 eV). This value and the measured ground-state redox potentials fix the triplet excited-state redox properties, which underpin PDT activity via Type-1 (electron transfer) pathways. A perhaps counterintuitive (but readily explicable) result is that of the three dicyanobacteriochlorins, the photosensitizer with the shortest triplet lifetime (7 μs), (NC)2BC-Pd has the highest activity. Photostabilities of the dicyanobacteriochlorins and other bacteriochlorins studied recently are investigated and discussed in terms of four phenomena: aggregation, reduction, oxidation and chemical reaction. Collectively, the results and analysis provide fundamental insights concerning the molecular design of PDT agents.

Multiply biphenyl substituted zinc(II) porphyrin and phthalocyanine as components for molecular materials

The preparation and physico-chemical characteristics of zinc(II) porphyrin and phthalocyanine derivatives with biphenyl units are reported. These compounds have been prepared as components for molecular electronics systems and rotor-based molecular machines, where the biphenyl units can act as paddles because they are oriented quasi-perpendicularly to the plane of the aromatic macrocycles which would be coordianted through the transition metal ion by an axial ligand. The minimalist design along with the absence of solubilizing groups leads to a low solubility of the compounds in organic solvents; the phthalocyanines is only sparingly soluble while the porphyrin is more easily manipulated, but in any case the concentration of both compounds is sufficient for surface deposition. The luminescence of the compounds is characteristic of the central unit, although it is clear in the absorption spectra that the phthalocyanine derivative has a particularly strong tendency to aggregate non-specifically. The porphyrin forms microcrystals while the phthalocyanines which bears eight biphenyl units forms amorphous aggregates from 1,2-dichlorobenzene reminiscent of glasses of other biphenyl derivatives, which is interesting for the preparation of amorphous materials for optics applications.

Synthesis and evaluation of cationic bacteriochlorin amphiphiles with effective in vitro photodynamic activity against cancer cells at low nanomolar concentration

Bacteriochlorins are attractive candidates as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to their intense absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region of the spectrum where light transmission through tissue is maximal. Many naturally occurring bacteriochlorins are inherently unstable due to adventitious atmospheric oxidation. A de novo synthesis affords bacteriochlorins that contain a geminal dimethyl group in each reduced pyrrole ring to increase stability against oxidation. Here, three new synthetic bacteriochlorins, each bearing a single side-chain containing one or two positive charges, were investigated for their in vitro PDT activity against HeLa human cancer cells. All bacteriochlorins were active at low nanomolar concentration when activated with NIR light; those bearing a single positive charge exhibited faster uptake and higher activity. The bacteriochlorins were localized in mitochondria, lysosomes and endoplasmic reticulum as shown by organelle specific fluorescent probes. Cell death was via apoptosis as shown by cell morphology and nuclear condensation. Taken together, the results show the importance of appropriate peripheral groups about a photosensitizer for effective PDT applications.

Stable synthetic bacteriochlorins for photodynamic therapy: role of dicyano peripheral groups, central metal substitution (2H, Zn, Pd), and Cremophor EL delivery

A series of four stable synthetic bacteriochlorins was tested in vitro in HeLa cells for their potential in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The parent bacteriochlorin (BC), dicyano derivative (NC)(2)BC and corresponding zinc chelate (NC)(2)BC-Zn and palladium chelate (NC)(2)BC-Pd were studied. Direct dilution of a solution of bacteriochlorin in an organic solvent (N,N-dimethylacetamide) into serum-containing medium was compared with the dilution of bacteriochlorin in Cremophor EL (CrEL; polyoxyethylene glycerol triricinoleate) micelles into the same medium. CrEL generally reduced aggregation (as indicated by absorption and fluorescence) and increased activity up to tenfold (depending on bacteriochlorin), although it decreased cellular uptake. The order of PDT activity against HeLa human cancer cells after 24 h incubation and illumination with 10 J cm(-2) of near-infrared (NIR) light is (NC)(2)BC-Pd (LD(50)=25 nM) > (NC)(2)BC > (NC)(2)BC-Zn ≈ BC. Subcellular localization was determined to be in the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and lysosomes, depending on the bacteriochlorin. (NC)(2)BC-Pd showed PDT-mediated damage to mitochondria and lysosomes, and the greatest production of hydroxyl radicals as determined using a hydroxyphenylfluorescein probe. The incorporation of cyano substituents provides an excellent motif for the enhancement of the photoactivity and photostability of bacteriochlorins as PDT photosensitizers.

Decoupling the artificial special pair to slow down the rate of singlet energy transfer

Trimer 2, composed of a cofacial heterobismacrocycle, octamethyl-porphyrin zinc(II) and bisarylporphyrin zinc(II) held by an anthracenyl spacer, and a flanking acceptor, bisarylporphyrin free-base ( Ar = -3,5-(t Bu )2 C 6 H 3), has been studied by means of absorption spectroscopy, "steady state and time-resolved fluorescence" and fs transient absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) in order to assess the effect of decoupling the chromophores' low energy MOs on the rate of the singlet, S1, energy transfer, k ET , compared to a recently reported work on a heavily coupled trimeric system, Trimer 1, [biphenylenebis(n-nonyl)porphyrin zinc(II)]-bisarylporphyrin free-base ( Ar = -3,5-(t Bu )2 C 6 H 3). The position of the 0–0 peaks of the absorption and fluorescence spectra of Trimer 2 indicates that these porphyrin units are respectively energy donor 1, donor 2, and acceptor. The DFT computations confirm that the MOs of the cofacial donor 1-donor 2 dyad are decoupled, but significant MO coupling between donor 2 and acceptor 1 is still present despite the strong dihedral angle between their respective average planes (77.5°: geometry optimization by DFT). The fs transient absorption spectra exhibit a clear S1–Sn fingerprint of the bisarylporphyrin zinc(II) chromophore and the kinetic trace exhibits a slow rise time of 87 ps, due to a S1 donor 1 → donor 2 ET. The transient species donor 2 and acceptor decay respectively in the short (~1.5) ns and 6 ns time scale.

Photophysical properties and electronic structure of stable, tunable synthetic bacteriochlorins: extending the features of native photosynthetic pigments

Bacteriochlorins, which are tetrapyrrole macrocycles with two reduced pyrrole rings, are Nature's near-infrared (NIR) absorbers (700-900 nm). The strong absorption in the NIR region renders bacteriochlorins excellent candidates for a variety of applications including solar light harvesting, flow cytometry, molecular imaging, and photodynamic therapy. Natural bacteriochlorins are inherently unstable due to oxidative conversion to the chlorin (one reduced pyrrole ring) or the porphyrin. The natural pigments are also only modestly amenable to synthetic manipulation, owing to a nearly full complement of substituents on the macrocycle. Recently, a new synthetic methodology has afforded access to stable synthetic bacteriochlorins wherein a wide variety of substituents can be appended to the macrocycle at preselected locations. Herein, the spectroscopic and photophysical properties of 33 synthetic bacteriochlorins are investigated. The NIR absorption bands of the chromophores range from ∼700 to ∼820 nm; the lifetimes of the lowest excited singlet state range from ∼2 to ∼6 ns; the fluorescence quantum yields range from ∼0.05 to ∼0.25; and the yield of the lowest triplet excited state is ∼0.5. The spectroscopic/photophysical studies of the bacteriochlorins are accompanied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations that probe the characteristics of the frontier molecular orbitals. The DFT calculations indicate that the impact of substituents on the spectral properties of the molecules derives primarily from effects on the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. Collectively, the studies show how the palette of synthetic bacteriochlorins extends the properties of the native photosynthetic pigments (bacteriochlorophylls). The studies have also elucidated design principles for tuning the spectral and photophysical characteristics as required for a wide variety of photochemical applications.

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of two tetrasubstituted cationic porphyrin derivatives

An imidazolium tetrasubstituted cationic porphyrin derivative (the free base and its Zn(II) complex) with five-membered heterocyclic groups in the meso-positions were synthesized using microwave irradiation, and the compounds obtained characterized by ¹H-NMR and mass spectrometry. We observed that under microwave irradiation the yield is similar to when the synthesis is performed under conventional heating, however, the time required to prepare the porphyrins decreases enormously. In order to investigate the electronic state of these compounds, we employed UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy combined with quantum chemical calculations. The results reveal the presence, in both compounds, of a large number of electronic states involving the association between the Soret and a blue-shifted band. The Soret band in both compounds also shows a considerable solvent dependence. As for emission, these compounds present low quantum yield at room temperature and no solvent influence on the fluorescence spectra was observed.

Stable synthetic cationic bacteriochlorins as selective antimicrobial photosensitizers

Photodynamic inactivation is a rapidly developing antimicrobial treatment that employs a nontoxic photoactivatable dye or photosensitizer in combination with harmless visible light to generate reactive oxygen species that are toxic to cells. Tetrapyrroles (e.g., porphyrins, chlorins, bacteriochlorins) are a class of photosensitizers that exhibit promising characteristics to serve as broad-spectrum antimicrobials. In order to bind to and efficiently penetrate into all classes of microbial cells, tetrapyrroles should have structures that contain (i) one or more cationic charge(s) or (ii) a basic group. In this report, we investigate the use of new stable synthetic bacteriochlorins that have a strong absorption band in the range 720 to 740 nm, which is in the near-infrared spectral region. Four bacteriochlorins with 2, 4, or 6 quaternized ammonium groups or 2 basic amine groups were compared for light-mediated killing against a gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus), a gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli), and a dimorphic fungal yeast (Candida albicans). Selectivity was assessed by determining phototoxicity against human HeLa cancer cells under the same conditions. All four compounds were highly active (6 logs of killing at 1 microM or less) against S. aureus and showed selectivity for bacteria over human cells. Increasing the cationic charge increased activity against E. coli. Only the compound with basic groups was highly active against C. albicans. Supporting photochemical and theoretical characterization studies indicate that (i) the four bacteriochlorins have comparable photophysical features in homogeneous solution and (ii) the anticipated redox characteristics do not correlate with cell-killing ability. These results support the interpretation that the disparate biological activities observed stem from cellular binding and localization effects rather than intrinsic electronic properties. These findings further establish cationic bacteriochlorins as extremely active and selective near-infrared activated antimicrobial photosensitizers, and the results provide fundamental information on structure-activity relationships for antimicrobial photosensitizers.

In vitro photodynamic therapy and quantitative structure-activity relationship studies with stable synthetic near-infrared-absorbing bacteriochlorin photosensitizers

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a rapidly developing approach to treating cancer that combines harmless visible and near-infrared light with a nontoxic photoactivatable dye, which upon encounter with molecular oxygen generates the reactive oxygen species that are toxic to cancer cells. Bacteriochlorins are tetrapyrrole compounds with two reduced pyrrole rings in the macrocycle. These molecules are characterized by strong absorption features from 700 to >800 nm, which enable deep penetration into tissue. This report describes testing of 12 new stable synthetic bacteriochlorins for PDT activity. The 12 compounds possess a variety of peripheral substituents and are very potent in killing cancer cells in vitro after illumination. Quantitative structure-activity relationships were derived, and subcellular localization was determined. The most active compounds have both low dark toxicity and high phototoxicity. This combination together with near-infrared absorption gives these bacteriochlorins great potential as photosensitizers for treatment of cancer.

Stable synthetic bacteriochlorins overcome the resistance of melanoma to photodynamic therapy

Cutaneous malignant melanoma remains a therapeutic challenge, and patients with advanced disease have limited survival. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been successfully used to treat many malignancies, and it may show promise as an antimelanoma modality. However, high melanin levels in melanomas can adversely affect PDT effectiveness. Herein the extent of melanin contribution to melanoma resistance to PDT was investigated in a set of melanoma cell lines that markedly differ in the levels of pigmentation; 3 new bacteriochlorins successfully overcame the resistance. Cell killing studies determined that bacteriochlorins are superior at (LD(50) approximately 0.1 microM) when compared with controls such as the FDA-approved Photofrin (LD(50) approximately 10 microM) and clinically tested LuTex (LD(50) approximately 1 microM). The melanin content affects PDT effectiveness, but the degree of reduction is significantly lower for bacteriochlorins than for Photofrin. Microscopy reveals that the least effective bacteriochlorin localizes predominantly in lysosomes, while the most effective one preferentially accumulates in mitochondria. Interestingly all bacteriochlorins accumulate in melanosomes, and subsequent illumination leads to melanosomal damage shown by electron microscopy. Fluorescent probes show that the most effective bacteriochlorin produces significantly higher levels of hydroxyl radicals, and this is consistent with the redox properties suggested by molecular-orbital calculations. The best in vitro performing bacteriochlorin was tested in vivo in a mouse melanoma model using spectrally resolved fluorescence imaging and provided significant survival advantage with 20% of cures (P<0.01).

The examination of berberine excited state by laser flash photolysis

The property of the excited triplet state of berberine (BBR) was investigated by using time-resolved laser flash photolysis of 355 nm in acetonitrile. The transient absorption spectra of the excited triplet BBR were obtained in acetonitrile, which have an absorption maximum at 420 nm. And the ratio of excitation to ionization of BBR in acetonitrile solvent was calculated. The self-decay and self-quenching rate constants, and the absorption coefficient of (3)BBR* were investigated and the excited state quantum yield was determined. Furthermore utilizing the benzophenone (BEN) as a triplet sensitizer, and the beta-carotene (Car) as an excited energy transfer acceptor, the assignment of (3)BBR* was further confirmed and the related energy transfer rate constants were also determined.

Imidazole metalloporphyrins as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy: role of molecular charge, central metal and hydroxyl radical production

The in vitro photodynamic therapy activity of four imidazole-substituted metalloporphyrins has been studied using human (HeLa) and mouse (CT26) cancer cell lines: an anionic Zn porphyrin and a homologous series of three cationic Zn, Pd or InCl porphyrins. A dramatic difference in phototoxicity was found: Pd cationic>InCl cationic>Zn cationic>Zn anionic. HeLa cells were more susceptible than CT26 cells. Induction of apoptosis was demonstrated using a fluorescent caspase assay. The anionic Zn porphyrin localized in lysosomes while the cationic Zn porphyrin localized in lysosomes and mitochondria, as assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Studies using fluorescent probes suggested that the cationic Pd porphyrin produced more hydroxyl radicals as the reactive oxygen species. Thus, the cationic Pd porphyrin has high potential as a photosensitizer and gives insights into characteristics for improved molecular designs.