1
|
Li X, Liu Y, Wu L, Zhao J. Molecular Nanoarchitectonics of Natural Photosensitizers and Their Derivatives Nanostructures for Improved Photodynamic Therapy. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300599. [PMID: 38069595 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Natural photosensitizers (PSs) and their derivatives have drawn ever-increasing attention in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for their wild range of sources, desirable biocompatibility, and good photosensitivity. Nevertheless, many factors such as poor solubility, high body clearance rate, limited tumor targeting ability, and short excitation wavelengths severely hinder their applications in efficient PDT. In recent years, fabricating nanostructures by utilizing molecular assembly technique is proposed to solve these problems. This technique is easy to put into effect, and the assembled nanostructures could improve the physical properties of the PSs so as to meet the requirement of PDT. In this concept, we focus on the construction of natural PSs and their derivatives nanostructures through molecular assembly technique to enhance PDT efficacy (Figure 1). Furthermore, current challenges and future perspectives of natural PSs and their derivatives for efficient PDT are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Li
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, 712046, Xianyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Health Cultivation of the Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Health Cultivation of Beijing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS, Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Key Laboratory of Health Cultivation of the Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Health Cultivation of Beijing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS, Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zangoli M, Monti F, Zanelli A, Marinelli M, Flammini S, Spallacci N, Zakrzewska A, Lanzi M, Salatelli E, Pierini F, Di Maria F. Multifunctional Photoelectroactive Materials for Optoelectronic Applications Based on Thieno[3,4-b]pyrazines and Thieno[1,2,5]thiadiazoles. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303590. [PMID: 37983681 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we introduce a novel family of symmetrical thiophene-based small molecules with a Donor-Acceptor-Donor structure. These compounds feature three different acceptor units: benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (Bz), thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine (Pz), and thieno[1,2,5]thiadiazole (Tz), coupled with electron donor units based on a carbazole-thiophene derivative. Using Density Functional Theory (DFT), we investigate how the molecular geometry and strength of the central acceptor unit impact the redox and spectroscopic properties. Notably, the incorporation of Pz and Tz moieties induces a significant redshift in the absorption and emission spectra, which extend into the near-infrared (NIR) region, simultaneously reducing their energy gaps (~1.4-1.6 eV). This shift is attributed to the increased coplanarity of the oligomeric inner core, both in the ground (S0 ) and excited (S1 ) states, due to the enhanced quinoidal character as supported by bond-length alternation (BLA) analysis. These structural changes promote better π-electron delocalization and facilitate photoinduced charge transfer processes in optoelectronic devices. Notably, we show that Pz- and Tz-containing molecules exhibit NIR electrochromic behavior and present ambivalent character in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. Finally, theoretical calculations suggest that these molecules could serve as effective two-photon absorption (2PA) probes, further expanding their potential in optoelectronic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Zangoli
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures, Istituto ISOF-CNR, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Filippo Monti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Zanelli
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Marinelli
- Department of Industrial Chemistry "Toso Montanari", University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Soraia Flammini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
- RCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Nicol Spallacci
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Zakrzewska
- Department of Biosystems and Soft Matter, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Pawinskiego 5B, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Massimiliano Lanzi
- Department of Industrial Chemistry "Toso Montanari", University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Salatelli
- Department of Industrial Chemistry "Toso Montanari", University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Filippo Pierini
- Department of Biosystems and Soft Matter, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Pawinskiego 5B, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Francesca Di Maria
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures, Istituto ISOF-CNR, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Petrosino A, Saporetti R, Starinieri F, Sarti E, Ulfo L, Boselli L, Cantelli A, Morini A, Zadran SK, Zuccheri G, Pasquini Z, Di Giosia M, Prodi L, Pompa PP, Costantini PE, Calvaresi M, Danielli A. A modular phage vector platform for targeted photodynamic therapy of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. iScience 2023; 26:108032. [PMID: 37822492 PMCID: PMC10563061 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing antibiotic resistance has encouraged the revival of phage-inspired antimicrobial approaches. On the other hand, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considered a very promising research domain for the protection against infectious diseases. Yet, very few efforts have been made to combine the advantages of both approaches in a modular, retargetable platform. Here, we foster the M13 bacteriophage as a multifunctional scaffold, enabling the selective photodynamic killing of bacteria. We took advantage of the well-defined molecular biology of M13 to functionalize its capsid with hundreds of photo-activable Rose Bengal sensitizers and contemporarily target this light-triggerable nanobot to specific bacterial species by phage display of peptide targeting moieties fused to the minor coat protein pIII of the phage. Upon light irradiation of the specimen, the targeted killing of diverse Gram(-) pathogens occurred at subnanomolar concentrations of the phage vector. Our findings contribute to the development of antimicrobials based on targeted and triggerable phage-based nanobiotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Petrosino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Saporetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician” – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Starinieri
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Sarti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Boselli
- Nanobiointeractions and Nanodiagnostics Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Cantelli
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza" Unit of Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Morini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Suleman Khan Zadran
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Zuccheri
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI SDV – Centro Interdipartimentale Scienze della Vita - Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E - 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Zeno Pasquini
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician” – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Prodi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician” – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI SDV – Centro Interdipartimentale Scienze della Vita - Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E - 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Pompa
- Nanobiointeractions and Nanodiagnostics Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Emidio Costantini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician” – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI SDV – Centro Interdipartimentale Scienze della Vita - Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E - 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI SDV – Centro Interdipartimentale Scienze della Vita - Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E - 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marforio TD, Carboni A, Calvaresi M. In Vivo Application of Carboranes for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT): Structure, Formulation and Analytical Methods for Detection. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4944. [PMID: 37894311 PMCID: PMC10605826 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Carboranes have emerged as one of the most promising boron agents in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). In this context, in vivo studies are particularly relevant, since they provide qualitative and quantitative information about the biodistribution of these molecules, which is of the utmost importance to determine the efficacy of BNCT, defining their localization and (bio)accumulation, as well as their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. First, we gathered a detailed list of the carboranes used for in vivo studies, considering the synthesis of carborane derivatives or the use of delivery system such as liposomes, micelles and nanoparticles. Then, the formulation employed and the cancer model used in each of these studies were identified. Finally, we examined the analytical aspects concerning carborane detection, identifying the main methodologies applied in the literature for ex vivo and in vivo analysis. The present work aims to identify the current strengths and weakness of the use of carboranes in BNCT, establishing the bottlenecks and the best strategies for future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Carboni
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Di Sante M, Kaltenbrunner A, Lombardo M, Danielli A, Costantini PE, Di Giosia M, Calvaresi M. Putting a "C 60 Ball" and Chain to Chlorin e6 Improves Its Cellular Uptake and Photodynamic Performances. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1329. [PMID: 37765138 PMCID: PMC10538216 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and fullerene (C60) are among the most used photosensitizers (PSs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Through the combination of the chemical and photophysical properties of Ce6 and C60, in principle, we can obtain an "ideal" photosensitizer that is able to bypass the limitations of the two molecules alone, i.e., the low cellular uptake of Ce6 and the scarce solubility and absorption in the red region of the C60. Here, we synthesized and characterized a Ce6-C60 dyad. The UV-Vis spectrum of the dyad showed the typical absorption bands of both fullerene and Ce6, while a quenching of Ce6 fluorescence was observed. This behavior is typical in the formation of a fullerene-antenna system and is due to the intramolecular energy, or electron transfer from the antenna (Ce6) to the fullerene. Consequently, the Ce6-C60 dyad showed an enhancement in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Flow cytometry measurements demonstrated how the uptake of the Ce6 was strongly improved by the conjugation with C60. The Ce6-C60 dyad exhibited in A431 cancer cells low dark toxicity and a higher PDT efficacy than Ce6 alone, due to the enhancement of the uptake and the improvement of ROS generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuele Di Sante
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.D.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Alena Kaltenbrunner
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Marco Lombardo
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.D.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Paolo Emidio Costantini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.D.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.D.S.); (M.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Marforio TD, Mattioli EJ, Zerbetto F, Calvaresi M. Exploiting Blood Transport Proteins as Carborane Supramolecular Vehicles for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13111770. [PMID: 37299673 DOI: 10.3390/nano13111770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Carboranes are promising agents for applications in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), but their hydrophobicity prevents their use in physiological environments. Here, by using reverse docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identified blood transport proteins as candidate carriers of carboranes. Hemoglobin showed a higher binding affinity for carboranes than transthyretin and human serum albumin (HSA), which are well-known carborane-binding proteins. Myoglobin, ceruloplasmin, sex hormone-binding protein, lactoferrin, plasma retinol-binding protein, thyroxine-binding globulin, corticosteroid-binding globulin and afamin have a binding affinity comparable to transthyretin/HSA. The carborane@protein complexes are stable in water and characterized by favorable binding energy. The driving force in the carborane binding is represented by the formation of hydrophobic interactions with aliphatic amino acids and BH-π and CH-π interactions with aromatic amino acids. Dihydrogen bonds, classical hydrogen bonds and surfactant-like interactions also assist the binding. These results (i) identify the plasma proteins responsible for binding carborane upon their intravenous administration, and (ii) suggest an innovative formulation for carboranes based on the formation of a carborane@protein complex prior to the administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tainah Dorina Marforio
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Jun Mattioli
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Zerbetto
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liang Z, Sun Y, Zeng H, Qin H, Yang R, Qu L, Zhang K, Li Z. Broad-Specificity Screening of Pyrethroids Enabled by the Catalytic Function of Human Serum Albumin on Coumarin Hydrolysis. Anal Chem 2023; 95:5678-5686. [PMID: 36952638 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Sensing systems based on cholinesterase and carboxylesterase coupled with different transduction technologies have emerged for pesticide screening owing to their simple operation, fast response, and suitability for on-site analysis. However, the broad spectrum and specificity screening of pyrethroids over organophosphates and carbamates remains an unmet challenge for current enzymatic sensors. Human serum albumin (HSA), a multifunctional protein, can promote various chemical transformations and show a high affinity for pyrethroids, which offer a route for specific and broad-spectrum pyrethroid screening. Herein, for the first time, we evaluated the catalytic hydrolysis function of human serum albumin (HSA) on the coumarin lactone bond and revealed that HSA can act as an enzyme to catalyze the hydrolysis of the coumarin lactone bond. Molecular docking and chemical modifications indicate that lysine 199 and tyrosine 411 serve as the catalytic general base and contribute to most of the catalytic activity. Utilizing this enzymatic activity, a broad specific ratiometric fluorescence pyrethroids sensing system was developed. The binding energetics and binding constants of pesticides and HSA show that pyrethroids bind to HSA more easily than organophosphates and carbamates, which is responsible for the specificity of the sensing system. This study provides a general sensor platform and strategy for screening pesticides and reveals the catalytic activity of HSA on the hydrolysis of the coumarin lactone bond, which may open innovative horizons for the chemical sensing and biomedical applications of HSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zengqiang Liang
- College of Chemistry, Green Catalysis Center, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Construction of Functional Molecules and Their Bioanalytical Applications, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Functional Nanomaterial and Medical Theranostic, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yuanqiang Sun
- College of Chemistry, Green Catalysis Center, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Construction of Functional Molecules and Their Bioanalytical Applications, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Functional Nanomaterial and Medical Theranostic, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Huajin Zeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Haimei Qin
- Fujian Provincial Key Lab of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Ran Yang
- College of Chemistry, Green Catalysis Center, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Construction of Functional Molecules and Their Bioanalytical Applications, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Functional Nanomaterial and Medical Theranostic, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lingbo Qu
- College of Chemistry, Green Catalysis Center, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Construction of Functional Molecules and Their Bioanalytical Applications, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Functional Nanomaterial and Medical Theranostic, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Quick Testing and Smart Supervision Technology for State Market Regulation, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Zhaohui Li
- College of Chemistry, Green Catalysis Center, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Construction of Functional Molecules and Their Bioanalytical Applications, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Functional Nanomaterial and Medical Theranostic, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Identification of Blood Transport Proteins to Carry Temoporfin: A Domino Approach from Virtual Screening to Synthesis and In Vitro PDT Testing. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030919. [PMID: 36986780 PMCID: PMC10056000 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Temoporfin (mTHPC) is one of the most promising photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Despite its clinical use, the lipophilic character of mTHPC still hampers the full exploitation of its potential. Low solubility in water, high tendency to aggregate, and low biocompatibility are the main limitations because they cause poor stability in physiological environments, dark toxicity, and ultimately reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Applying a reverse docking approach, here, we identified a number of blood transport proteins able to bind and disperse monomolecularly mTHPC, namely apohemoglobin, apomyoglobin, hemopexin, and afamin. We validated the computational results synthesizing the mTHPC-apomyoglobin complex (mTHPC@apoMb) and demonstrated that the protein monodisperses mTHPC in a physiological environment. The mTHPC@apoMb complex preserves the imaging properties of the molecule and improves its ability to produce ROS via both type I and type II mechanisms. The effectiveness of photodynamic treatment using the mTHPC@apoMb complex was then demonstrated in vitro. Blood transport proteins can be used as molecular “Trojan horses” in cancer cells by conferring mTHPC (i) water solubility, (ii) monodispersity, and (iii) biocompatibility, ultimately bypassing the current limitations of mTHPC.
Collapse
|
9
|
Dissecting the Interactions between Chlorin e6 and Human Serum Albumin. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052348. [PMID: 36903592 PMCID: PMC10005744 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlorin e6 (Ce6) is among the most used sensitizers in photodynamic (PDT) and sonodynamic (SDT) therapy; its low solubility in water, however, hampers its clinical exploitation. Ce6 has a strong tendency to aggregate in physiological environments, reducing its performance as a photo/sono-sensitizer, as well as yielding poor pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The interaction of Ce6 with human serum albumin (HSA) (i) governs its biodistribution and (ii) can be used to improve its water solubility by encapsulation. Here, using ensemble docking and microsecond molecular dynamics simulations, we identified the two Ce6 binding pockets in HSA, i.e., the Sudlow I site and the heme binding pocket, providing an atomistic description of the binding. Comparing the photophysical and photosensitizing properties of Ce6@HSA with respect to the same properties regarding the free Ce6, it was observed that (i) a red-shift occurred in both the absorption and emission spectra, (ii) a maintaining of the fluorescence quantum yield and an increase of the excited state lifetime was detected, and (iii) a switch from the type II to the type I mechanism in a reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, upon irradiation, took place.
Collapse
|
10
|
Greco G, Ulfo L, Turrini E, Marconi A, Costantini PE, Marforio TD, Mattioli EJ, Di Giosia M, Danielli A, Fimognari C, Calvaresi M. Light-Enhanced Cytotoxicity of Doxorubicin by Photoactivation. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030392. [PMID: 36766734 PMCID: PMC9913797 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of photodynamic therapy with chemotherapy (photochemotherapy, PCT) can lead to additive or synergistic antitumor effects. Usually, two different molecules, a photosensitizer (PS) and a chemotherapeutic drug are used in PCT. Doxorubicin is one of the most successful chemotherapy drugs. Despite its high efficacy, two factors limit its clinical use: severe side effects and the development of chemoresistance. Doxorubicin is a chromophore, able to absorb light in the visible range, making it a potential PS. Here, we exploited the intrinsic photosensitizing properties of doxorubicin to enhance its anticancer activity in leukemia, breast, and epidermoid carcinoma cells, upon irradiation. Light can selectively trigger the local generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), following photophysical pathways. Doxorubicin showed a concentration-dependent ability to generate peroxides and singlet oxygen upon irradiation. The underlying mechanisms leading to the increase in its cytotoxic activity were intracellular ROS generation and the induction of necrotic cell death. The nuclear localization of doxorubicin represents an added value for its use as a PS. The use of doxorubicin in PCT, simultaneously acting as a chemotherapeutic agent and a PS, may allow (i) an increase in the anticancer effects of the drug, and (ii) a decrease in its dose, and thus, its dose-related adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Greco
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna,40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Alessia Marconi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna,40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Emidio Costantini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tainah Dorina Marforio
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna,40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Jun Mattioli
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna,40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna,40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna,40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.F.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mattioli EJ, Ulfo L, Marconi A, Pellicioni V, Costantini PE, Marforio TD, Di Giosia M, Danielli A, Fimognari C, Turrini E, Calvaresi M. Carrying Temoporfin with Human Serum Albumin: A New Perspective for Photodynamic Application in Head and Neck Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010068. [PMID: 36671454 PMCID: PMC9855801 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Temoporfin (mTHPC) is approved in Europe for the photodynamic treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Although it has a promising profile, its lipophilic character hampers the full exploitation of its potential due to high tendency of aggregation and a reduced ROS generation that compromise photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy. Moreover, for its clinical administration, mTHPC requires the presence of ethanol and propylene glycol as solvents, often causing adverse effects in the site of injection. In this paper we explored the efficiency of a new mTHPC formulation that uses human serum albumin (HSA) to disperse the photosensitizer in solution (mTHPC@HSA), investigating its anticancer potential in two HNSCC cell lines. Through a comprehensive characterization, we demonstrated that mTHPC@HSA is stable in physiological environment, does not aggregate, and is extremely efficient in PDT performance, due to its high singlet oxygen generation and the high dispersion as monomolecular form in HSA. This is supported by the computational identification of the specific binding pocket of mTHPC in HSA. Moreover, mTHPC@HSA-PDT induces cytotoxicity in both HNSCC cell lines, increasing intracellular ROS generation and the number of γ-H2AX foci, a cellular event involved in the global response to cellular stress. Taken together these results highlight the promising phototoxic profile of the complex, prompting further studies to assess its clinical potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Jun Mattioli
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Marconi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Pellicioni
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Paolo Emidio Costantini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tainah Dorina Marforio
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.T.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cantelli A, Malferrari M, Mattioli EJ, Marconi A, Mirra G, Soldà A, Marforio TD, Zerbetto F, Rapino S, Di Giosia M, Calvaresi M. Enhanced Uptake and Phototoxicity of C 60@albumin Hybrids by Folate Bioconjugation. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:nano12193501. [PMID: 36234629 PMCID: PMC9565331 DOI: 10.3390/nano12193501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fullerenes are considered excellent photosensitizers, being highly suitable for photodynamic therapy (PDT). A lack of water solubility and low biocompatibility are, in many instances, still hampering the full exploitation of their potential in nanomedicine. Here, we used human serum albumin (HSA) to disperse fullerenes by binding up to five fullerene cages inside the hydrophobic cavities. Albumin was bioconjugated with folic acid to specifically address the folate receptors that are usually overexpressed in several solid tumors. Concurrently, tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate, TRITC, a tag for imaging, was conjugated to C60@HSA in order to build an effective phototheranostic platform. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that: (i) HSA disperses C60 molecules in a physiological environment, (ii) HSA, upon C60 binding, maintains its biological identity and biocompatibility, (iii) the C60@HSA complex shows a significant visible-light-induced production of reactive oxygen species, and (iv) folate bioconjugation improves both the internalization and the PDT-induced phototoxicity of the C60@HSA complex in HeLa cells.
Collapse
|
13
|
Synthesis, properties, and material hybridization of bare aromatic polymers enabled by dendrimer support. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5358. [PMID: 36114165 PMCID: PMC9481634 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33100-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatic polymers are the first-choice platform for current organic materials due to their distinct optical, electronic, and mechanical properties as well as their biocompatibility. However, bare aromatic polymer backbones tend to strongly aggregate, rendering them essentially insoluble in organic solvent. While the typical solution is to install many solubilizing substituents on the backbones, this often provokes undesired property changes. Herein, we report the synthesis of bare aromatic polymers enabled by a dendrimer support. An initiator arene containing a diterpenoid-based dendrimer undergoes Pd-catalyzed polymerization with monomers bearing no solubilizing substituents to furnish bare aromatic polymers such as polythiophenes and poly(para-phenylene)s. The high solubility of dendrimer-ligated polymers allows not only the unveiling of the properties of unsubstituted π-conjugated backbone, but also mild release of dendrimer-free aromatic polymers and even transfer of aromatic polymers to other materials, such as silica gel and protein, which may accelerate the creation of hybrid materials nowadays challenging to access. Unsubstituted aromatic polymers are materials with multiple potential applications, but their preparation remains challenging. Here, the authors report a dendrimer-enabled synthesis of soluble bare aromatic polymers and explore their properties; these compounds can be further transformed into other materials.
Collapse
|
14
|
Bortot B, Apollonio M, Baj G, Andolfi L, Zupin L, Crovella S, di Giosia M, Cantelli A, Saporetti R, Ulfo L, Petrosino A, Di Lorenzo G, Romano F, Ricci G, Mongiat M, Danielli A, Calvaresi M, Biffi S. Advanced photodynamic therapy with an engineered M13 phage targeting EGFR: Mitochondrial localization and autophagy induction in ovarian cancer cell lines. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 179:242-251. [PMID: 34808331 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potential synergistic approach to chemotherapy for treating ovarian cancer, the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Here we used M13 bacteriophage as a targeted vector for the efficient photodynamic killing of SKOV3 and COV362 cells. The M13 phage was refactored (M13r) to display an EGFR binding peptide in its tip that is frequently overexpressed in ovarian cancer. The refactored phage was conjugated with chlorin e6 (Ce6), one of the most widely used photosensitizers (M13r-Ce6). The new platform, upon irradiation, generated ROS by type I mechanism and showed activity in killing SKOV3 and COV362 cells even at concentrations in which Ce6 alone was ineffective. A microscopy analysis demonstrated an enhanced cellular uptake of M13r-Ce6 compared to free Ce6 and its mitochondrial localization. Western blot analysis revealed significant downregulation in the expression of EGFR in cells exposed to M13r-Ce6 after PDT. Following PDT treatment, autophagy induction was supported by an increased expression of LC3II, along with a raised autophagic fluorescent signal, as observed by fluorescence microscopy analysis for autophagosome visualization. As a conclusion we have herein proposed a bacteriophage-based receptor targeted photodynamic therapy for EGFR-positive ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bortot
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maura Apollonio
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- BRAIN Center for Neuroscience, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Andolfi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luisa Zupin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sergio Crovella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Matteo di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Cantelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Saporetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annapaola Petrosino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Lorenzo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy; Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mongiat
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Italy
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Stefania Biffi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ulfo L, Cantelli A, Petrosino A, Costantini PE, Nigro M, Starinieri F, Turrini E, Zadran SK, Zuccheri G, Saporetti R, Di Giosia M, Danielli A, Calvaresi M. Orthogonal nanoarchitectonics of M13 phage for receptor targeted anticancer photodynamic therapy. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:632-641. [PMID: 34792088 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr06053h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a promising therapeutic modality for cancer. Here we used an orthogonal nanoarchitectonics approach (genetic/chemical) to engineer M13 bacteriophages as targeted vectors for efficient photodynamic killing of cancer cells. M13 was genetically refactored to display on the phage tip a peptide (SYPIPDT) able to bind the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The refactored M13EGFR phages demonstrated EGFR-targeted tropism and were internalized by A431 cancer cells, that overexpress EGFR. Using an orthogonal approach to the genetic display, M13EGFR phages were then chemically modified, conjugating hundreds of Rose Bengal (RB) photosensitizing molecules on the capsid surface, without affecting the selective recognition of the SYPIPDT peptides. Upon internalization, the M13EGFR-RB derivatives generated intracellularly reactive oxygen species, activated by an ultralow intensity white light irradiation. The killing activity of cancer cells is observed at picomolar concentrations of the M13EGFR phage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Andrea Cantelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Annapaola Petrosino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paolo Emidio Costantini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Michela Nigro
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesco Starinieri
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Suleman Khan Zadran
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giampaolo Zuccheri
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Roberto Saporetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ulfo L, Costantini PE, Di Giosia M, Danielli A, Calvaresi M. EGFR-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020241. [PMID: 35213974 PMCID: PMC8879084 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a pivotal role in the proliferation and metastatization of cancer cells. Aberrancies in the expression and activation of EGFR are hallmarks of many human malignancies. As such, EGFR-targeted therapies hold significant potential for the cure of cancers. In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained increased interest as a non-invasive cancer treatment. In PDT, a photosensitizer is excited by light to produce reactive oxygen species, resulting in local cytotoxicity. One of the critical aspects of PDT is to selectively transport enough photosensitizers to the tumors environment. Accordingly, an increasing number of strategies have been devised to foster EGFR-targeted PDT. Herein, we review the recent nanobiotechnological advancements that combine the promise of PDT with EGFR-targeted molecular cancer therapy. We recapitulate the chemistry of the sensitizers and their modes of action in PDT, and summarize the advantages and pitfalls of different targeting moieties, highlighting future perspectives for EGFR-targeted photodynamic treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (P.E.C.)
| | - Paolo Emidio Costantini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (P.E.C.)
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (P.E.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Neto BAD, Correa JR, Spencer J. Fluorescent Benzothiadiazole Derivatives as Fluorescence Imaging Dyes: A Decade of New Generation Probes. Chemistry 2021; 28:e202103262. [PMID: 34643974 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202103262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The current review describes advances in the use of fluorescent 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTD) derivatives after nearly one decade since the first description of bioimaging experiments using this class of fluorogenic dyes. The review describes the use of BTD-containing fluorophores applied as, inter alia, bioprobes for imaging cell nuclei, mitochondria, lipid droplets, sensors, markers for proteins and related events, biological processes and activities, lysosomes, plasma membranes, multicellular models, and animals. A number of physicochemical and photophysical properties commonly observed for BTD fluorogenic structures are also described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenno A D Neto
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Technological Chemistry, Chemistry Institute (IQ-UnB), University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70904-900, Brazil
| | - Jose R Correa
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Technological Chemistry, Chemistry Institute (IQ-UnB), University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70904-900, Brazil
| | - John Spencer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sussex School of Life Sciences, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QJ, U.K
| |
Collapse
|