Kinetics of singlet oxygen photosensitization in human skin fibroblasts

Cellular Imaging and Time-Domain FLIM Studies of Meso-Tetraphenylporphine Disulfonate as a Photosensitising Agent in 2D and 3D Models

Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and confocal fluorescence studies of a porphyrin-based photosensitiser (meso-tetraphenylporphine disulfonate: TPPS2a) were evaluated in 2D monolayer cultures and 3D compressed collagen constructs of a human ovarian cancer cell line (HEY). TPPS2a is known to be an effective model photosensitiser for both Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and Photochemical Internalisation (PCI). This microspectrofluorimetric study aimed firstly to investigate the uptake and subcellular localisation of TPPS2a, and evaluate the photo-oxidative mechanism using reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation probes combined with appropriate ROS scavengers. Light-induced intracellular redistribution of TPPS2a was observed, consistent with rupture of endolysosomes where the porphyrin localises. Using the same range of light doses, time-lapse confocal imaging permitted observation of PDT-induced generation of ROS in both 2D and 3D cancer models using fluorescence-based ROS together with specific ROS inhibitors. In addition, the use of red light excitation of the photosensitiser to minimise auto-oxidation of the probes was investigated. In the second part of the study, the photophysical properties of TPPS2a in cells were studied using a time-domain FLIM system with time-correlated single photon counting detection. Owing to the high sensitivity and spatial resolution of this system, we acquired FLIM images that enabled the fluorescence lifetime determination of the porphyrin within the endolysosomal vesicles. Changes in the lifetime dynamics upon prolonged illumination were revealed as the vesicles degraded within the cells.

Evaluation of cold atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation of water as a method of singlet oxygen generation

We used cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet to examine in detail 1O2 generation in water. ESR with 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrroline-3-carboxamide, a secondary amine probe, was used for the detection of 1O2. Nitroxide radical formation was detected after cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet irradiation of a 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrroline-3-carboxamide solution. An 1O2 scavenger/quencher inhibited the ESR signal intensity induced by cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet irradiation, but this inhibition was not 100%. As 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrroline-3-carboxamide reacts with oxidizing species other than 1O2, it was assumed that the signal intensity inhibited by NaN3 corresponds to only the nitroxide radical generated by 1O2. The concentration of 1O2 produced by cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet irradiation for 60 s was estimated at 8 μM. When this 1O2 generation was compared to methods of 1O2 generation like rose bengal photoirradiation and 4-methyl-1,4-etheno-2,3-benzodioxin-1(4H)-propanoic acid (endoperoxide) thermal decomposition, 1O2 generation was found to be, in decreasing order, rose bengal photoirradiation ≥ cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet > endoperoxide thermal decomposition. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet is presumed to not specifically generate 1O2, but can be used to mimic states of oxidative stress involving multiple ROS.

Oxidative Stress Response Kinetics after 60 Minutes at Different Levels (10% or 15%) of Normobaric Hypoxia Exposure

In this study, the metabolic responses of hypoxic breathing for 1 h to inspired fractions of 10% and 15% oxygen were investigated. To this end, 14 healthy nonsmoking subjects (6 females and 8 males, age: 32.2 ± 13.3 years old (mean ± SD), height: 169.1 ± 9.9 cm, and weight: 61.6 ± 16.2 kg) volunteered for the study. Blood samples were taken before, and at 30 min, 2 h, 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h after a 1 h hypoxic exposure. The level of oxidative stress was evaluated by considering reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), lipid peroxidation, and immune-inflammation by interleukin-6 (IL-6) and neopterin, while antioxidant systems were observed in terms of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and urates. Hypoxia abruptly and rapidly increased ROS, while TAC showed a U-shape pattern, with a nadir between 30 min and 2 h. The regulation of ROS and NOx could be explained by the antioxidant action of uric acid and creatinine. The kinetics of ROS allowed for the stimulation of the immune system translated by an increase in neopterin, IL-6, and NOx. This study provides insights into the mechanisms through which acute hypoxia affects various bodily functions and how the body sets up the protective mechanisms to maintain redox homeostasis in response to oxidative stress.

Biological Action of Singlet Molecular Oxygen from the Standpoint of Cell Signaling, Injury and Death

Energy transfer to ground state triplet molecular oxygen results in the generation of singlet molecular oxygen (¹O₂), which has potent oxidizing ability. Irradiation of light, notably ultraviolet A, to a photosensitizing molecule results in the generation of ¹O₂, which is thought to play a role in causing skin damage and aging. It should also be noted that ¹O₂ is a dominant tumoricidal component that is generated during the photodynamic therapy (PDT). While type II photodynamic action generates not only ¹O₂ but also other reactive species, endoperoxides release pure ¹O₂ upon mild exposure to heat and, hence, are considered to be beneficial compounds for research purposes. Concerning target molecules, ¹O₂ preferentially reacts with unsaturated fatty acids to produce lipid peroxidation. Enzymes that contain a reactive cysteine group at the catalytic center are vulnerable to ¹O₂ exposure. Guanine base in nucleic acids is also susceptible to oxidative modification, and cells carrying DNA with oxidized guanine units may experience mutations. Since ¹O₂ is produced in various physiological reactions in addition to photodynamic reactions, overcoming technical challenges related to its detection and methods used for its generation would allow its potential functions in biological systems to be better understood.

Practical Aspects in the Study of Biological Photosensitization Including Reaction Mechanisms and Product Analyses: A Do's and Don'ts Guide†

The interaction of light with natural matter leads to a plethora of photosensitized reactions. These reactions cause the degradation of biomolecules, such as DNA, lipids, proteins, being therefore detrimental to the living organisms, or they can also be beneficial by allowing the treatment of several diseases by photomedicine. Based on the molecular mechanistic understanding of the photosensitization reactions, we propose to classify them in four processes: oxygen-dependent (type I and type II processes) and oxygen-independent [triplet-triplet energy transfer (TTET) and photoadduct formation]. In here, these processes are discussed by considering a wide variety of approaches including time-resolved and steady-state techniques, together with solvent, quencher, and scavenger effects. The main aim of this survey is to provide a description of general techniques and approaches that can be used to investigate photosensitization reactions of biomolecules together with basic recommendations on good practices. Illustration of the suitability of these approaches is provided by the measurement of key biomarkers of singlet oxygen and one-electron oxidation reactions in both isolated and cellular DNA. Our work is an educational review that is mostly addressed to students and beginners.

The antibacterial activity of photodynamic agents against multidrug resistant bacteria causing wound infection

Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) of multidrug-resistant (MDR) wound pathogens was evaluated with cationic porphyrin derivatives (CPDs). MDR bacterial strains including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were used. The CPDs named PM, PE, PN, and PL were synthesized as a photosensitizer (PS). A diode laser with a wavelength of 655 nm was used as a light source. aPDI of the combinations formed with different energy densities (50, 100, and 150 J/cm²) and PS concentrations (ranging from 3.125 to 600 µM) were evaluated on each bacterial strain. Dark toxicity, cytotoxicity, and phototoxicity were determined on fibroblast cells. In the aPDI groups, survival reductions of up to 5.80 log₁₀ for E. coli, 5.90 log₁₀ for P. aeruginosa, 6.11 log₁₀ for K. pneumoniae, and 6.78 log₁₀ for A. baumannii were obtained. The cytotoxic effect of PL and PM on fibroblast cells was very limited. PN was the type of CPD with the highest dark toxicity on fibroblast cells. In terms of providing broad-spectrum aPDI without or with very limited cytotoxic effect, the best result was observed in aPDI application with PL. The other CPDs need some modifications to show bacterial selectivity for use at 50 µM and above.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation Using Topical and Superhydrophobic Sensitizer Techniques: A Perspective from Diffusion in Biofilms†

This review describes nanoparticle and dye diffusion in bacterial biofilms in the context of antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI). aPDI requires the diffusion of a photosensitizer (Sens) into the biofilm and subsequent photoactivation of oxygen for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that inactivate microbes. Molecular diffusion in biofilms has been long investigated, whereas this review is intended to draw a logical link between diffusion in biofilms and ROS, a combination that leads to the current state of aPDI and superhydrophobic aPDI (SH-aPDI). This review should be of interest to photochemists, photobiologists and researchers in material and antimicrobial sciences as is ties together conventional aPDI with the emerging subject of SH-aPDI.

The localization of the photosensitizer determines the dynamics of the secondary production of hydrogen peroxide in cell cytoplasm and mitochondria

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is based on the production of the cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) by light irradiation of a photosensitizer dye in the presence of molecular oxygen. Along with photochemical ROS production, it becomes evident that PDT induces massive secondary production of ROS which is registered long after the irradiation is completed. We created cell lines of human epidermoid carcinoma with the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial localization of protein sensor HyPer sensitive to hydrogen peroxide to compare its concentration in two cellular compartments. The lag-period between irradiation and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in cells was registered; its duration was dose-dependent and increased up to 80 min when lowering the exposition dose from 50 to 15 J/cm². We have shown that localization of the photosensitizer determines the spatiotemporal pattern of the cell response to PDT: secondary hydrogen peroxide accumulation in cell cytoplasm induced by photodynamic treatment with lysosome-localized phtalocyianine Photosens occurs several minutes prior to that in mitochondria; on the contrary, membranotropic arylcyanoporphyrazine dye leads to massive mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide production followed by its cytoplasmic accumulation. We hypothesize that photosensitizers with various physicochemical properties and intracellular localization can trigger different patterns not only of primary but also secondary ROS production leading to different cell fate outcomes.

Photoinduced Endosomal Escape Mechanism: A View from Photochemical Internalization Mediated by CPP-Photosensitizer Conjugates

Endosomal escape in cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-based drug/macromolecule delivery systems is frequently insufficient. The CPP-fused molecules tend to remain trapped inside endosomes and end up being degraded rather than delivered into the cytosol. One of the methods for endosomal escape of CPP-fused molecules is photochemical internalization (PCI), which is based on the use of light and a photosensitizer and relies on photoinduced endosomal membrane destabilization to release the cargo molecule. Currently, it remains unclear how this delivery strategy behaves after photostimulation. Recent findings, including our studies using CPP-cargo-photosensitizer conjugates, have shed light on the photoinduced endosomal escape mechanism. In this review, we discuss the structural design of CPP-photosensitizer and CPP-cargo-photosensitizer conjugates, and the PCI mechanism underlying their application.

Cellular compartments challenged by membrane photo-oxidation

The lipid composition impacts directly on the structure and function of the cytoplasmic as well as organelle membranes. Depending on the type of membrane, specific lipids are required to accommodate, intercalate, or pack membrane proteins to the proper functioning of the cells/organelles. Rather than being only a physical barrier that separates the inner from the outer spaces, membranes are responsible for many biochemical events such as cell-to-cell communication, protein-lipid interaction, intracellular signaling, and energy storage. Photochemical reactions occur naturally in many biological membranes and are responsible for diverse processes such as photosynthesis and vision/phototaxis. However, excessive exposure to light in the presence of absorbing molecules produces excited states and other oxidant species that may cause cell aging/death, mutations and innumerable diseases including cancer. At the same time, targeting key compartments of diseased cells with light can be a promising strategy to treat many diseases in a clinical procedure called Photodynamic Therapy. Here we analyze the relationships between membrane alterations induced by photo-oxidation and the biochemical responses in mammalian cells. We specifically address the impact of photosensitization reactions in membranes of different organelles such as mitochondria, lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane, and the subsequent responses of eukaryotic cells.

Formation of UV-induced DNA damage contributing to skin cancer development

UV-induced DNA damage plays a key role in the initiation phase of skin cancer. When left unrepaired or when damaged cells are not eliminated by apoptosis, DNA lesions express their mutagneic properties, leading to the activation of proto-oncogene or the inactivation of tumor suppression genes. The chemical nature and the amount of DNA damage strongly depend on the wavelength of the incident photons. The most energetic part of the solar spectrum at the Earth's surface (UVB, 280-320 nm) leads to the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproducts (64PPs). Less energetic but 20-times more intense UVA (320-400 nm) also induces the formation of CPDs together with a wide variety of oxidatively generated lesions such as single strand breaks and oxidized bases. Among those, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) is the most frequent since it can be produced by several mechanisms. Data available on the respective yield of DNA photoproducts in cells and skin show that exposure to sunlight mostly induces pyrimidine dimers, which explains the mutational signature found in skin tumors, with lower amounts of 8-oxoGua and strand breaks. The present review aims at describing the basic photochemistry of DNA and discussing the quantitative formation of the different UV-induced DNA lesions reported in the literature. Additional information on mutagenesis, repair and photoprotection is briefly provided.

Microscopic time-resolved imaging of singlet oxygen by delayed fluorescence in living cells

Singlet oxygen is a highly reactive species which is involved in a number of processes, including photodynamic therapy of cancer. Its very weak near-infrared emission makes imaging of singlet oxygen in biological systems a long-term challenge. We address this challenge by introducing Singlet Oxygen Feedback Delayed Fluorescence (SOFDF) as a novel modality for semi-direct microscopic time-resolved wide-field imaging of singlet oxygen in biological systems. SOFDF has been investigated in individual fibroblast cells incubated with a well-known photosensitizer aluminium phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate. The SOFDF emission from the cells is several orders of magnitude stronger and much more readily detectable than the very weak near-infrared phosphorescence of singlet oxygen. Moreover, the analysis of SOFDF kinetics enables us to estimate the lifetimes of the involved excited states. Real-time SOFDF images with micrometer spatial resolution and submicrosecond temporal-resolution have been recorded. Interestingly, a steep decrease in the SOFDF intensity after the photodynamically induced release of a photosensitizer from lysosomes has been demonstrated. This effect could be potentially employed as a valuable diagnostic tool for monitoring and dosimetry in photodynamic therapy.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is a clinical technique for the treatment of cancers, microbial infections and other medical conditions by means of light-induced generation of reactive oxygen species using photosensitising drugs. The intrinsic fluorescence of many such drugs make them potential theranostic agents for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy. This chapter reviews the basic chemical and biological aspects of photodynamic therapy with an emphasis on its applications in theranostics. The roles of nanotechnology is highlighted, as well as emerging trends such as photoimmunotherapy, image-guided surgery and light- and singlet-oxygen dosimetry.

Photodynamic inactivation of Escherichia coli - Correlation of singlet oxygen kinetics and phototoxicity

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of bacteria may play a major role in facing the challenge of the ever expanding antibiotic resistances. Here we report about the direct correlation of singlet oxygen luminescence kinetics and phototoxicity in E. coli cell suspension under PDI using the widely applied cationic photosensitizer TMPyP. Through direct access to the microenvironment, the time resolved investigation of singlet oxygen luminescence plays a key role in understanding the photosensitization mechanism and inactivation pathway. Using the homemade set-up for highly sensitive time resolved singlet oxygen luminescence detection, we show that the cationic TMPyP is localized predominantly outside the bacterial cells but in their immediate vicinity prior to photodynamic inactivation. Throughout following light exposure, a clear change in singlet oxygen kinetics indicates a redistribution of photosensitizer molecules to at least one additional microenvironment. We found the signal kinetics mirrored in cell viability measurements of equally treated samples from same overnight cultures conducted in parallel: A significant drop in cell viability of the illuminated samples and stationary viability of dark controls. Thus, for the system investigated in this work - a Gram-negative model bacteria and a well-known PS for its PDI - singlet oxygen kinetics correlates with phototoxicity. This finding suggests that it is well possible to evaluate PDI efficiency directly via time resolved singlet oxygen detection.

Use of fluorescent probes for ROS to tease apart Type I and Type II photochemical pathways in photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy involves the excitation of a non-toxic dye by harmless visible light to produce a long-lived triplet state that can interact with molecular oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage biomolecules and kill cells. ROS produced by electron transfer (Type 1) include superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical (HO), while singlet oxygen (1O2) is produced by energy transfer. Diverse methods exist to distinguish between these two pathways, some of which are more specific or more sensitive than others. In this review we cover the use of two fluorescence probes: singlet oxygen sensor green (SOSG) detects 1O2; and 4-hydroxyphenyl-fluorescein (HPF) that detects HO. Interesting data was collected concerning the photochemical pathways of functionalized fullerenes compared to tetrapyrroles, stable synthetic bacteriochlorins with and without central metals, phenothiazinium dyes interacting with inorganic salts such as azide.

A singlet oxygen photosensitizer enables photoluminescent monitoring of singlet oxygen doses

Dichromophoric molecular dyad enables photosensitization and detection of sinlget oxygen.

Protective effect of TiO2 nanowhiskers on Tetra Sulphonatophenyl Porphyrin (TSPP) complexes induced oxidative stress during photodynamic therapy

BACKGROUND

Tetra Sulphonatophenyl Porphyrin (TSPP) is well known photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy; nevertheless, its well-known adverse effects hamper its potential use. Recently, nano TiO2's potential role in biomedical has been defined for various disease theranostics, including cancer and other infections. Thus, in this contribution we have explored the possibility of utilizing TiO2 nanowhiskers as novel strategy to lower TSPP adverse effects both in vitro, and in vivo.

METHODS

Various concentrations of TSPP, TiO2-TSPP, and TiO2 were injected to three different rat groups, while fourth group was kept as control. Toxic effects were evaluated on excretory and circulatory system by using histopathology, fluorescent microscopy, complete blood cells count (CBC) and serum enzymes.

RESULTS

In complete blood cells count, all cells were significantly (p<0.01) affected by the various concentration and treatment groups. The various dose concentrations and treatment also significantly (p<0.01) affected the serum enzyme parameters including AST, ALT, LDH, Creatinine and BUN level. The low concentration of TSPP-TiO2 was found to be the safest, on the bases of serum enzyme parameters, CBC, histopathology, and fluorescent microscopic analysis. The MTT assay was used to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity, and the results demonstrated maximum viability in illuminated TSPP-TiO2 nanowhiskers group when compared with TSPP treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

It was evident that increase in concentration of TSPP increased the toxic effects; however, the TiO2 nanowhiskers combination with TSPP decreased these adverse effects. Moreover, TSPP (0.1 mM) combined with TiO2 nanowhiskers (0.6 mM) was safer than TSPP (0.1 mM) alone.

Real-time luminescence microspectroscopy monitoring of singlet oxygen in individual cells

A new setup for direct microspectroscopic monitoring of singlet oxygen ((1)O2) has been developed in our laboratory using a novel near-infrared sensitive InGaAs 2D-array detector. An imaging spectrograph has been inserted in front of the 2D-array detector, which allows us to acquire spectral images where one dimension is spatial and the other is spectral. The work presents a detailed examination of sensitivity and noise characteristics of the setup and its ability to detect (1)O2. The (1)O2 phosphorescence-based images and near-infrared luminescence spectral images recorded from single TMPyP-containing fibroblast cells reflecting spectral changes during irradiation are demonstrated. The introduction of spectral images addresses the issue of a potential spectral overlap of (1)O2 phosphorescence with near-infrared-extended luminescence of the photosensitizer and provides a powerful tool for distinguishing and separating them, which can be applied to any photosensitizer manifesting near-infrared luminescence.

The singlet-oxygen-sensitized delayed fluorescence in mammalian cells: a time-resolved microscopy approach

Microsecond kinetics of singlet-oxygen-sensitized delayed fluorescence (SOSDF) have been detected from individual living fibroblast cells as a proof-of-concept. These provide valuable information about excited state lifetimes and their changes during PDT-like treatment.

New experimental models of skin homeostasis and diseases

Homeostasis, whose regulation at the molecular level is still poorly understood, is intimately related to the functions of epidermal stem cells. Five research groups have been brought together to work on new in vitro and in vivo skin models through the SkinModel-CM program, under the auspices of the Spanish Autonomous Community of Madrid. This project aims to analyze the functions of DNA methyltransferase 1, endoglin, and podoplanin in epidermal stem cell activity, homeostasis, and skin cancer. These new models include 3-dimensional organotypic cultures, immunodeficient skin-humanized mice, and genetically modified mice. Another aim of the program is to use skin-humanized mice to model dermatoses such as Gorlin syndrome and xeroderma pigmentosum in order to optimize new protocols for photodynamic therapy.

Toward a 3D cellular model for studying in vitro the outcome of photodynamic treatments: accounting for the effects of tissue complexity

Clinical therapies have traditionally been developed using two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems, which fail to accurately capture tissue complexity. Therefore, three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures are more attractive platforms to integrate multiple cues that arise from the extracellular matrix and cells, closer to an in vivo scenario. Here we report the development of a 3D cellular model for the in vitro assessment of the outcome of oxygen- and drug-dependent therapies, exemplified by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Using a synthetic self-assembling peptide as a cellular scaffold (RAD16-I), we were able to recreate the in vivo limitation of oxygen and drug diffusion and its biological effect, which is the development of cellular resistance to therapy. For the first time, the production and decay of the cytotoxic species singlet oxygen could be observed in a 3D cell culture. Results revealed that the intrinsic mechanism of action is maintained in both systems and, hence, the dynamic mass transfer effects accounted for the major differences in efficacy between the 2D and 3D models. We propose that this methodological approach will help to improve the efficacy of future oxygen- and drug-dependent therapies such as PDT.

Efficient induction of apoptosis in HeLa cells by a novel cationic porphycene photosensitizer

In the present study we analyze the photobiological properties of 2,7,12-tris(α-pyridinio-p-tolyl)-17-(p-(methoxymethyl)phenyl) porphycene (Py3MeO-TBPo) in Hela cells, in order to assess its potential as a new photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of cultured tumor cells. Using 0.5 μM Py3MeO-TBPo, flow cytometry studies demonstrated an increase of intracellular drug levels related to the incubation time, reaching a maximum at 18 h. LysoTracker(®) Green (LTG) and MitoTracker(®) Green (MTG) probes were used to identify the subcellular localization. Upon exposure to ultraviolet excitation, red porphycene fluorescence was detected as red granules in the cytoplasm that colocalized with LTG. No significant toxic effects were detected for Py3MeO-TBPo in the dark at concentrations below 1 μM. In contrast, Py3MeO-TBPo combined with red-light irradiation induced concentration- and fluence-dependent HeLa cells inactivation. Besides, all photodynamic protocols assayed induced a clear effect of cell detachment inhibition after trypsin treatment. Both apoptotic and necrotic cell death mechanisms can occur in HeLa cells depending on the experimental protocol. After 18 h incubation with 0.5 μM Py3MeO-TBPo and subsequent red light irradiation (3.6 J/cm(2)), a high number of cells die by apoptosis, as evaluated by morphological alterations, immunofluorescent relocalization of Bax from cytosol to mitochondria, and TUNEL assay. Likewise, immunofluorescence techniques showed that cytochrome c is released from mitochondria into cytosol in cells undergoing apoptosis, which occurs immediately after relocation of Bax in mitochondria. The highest amount of apoptosis appeared 24 h after treatment (70%) and this cell death occurred without cell detachment to the substrate. In contrast, with 0.75 μM Py3MeO-TBPo and 3.6 J/cm(2) irradiation, morphological changes showed a preferential necrotic cell death. Singlet oxygen was identified as the cytotoxic agent involved in cell photoinactivation. Moreover, cell cultures pre-exposed to the singlet oxygen scavenger sodium azide showed pronounced protection against the loss of viability induced by Py3MeO-TBPo and light. Different changes in distribution and organization of cytoskeletal elements (microtubules and actin microfilaments) as well as the protein vinculin, after apoptotic and necrotic photodynamic treatments have been analyzed. Neither of these two cell death mechanisms (apoptosis or necrosis) induced cell detachment. In summary, Py3MeO-TBPo appears to meet the requirements for further scrutiny as a very good photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy: it is water soluble, has a high absorption in the red spectral region (where light penetration in tissue is higher), and is able to induce effective high apoptotic rate (70%) related to the more widely studied photosensitizers.

Unique diagnostic and therapeutic roles of porphyrins and phthalocyanines in photodynamic therapy, imaging and theranostics

Porphyrinic molecules have a unique theranostic role in disease therapy; they have been used to image, detect and treat different forms of diseased tissue including age-related macular degeneration and a number of different cancer types. Current focus is on the clinical imaging of tumour tissue; targeted delivery of photosensitisers and the potential of photosensitisers in multimodal biomedical theranostic nanoplatforms. The roles of porphyrinic molecules in imaging and pdt, along with research into improving their selective uptake in diseased tissue and their utility in theranostic applications are highlighted in this Review.

Preclinical photodynamic therapy in Spain 1: Chemical and photophysical studies on porphycenes and other photosensitizers

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a rapidly expanding alternative to the treatment of solid tumors and other highly-proliferative diseases due to its many attractive features: high selectivity, repeatability, and lack of serious adverse effects. The five drugs approved for use in PDT to date suffer from different problems that limit their efficacy and safety. Current understanding of cell death mechanisms offers an opportunity for the development of new, more efficient and safer drugs. This highlight describes the efforts of our research group in the PDT field: chemical development of porphycenes as PDT photosensitizers, photophysical screening of new families of potential PDT agents, and development of spectroscopic techniques for directly monitoring singlet oxygen and thus better understand the production, diffusion, and reactivity of this primary cytotoxic species in cells.

ROS and redox signalling in the response of plants to abiotic stress

The redox state of the chloroplast and mitochondria, the two main powerhouses of photosynthesizing eukaryotes, is maintained by a delicate balance between energy production and consumption, and affected by the need to avoid increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These demands are especially critical during exposure to extreme environmental conditions, such as high light (HL) intensity, heat, drought or a combination of different environmental stresses. Under these conditions, ROS and redox cues, generated in the chloroplast and mitochondria, are essential for maintaining normal energy and metabolic fluxes, optimizing different cell functions, activating acclimation responses through retrograde signalling, and controlling whole-plant systemic signalling pathways. Regulation of the multiple redox and ROS signals in plants requires a high degree of coordination and balance between signalling and metabolic pathways in different cellular compartments. In this review, we provide an update on ROS and redox signalling in the context of abiotic stress responses, while addressing their role in retrograde regulation, systemic acquired acclimation and cellular coordination in plants.

Irradiation- and sensitizer-dependent changes in the lifetime of intracellular singlet oxygen produced in a photosensitized process

Singlet oxygen, O(2)(a(1)Δ(g)), was produced upon pulsed-laser irradiation of an intracellular photosensitizer and detected by its 1275 nm O(2)(a(1)Δ(g)) → O(2)(X(3)Σ(g)(-)) phosphorescence in time-resolved experiments using (1) individual mammalian cells on the stage of a microscope and (2) suspensions of mammalian cells in a 1 cm cuvette. Data were recorded using hydrophilic and, independently, hydrophobic sensitizers. The microscope-based single cell results are consistent with a model in which the behavior of singlet oxygen reflects the environment in which it is produced; nevertheless, the data also indicate that a significant fraction of a given singlet oxygen population readily crosses barriers between phase-separated intracellular domains. The singlet oxygen phosphorescence signals reflect the effects of singlet-oxygen-mediated damage on cell components which, at the limit, mean that data were collected from dead cells and, in some cases, reflect contributions from both intracellular and extracellular populations of singlet oxygen. Despite the irradiation-induced changes in the environment to which singlet oxygen is exposed, the "inherent" intracellular lifetime of singlet oxygen does not appear to change appreciably as the cell progresses toward death. The results obtained from cell suspensions reflect key features that differentiate cell ensemble from single cell experiments (e.g., the ensemble experiment is more susceptible to the effects of sensitizer that has leaked out of the cell). Overall, the data clearly indicate that measuring the intracellular lifetime of singlet oxygen in a O(2)(a(1)Δ(g)) → O(2)(X(3)Σ(g)(-)) phosphorescence experiment is a challenging endeavor that involves working with a dynamic system that is perturbed during the measurement. The most important aspect of this study is that it establishes a useful framework through which future singlet oxygen data from cells can be interpreted.

Generation and suppression of singlet oxygen in hair by photosensitization of melanin

We have studied the spectroscopic properties of hair (white, blond, red, brown, and black) under illumination with visible light, giving special emphasis to the photoinduced generation of singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)). Irradiation of hair shafts (λ(ex)>400 nm) changed their properties by degrading the melanin. Formation of C3 hydroperoxides in the melanin indol groups was proven by (1)H NMR. After 532-nm excitation, all hair shafts presented the characteristic (1)O(2) emission (λ(em)=1270 nm), whose intensity varied inversely with the melanin content. (1)O(2) lifetime was also shown to vary with hair type, being five times shorter in black hair than in blond hair, indicating the role of melanin as a (1)O(2) suppressor. Lifetime ranged from tenths of a nanosecond to a few microseconds, which is much shorter than the lifetime expected for (1)O(2) in the solvents in which the hair shafts were suspended, indicating that (1)O(2) is generated and suppressed inside the hair structure. Both eumelanin and pheomelanin were shown to produce and to suppress (1)O(2), with similar efficiencies. The higher amount of (1)O(2) generated in blond hair and its longer lifetime is compatible with the stronger damage that light exposure causes in blond hair. We propose a model to explain the formation and suppression of (1)O(2) in hair by photosensitization of melanin with visible light and the deleterious effects that an excess of visible light may cause in hair and skin.

Effects of environment on the photophysical characteristics of mesotetrakis methylpyridiniumyl porphyrin (TMPyP)

Porphyrins are an important class of organic molecules, with interesting linear and nonlinear optical properties given mainly by their extended π-conjugation structure. Their photophysical properties can be greatly affected by the surrounding environment, which can be used to tune its final properties. Here we report on an experimental study of the photophysical properties of meso-tetrakis (methylpyridiniumyl) porphyrin (TMPyP) in aqueous and in several organic solvents and its interaction with micelles formed from negatively charged sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS), positively charged cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and neutral TRITON X-100. By using the Z-scan technique, flash-photolysis and time-resolved fluorescence techniques, we were able to evaluate the excited state dynamics of the TMPyP, and observed that the tetrapyrrole ring plays important role due to hydrogen bonds formation between nitrogen atom and water, while the side groups determine the porphyrin localization in non-aqueous micelle part.

Solvatochromic and fluorescence behavior of sulfisoxazole

The Fluorescence spectroscopic and solvatochromic behavior of Sulfisoxazole, a sulfa drug with antimicrobial activities, in various pure solvents of different polarity and hydrogen bonding capability is reported. The fluorescence emission spectrum of sulfisoxazole was found to be solvent polarity dependent, where a notable red shift in emission maximum was observed with increasing solvent polarity as well as hydrogen bonding capability. The effects of the latter two solvent parameters were quantitatively investigated using the methods of Lippert-Mataga and solvatochromic comparison method (SCM) that is based on the Kamlet-Taft equation. Particularly, the Lippert-Mataga method was applied to estimate the dipole moment of the excited state (μ(e)) upon plotting Stokes shift versus solvent polarizability (Δf), where a value of 11.54 Debye was obtained. On the other hand, applying the multiple regression analysis to the SCM method revealed that solvent polarizability (π*) and hydrogen-bond donor capability (α) approximately equally stabilize sulfisoxazole in the excited state with minor destabilization contribution by the hydrogen-bond acceptor capability (β). These findings revealed that the excited state of sulfisoxazole is stabilized by polar solvents, indicating that this drug molecules exhibit larger dipole moment in the excited state than in the ground state, which in turn implies that a potential intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) occurs after excitation.

pH-dependent distribution of chlorin e6 derivatives across phospholipid bilayers probed by NMR spectroscopy

The pH-dependent membrane adsorption and distribution of three chlorin derivatives, chlorin e6 (CE), rhodin G7 (RG), and monoaspartyl-chlorin e6 (MACE), in the physiological pH range (pH 6-8) were probed by NMR spectroscopy. Unilamellar vesicles consisting of dioleoyl-phosphatidyl-choline (DOPC) were used as membrane models. The chlorin derivatives were characterized with respect to their aggregation behavior, the pK(a) values of individual carboxylate groups, the extent of membrane adsorption, and their flip-flop rates across the bilayer membrane for pH 6-8. External membrane adsorption was found to be lower for RG than for CE and MACE. Both electrostatic interactions and the extent of aggregation seemed to be the main determinants of membrane adsorption. Rate constants for chlorin transfer across the membrane were found to correlate strongly with the pH of the surrounding medium, in particular, for CE and RG. In acidic solution, CE and RG transfer across the membrane was strongly accelerated, and in basic solution, all compounds were retained, mostly in the outer monolayer. In contrast, MACE flip-flop across the membrane remained very low even at pH 6. The protonation of ionizable groups is suggested to be a major determinant of chlorin transfer rates across the bilayer. pK(a) values of CE and RG were found to be between 6 and 8, and two of the carboxylate groups in MACE had pK(a) values below 6. For CE and RG, the kinetic profiles at acidic pH indicated that the initial fast membrane distribution was followed by secondary steps that are discussed in this article.

Singlet oxygen: there is indeed something new under the sun

Singlet oxygen, O(2)(a(1)Delta(g)), the lowest excited electronic state of molecular oxygen, has been known to the scientific community for approximately 80 years. It has a characteristic chemistry that sets it apart from the triplet ground state of molecular oxygen, O(2)(X(3)Sigma), and is important in fields that range from atmospheric chemistry and materials science to biology and medicine. For such a "mature citizen", singlet oxygen nevertheless remains at the cutting-edge of modern science. In this critical review, recent work on singlet oxygen is summarized, focusing primarily on systems that involve light. It is clear that there is indeed still something new under the sun (243 references).

Biophysical properties of phenyl succinic acid derivatised hyaluronic acid

Modification of hyaluronic acid (HA) with aryl succinic anhydrides results in new biomedical properties of HA as compared to non-modified HA, such as more efficient skin penetration, stronger binding to the skin, and the ability to blend with hydrophobic materials. In the present study, hyaluronic acid has been derivatised with the anhydride form of phenyl succinic acid (PheSA). The fluorescence of PheSA was efficiently quenched by the HA matrix. HA also acted as a singlet oxygen scavenger. Fluorescence lifetime(s) of PheSA in solution and when attached to the HA matrix has been monitored with ps resolved streak camera technology. Structural and fluorescence properties changes induced on HA-PheSA due to the presence of singlet oxygen were monitored using static light scattering (SLS), steady state fluorescence and ps time resolved fluorescence studies. SLS studies provided insight into the depolymerisation kinetics of PheSA derivatised HA matrix in the presence of singlet oxygen. Time resolved fluorescence studies grave insight into the dynamics of the reaction mechanisms induced on HA-PheSA by singlet oxygen. These studies provided insight into the medical relevance of PheSA derivatised HA: its capacity of scavenging singlet oxygen and of quenching PheSA fluorescence. These studies revealed that HA-PheSA is a strong quencher of electronic excited state PheSA and acts as a scavenger of singlet oxygen, thus medical applications of this derivatised form of HA may protect tissues and organs, such as skin, against reactive oxygen species damage.

Photochemical internalization (PCI) in cancer therapy: from bench towards bedside medicine

PDT in cancer therapy has been reviewed several times recently and many published reports have been showing promising results. The clinical approvals for PDT include curative treatment of early or superficial cancers and palliative treatment of more advanced disease. Still PDT has yet to become a widely used cancer treatment. This may partly be due to limitations in current PDT regimens and partly due to effective alternative treatment modalities. If the specificity and selectivity of PDT could be improved, PDT would probably make substantial progress and comprise an even more competitive alternative in cancer treatment. The PCI technology is based on the same principles as PDT, the activation of a photosensitizer by light and subsequently followed by formation of reactive oxygen species. Unlike PDT, the photosensitizer used in PCI has to be located in the endocytic vesicles of the targeted cells and will, upon activation of light, induce a release of endocytosed therapeutic agents after a photochemically induced rupture of the endocytic vesicles. The endocytosed therapeutic agent will then be released and may reach their intracellular target of action before being degraded in lysosomes. This site-specific drug delivery induced by PCI will take place in addition to the well described cytotoxic, vascular and immunostimulatory effects of PDT. PCI has been shown to facilitate intracellular delivery of a large variety of macromolecules that do not otherwise readily penetrate the plasma membrane, including type I ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), RIP-based immunotoxins, genes and some chemotherapeutic agents. Several animal models have been used for in vivo documentation of the PCI principle and more animal models of clinical relevance have recently been utilized for addressing clinical issues. This review will focus on the possibilities and limitations offered by PCI to overcome some of the challenges recognized in current PDT regimens in cancer treatment.

Photosensitizing properties of chlorins in solution and in membrane-mimicking systems

The photosensitizing properties of three chlorins, meso-tetra(3-hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (m-THPC), chlorin e6 (Ce6) and meso-tetraphenylchlorin substituted by two adjacent sulfonated groups (TPCS(2a)) are compared in solution and when incorporated in dioleoyl-sn-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) liposomes. In solution, the three chlorins possess a similar efficacy to generate singlet oxygen (quantum yield approximately 0.65). The formation of conjugated dienes was used to determine their ability to induce the peroxidation of methyl linoleate as a target of singlet oxygen. In ethanol solution, the apparent quantum yield for this process is the same for the three chlorins and its value agrees with that expected from the known rates for the decay of singlet oxygen and its reaction with methyl linoleate. When incorporated in liposomes, the order of efficacy is m-THPC > TPCS(2a) > Ce6. This order is tentatively assigned to the relative embedment of the photosensitizer within the lipidic bilayer, TPCS(2a) and Ce6 being anchored by their negative chains nearer to the water-lipid interface. The photoinduced permeation of the lipidic bilayer by these chlorins was investigated by measuring the release of carboxyfluorescein entrapped into DOPC liposomes. The charged chlorins, in particular TPCS(2a), are the most efficient, a result discussed in relation with the technology of photochemical internalization, PCI.

Singlet oxygen in a cell: spatially dependent lifetimes and quenching rate constants

Singlet molecular oxygen, O(2)(a(1)Delta(g)), can be created in a single cell from ground-state oxygen, O(2)(X(3)Sigma(g)(-)), upon focused laser irradiation of an intracellular sensitizer. This cytotoxic species can subsequently be detected by its 1270 nm phosphorescence (a(1)Delta(g) --> X(3)Sigma(g)(-)) with subcellular spatial resolution. The singlet oxygen lifetime determines its diffusion distance and hence the intracellular volume element in which singlet-oxygen-initiated perturbation of the cell occurs. In this study, the time-resolved phosphorescence of singlet oxygen produced by the sensitizers chlorin (Chl) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)-21H,23H-porphine (TMPyP) was monitored. These molecules localize in different domains of a living cell. The data indicate that (i) the singlet oxygen lifetime and (ii) the rate constant for singlet oxygen quenching by added NaN(3) depend on whether Chl or TMPyP was the photosensitizer. These observations likely reflect differences in the chemical and physical constituency of a given subcellular domain (e.g., spatially dependent oxygen and NaN(3) diffusion coefficients), thereby providing evidence that singlet oxygen responds to the inherent heterogeneity of a cell. Thus, despite a relatively long intracellular lifetime, singlet oxygen does not diffuse a great distance from its site of production. This is a consequence of an apparent intracellular viscosity that is comparatively large.