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Li Q, Ming R, Huang L, Zhang R. Versatile Peptide-Based Nanosystems for Photodynamic Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:218. [PMID: 38399272 PMCID: PMC10892956 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020218] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become an important therapeutic strategy because it is highly controllable, effective, and does not cause drug resistance. Moreover, precise delivery of photosensitizers to tumor lesions can greatly reduce the amount of drug administered and optimize therapeutic outcomes. As alternatives to protein antibodies, peptides have been applied as useful targeting ligands for targeted biomedical imaging, drug delivery and PDT. In addition, other functionalities of peptides such as stimuli responsiveness, self-assembly, and therapeutic activity can be integrated with photosensitizers to yield versatile peptide-based nanosystems for PDT. In this article, we start with a brief introduction to PDT and peptide-based nanosystems, followed by more detailed descriptions about the structure, property, and architecture of peptides as background information. Finally, the most recent advances in peptide-based nanosystems for PDT are emphasized and summarized according to the functionalities of peptide in the system to reveal the design and development principle in different therapeutic circumstances. We hope this review could provide useful insights and valuable reference for the development of peptide-based nanosystems for PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyan Li
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ruiqi Ming
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Lili Huang
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ruoyu Zhang
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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2
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Nisticò N, Aloisio A, Lupia A, Zimbo AM, Mimmi S, Maisano D, Russo R, Marino F, Scalise M, Chiarella E, Mancuso T, Fiume G, Omodei D, Zannetti A, Salvatore G, Quinto I, Iaccino E. Development of Cyclic Peptides Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Mesenchymal Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Subtype. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071078. [PMID: 37048151 PMCID: PMC10093212 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by the lack of expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and amplification of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Being the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) highly expressed in mesenchymal TNBC and correlated with aggressive growth behavior, it represents an ideal target for anticancer drugs. Here, we have applied the phage display for selecting two highly specific peptide ligands for targeting the EGFR overexpressed in MDA-MB-231 cells, a human TNBC cell line. Molecular docking predicted the peptide-binding affinities and sites in the extracellular domain of EGFR. The binding of the FITC-conjugated peptides to human and murine TNBC cells was validated by flow cytometry. Confocal microscopy confirmed the peptide binding specificity to EGFR-positive MDA-MB-231 tumor xenograft tissues and their co-localization with the membrane EGFR. Further, the peptide stimulation did not affect the cell cycle of TNBC cells, which is of interest for their utility for tumor targeting. Our data indicate that these novel peptides are highly specific ligands for the EGFR overexpressed in TNBC cells, and thus they could be used in conjugation with nanoparticles for tumor-targeted delivery of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Nisticò
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Lupia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Net4Science srl, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Zimbo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Selena Mimmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Maisano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Rossella Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Fabiola Marino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariangela Scalise
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Teresa Mancuso
- “Annunziata” Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniela Omodei
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Zannetti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Salvatore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli studi di Napoli “Parthenope”, 80133 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE- Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.A.R.L., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Ileana Quinto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Enrico Iaccino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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3
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Chu JCH, Wong CTT, Ng DKP. Toward Precise Antitumoral Photodynamic Therapy Using a Dual Receptor-Mediated Bioorthogonal Activation Approach. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202214473. [PMID: 36376249 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214473] [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: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Targeted delivery and specific activation of photosensitizers can greatly improve the treatment outcome of photodynamic therapy. To this end, we report herein a novel dual receptor-mediated bioorthogonal activation approach to enhance the tumor specificity of the photodynamic action. It involves the targeted delivery of a biotinylated boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-based photosensitizer, which is quenched in the native form by the attached 1,2,4,5-tetrazine unit, and an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting cyclic peptide conjugated with a bicycle[6.1.0]non-4-yne moiety. Only for cancer cells that overexpress both the biotin receptor and EGFR, the two components can be internalized preferentially where they undergo an inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction, leading to restoration of the photodynamic activity of the BODIPY core. By using a range of cell lines with different expression levels of these two receptors, we have demonstrated that this stepwise "deliver-and-click" approach can confine the photodynamic action on a specific type of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky C H Chu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Clarence T T Wong
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.,Current address: Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dennis K P Ng
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
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4
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Furman O, Zaporozhets A, Tobi D, Bazylevich A, Firer MA, Patsenker L, Gellerman G, Lubin BCR. Novel Cyclic Peptides for Targeting EGFR and EGRvIII Mutation for Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071505. [PMID: 35890400 PMCID: PMC9318536 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071505] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-EGFR) pathway has become the main focus of selective chemotherapeutic intervention. As a result, two classes of EGFR inhibitors have been clinically approved, namely monoclonal antibodies and small molecule kinase inhibitors. Despite an initial good response rate to these drugs, most patients develop drug resistance. Therefore, new treatment approaches are needed. In this work, we aimed to find a new EGFR-specific, short cyclic peptide, which could be used for targeted drug delivery. Phage display peptide technology and biopanning were applied to three EGFR expressing cells, including cells expressing the EGFRvIII mutation. DNA from the internalized phage was extracted and the peptide inserts were sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Eleven peptides were selected for further investigation using binding, internalization, and competition assays, and the results were confirmed by confocal microscopy and peptide docking. Among these eleven peptides, seven showed specific and selective binding and internalization into EGFR positive (EGFR+ve) cells, with two of them—P6 and P9—also demonstrating high specificity for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and glioblastoma cells, respectively. These peptides were chemically conjugated to camptothecin (CPT). The conjugates were more cytotoxic to EGFR+ve cells than free CPT. Our results describe a novel cyclic peptide, which can be used for targeted drug delivery to cells overexpressing the EGFR and EGFRvIII mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Furman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Materials, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (O.F.); (M.A.F.)
- Agriculture and Oenology Department, Eastern Regional R&D Center, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Alisa Zaporozhets
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (A.Z.); (A.B.); (L.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Dror Tobi
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Andrii Bazylevich
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (A.Z.); (A.B.); (L.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Michael A. Firer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Materials, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (O.F.); (M.A.F.)
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
- Ariel Center for Applied Cancer Research, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Leonid Patsenker
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (A.Z.); (A.B.); (L.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Gary Gellerman
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (A.Z.); (A.B.); (L.P.); (G.G.)
- Ariel Center for Applied Cancer Research, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Bat Chen R. Lubin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Materials, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (O.F.); (M.A.F.)
- Agriculture and Oenology Department, Eastern Regional R&D Center, Ariel 40700, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-50-6554655
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5
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Xue EY, Yang C, Fong WP, Ng DKP. Site-Specific Displacement-Driven Activation of Supramolecular Photosensitizing Nanoassemblies for Antitumoral Photodynamic Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:14903-14915. [PMID: 35333503 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c23740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The delivery and activation of photosensitizers in a specific manner is crucial in photodynamic therapy. For an antitumoral application, it can confine the photodynamic action on the cancer cells, thereby enhancing the treatment efficacy and reducing the side effects. We report herein a novel supramolecular photosensitizing nanosystem that can be specifically activated in cancer cells and tumors that overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). It involves the self-assembly of the amphiphilic host-guest complex of a β-cyclodextrin-conjugated phthalocyanine-based photosensitizer (Pc-CD) and a ferrocene-substituted poly(ethylene glycol) (Mn = 2000) (Fc-PEG) in aqueous media. The resulting nanosystem Pc-CD@Fc-PEG with a hydrodynamic diameter of 124-147 nm could not emit fluorescence and generate reactive oxygen species due to the self-quenching effect and the ferrocene-based quencher. Upon interactions with molecules of adamantane substituted with an EGFR-targeting peptide (Ad-QRH*) in water and in EGFR-positive HT29 and A431 cells, the ferrocene guest species were displaced, resulting in disassembly of the nanoparticles and restoration of these photoactivities. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration values were down to 1.24 μM (for HT29 cells). The nanosystem Pc-CD@Fc-PEG could also be activated in an Ad-QRH*-treated HT29 tumor in nude mice, leading to increased intratumoral fluorescence intensity and effective eradication of the tumor upon laser irradiation. The results showed that this two-step supramolecular approach can actualize site-specific photosensitization and minimize nonspecific phototoxicity in a general photodynamic treatment.
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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: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [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.
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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.)
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7
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Obata M, Ishihara E, Hirohara S. Effect of tertiary amino groups in the hydrophobic segment of an amphiphilic block copolymer on zinc phthalocyanine encapsulation and photodynamic activity. RSC Adv 2022; 12:18144-18153. [PMID: 35800304 PMCID: PMC9210519 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra02224a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymer micelles are promising nanocarriers for hydrophobic photosensitizers of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Poly(styrene-co-(2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate))-block-poly(polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether acrylate) (P(St-co-DMAEA)-b-PPEGA; 1) was prepared via reversible addition and fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization as a carrier for a zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) photosensitizer to be used in PDT. The DMAEA-unit composition in the P(St-co-DMAEA) segment was adjusted to 0.40 molar ratio, which caused a sharp increase in water-solubility when the pH decreased from 7.4 to 5.0. The polymer 1 micelle size distribution also shifted to lower when the pH decreased, whereas this change was not observed in PSt-co-PPEGA (2), which was previously reported. The UV-vis spectrum of the ZnPc-loaded micelles of polymer 1 exhibited relatively sharp Q bands, comparable to those measured in DMSO, indicating good compatibility of the condensed core with ZnPc. ZnPc-loaded micelles of polymer 1 exerted excellent photocytotoxicity in the MNNG-induced mutant of the rat murine RGM-1 gastric epithelial cell line (RGK-1). In contrast, the ZnPc-loaded micelles of polymer 2 were completely inactive under the same conditions. Fluorescence from the RGK-1 cells treated with ZnPc-loaded micelles of polymer 1 was observed after 4 h of co-incubation, while no fluorescence was observed in cells treated with ZnPc-loaded micelles of polymer 2. These results indicate that the pH-responsive nature and good compatibility with ZnPc exhibited by the polymer 1 micelles are essential characteristics of ZnPc carriers for efficient photodynamic therapy. Tertiary amino groups in the hydrophobic core of polymer micelles affect the encapsulation and photodynamic activity of zinc phthalocyanine.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Obata
- Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, 4-4-37 Takeda, Kofu 400-8510, Japan
| | - Eika Ishihara
- Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, 4-4-37 Takeda, Kofu 400-8510, Japan
| | - Shiho Hirohara
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Ube College, 2-14-1 Tokiwadai, Ube 755-8555, Japan
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Dai G, Choi CKK, Choi CHJ, Fong WP, Ng DKP. Glutathione-degradable polydopamine nanoparticles as a versatile platform for fabrication of advanced photosensitisers for anticancer therapy. Biomater Sci 2021; 10:189-201. [PMID: 34817474 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01482j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A series of glutathione (GSH)-responsive polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using a disulfide-linked dopamine dimer as starting material, of which the size could be tuned systematically by adjusting the amount of ammonia solution used. Molecules of a phthalocyanine (Pc)-based photosensitiser and an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting peptide were then sequentially immobilised on the surface of the NPs through coupling with the surface functionalities of PDA. The immobilised Pc molecules in the resulting nanosystem were photodynamically inactive due to the strong self-quenching effect and the quenching by the PDA core. Upon exposure to GSH in phosphate-buffered saline or EGFR-positive cancer cells, namely A549 and A431 cells, the NPs were disassembled through cleavage of the disulfide linkages to release the Pc molecules, thereby restoring their fluorescence emission and singlet oxygen generation. The NPs with the smallest size (ca. 200 nm in diameter) exhibited the highest cellular uptake and high photocytotoxicity with IC50 values as low as 0.05 μM based on Pc. These NPs could also accumulate and be activated in the tumour of A431 tumour-bearing nude mice, lighting up the tumour with fluorescence over a period of 72 h and completely eradicating the tumour through laser irradiation for 10 min (675 nm, 20 J cm-2). The results suggest that these biodegradable and versatile PDA-based NPs can serve as a promising nanoplatform for fabrication of advanced photosensitisers for targeted photodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaole Dai
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Chun Kit K Choi
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing-Ping Fong
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Dennis K P Ng
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
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9
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Gholizadeh M, Doustvandi MA, Mohammadnejad F, Shadbad MA, Tajalli H, Brunetti O, Argentiero A, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. Photodynamic Therapy with Zinc Phthalocyanine Inhibits the Stemness and Development of Colorectal Cancer: Time to Overcome the Challenging Barriers? Molecules 2021; 26:6877. [PMID: 34833970 PMCID: PMC8621355 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light-based cancer therapy approach that has shown promising results in treating various malignancies. Growing evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are implicated in tumor recurrence, metastasis, and cancer therapy resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC); thus, targeting these cells can ameliorate the prognosis of affected patients. Based on our bioinformatics results, SOX2 overexpression is significantly associated with inferior disease-specific survival and worsened the progression-free interval of CRC patients. Our results demonstrate that zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc)-PDT with 12 J/cm2 or 24 J/cm2 irradiation can substantially decrease tumor migration via downregulating MMP9 and ROCK1 and inhibit the clonogenicity of SW480 cells via downregulating CD44 and SOX2. Despite inhibiting clonogenicity, ZnPc-PDT with 12 J/cm2 irradiation fails to downregulate CD44 expression in SW480 cells. Our results indicate that ZnPc-PDT with 12 J/cm2 or 24 J/cm2 irradiation can substantially reduce the cell viability of SW480 cells and stimulate autophagy in the tumoral cells. Moreover, our results show that ZnPc-PDT with 12 J/cm2 or 24 J/cm2 irradiation can substantially arrest the cell cycle at the sub-G1 level, stimulate the intrinsic apoptosis pathway via upregulating caspase-3 and caspase-9 and downregulating Bcl-2. Indeed, our bioinformatics results show considerable interactions between the studied CSC-related genes with the studied migration- and apoptosis-related genes. Collectively, the current study highlights the potential role of ZnPc-PDT in inhibiting stemness and CRC development, which can ameliorate the prognosis of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Gholizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51666-14731, Iran; (M.G.); (M.A.D.); (F.M.); (M.A.S.)
| | - Mohammad Amin Doustvandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51666-14731, Iran; (M.G.); (M.A.D.); (F.M.); (M.A.S.)
| | - Fateme Mohammadnejad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51666-14731, Iran; (M.G.); (M.A.D.); (F.M.); (M.A.S.)
| | - Mahdi Abdoli Shadbad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51666-14731, Iran; (M.G.); (M.A.D.); (F.M.); (M.A.S.)
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51666-14731, Iran
| | - Habib Tajalli
- Biophotonic Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz 51579-44533, Iran;
- Research Institute for Applied Physics and Astronomy, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 51666-16471, Iran
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Istituto Tumori BariGiovanni Paolo II, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (IRCCS), 70124 Bari, Italy; (O.B.); (A.A.)
| | - Antonella Argentiero
- Istituto Tumori BariGiovanni Paolo II, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (IRCCS), 70124 Bari, Italy; (O.B.); (A.A.)
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Istituto Tumori BariGiovanni Paolo II, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (IRCCS), 70124 Bari, Italy; (O.B.); (A.A.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51666-14731, Iran; (M.G.); (M.A.D.); (F.M.); (M.A.S.)
- Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51666-14731, Iran
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10
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Xue EY, Shi WJ, Fong WP, Ng DKP. Targeted Delivery and Site-Specific Activation of β-Cyclodextrin-Conjugated Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy through a Supramolecular Bio-orthogonal Approach. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15461-15476. [PMID: 34662121 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Targeted delivery of photosensitizers using hydrophilic and tumor-directing carriers and site-specific activation of their photocytotoxicity are two common strategies to enhance the specificity of anticancer photodynamic therapy. We report herein a novel supramolecular bio-orthogonal approach to integrate these two functions. A β-cyclodextrin-substituted aza-boron-dipyrromethene-based photosensitizer was first complexed with a ferrocene-substituted black-hole quencher to inhibit its photosensitizing ability. Upon encountering the adamantane moieties that had been delivered to target cancer cells through specific binding of the conjugated peptide to the overexpressed epidermal growth factor receptor, the ferrocene-based guest species were displaced due to the stronger binding interactions between β-cyclodextrin and adamantane, thereby restoring the photodynamic activity of the photosensitizer. Hence, this two-step process enabled targeted delivery and site-specific activation of the photosensitizer, as demonstrated through a series of experiments in aqueous media, in a range of cancer cell lines and in tumor-bearing nude mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Y Xue
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Wen-Jing Shi
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing-Ping Fong
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Dennis K P Ng
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
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11
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Dai G, Chu JCH, Chan CKW, Choi CHJ, Ng DKP. Reactive oxygen species-responsive polydopamine nanoparticles for targeted and synergistic chemo and photodynamic anticancer therapy. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:15899-15915. [PMID: 34522935 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr04278e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A thioketal-linked dimer of 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine was prepared which underwent self-polymerisation in the presence of doxorubicin (Dox) in an ethanol/water (1 : 4, v/v) mixture with ammonia. The resulting Dox-encapsulated polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles were further conjugated with molecules of a zinc(II) phthalocyanine (Pc)-based photosensitiser and a peptide containing the heptapeptide QRHKPRE sequence (labelled as QRH) that can target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpressed in cancer cells. Upon internalisation into these cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis, these nanoparticles labelled as PDA-Dox-Pc-QRH were disassembled gradually via cleavage of the thioketal linkages by the intrinsic intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The stacked Pc molecules were then disaggregated, resulting in activation of their photosensitising property upon irradiation. The ROS generated by the activated Pc promoted further degradation of the nanoparticles and release of Dox, thereby enhancing cell death by synergistic chemo and photodynamic therapy. Systemic injection of PDA-Dox-Pc-QRH into EGFR-overexpressed tumour-bearing nude mice led to targeted delivery to the tumour, and subsequent light irradiation caused complete tumour ablation without inducing notable toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaole Dai
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jacky C H Chu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Cecilia Ka Wing Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Dennis K P Ng
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
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12
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Aloisio A, Nisticò N, Mimmi S, Maisano D, Vecchio E, Fiume G, Iaccino E, Quinto I. Phage-Displayed Peptides for Targeting Tyrosine Kinase Membrane Receptors in Cancer Therapy. Viruses 2021; 13:649. [PMID: 33918836 PMCID: PMC8070105 DOI: 10.3390/v13040649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate critical physiological processes, such as cell growth, survival, motility, and metabolism. Abnormal activation of RTKs and relative downstream signaling is implicated in cancer pathogenesis. Phage display allows the rapid selection of peptide ligands of membrane receptors. These peptides can target in vitro and in vivo tumor cells and represent a novel therapeutic approach for cancer therapy. Further, they are more convenient compared to antibodies, being less expensive and non-immunogenic. In this review, we describe the state-of-the-art of phage display for development of peptide ligands of tyrosine kinase membrane receptors and discuss their potential applications for tumor-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ileana Quinto
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (I.Q.): Tel.: +39-0961-3694057 (I.Q.)
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13
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Chu JCH, Fong WP, Wong CTT, Ng DKP. Facile Synthesis of Cyclic Peptide-Phthalocyanine Conjugates for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2064-2076. [PMID: 33577327 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A facile procedure for in situ peptide cyclization and phthalocyanine conjugation was developed by utilizing a bifunctional linker incorporated with a bis(bromomethyl)benzene unit and a cyclopentadiene moiety. These functional groups facilitated the nucleophilic substitution with the two cysteine residues of the linear peptides followed by the Diels-Alder reaction with the maleimide moiety attached to a zinc(II) phthalocyanine. With this approach, three cyclic peptide-phthalocyanine conjugates were prepared in 20-26% isolated yield via a one-pot procedure. One of the conjugates containing a cyclic form of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-binding peptide sequence CMYIEALDKYAC displayed superior features as an advanced photosensitizer. It showed preferential uptake by two EGFR-positive cancer cell lines (HT29 and HCT116) compared with two EGFR-negative counterparts (HeLa and HEK293), resulting in significantly higher photocytotoxicity. Intravenous administration of this conjugate into HT29 tumor-bearing nude mice resulted in selective localization in tumor and effective inhibition of tumor growth upon photodynamic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky C H Chu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing-Ping Fong
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Clarence T T Wong
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Dennis K P Ng
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
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14
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Tewari KM, Dondi R, Yaghini E, Pourzand C, MacRobert AJ, Eggleston IM. Peptide-targeted dendrimeric prodrugs of 5-aminolevulinic acid: A novel approach towards enhanced accumulation of protoporphyrin IX for photodynamic therapy. Bioorg Chem 2021; 109:104667. [PMID: 33611140 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising approach for the targeted treatment of cancer and various other human disorders. An effective, clinically approved approach in PDT involves the administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to generate elevated levels of the natural photosensitiser protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). The development of prodrugs of ALA is of considerable interest as a means to enhance the efficiency and cell selectivity of PpIX accumulation for PDT applications. In this work a novel peptide-targeted dendrimeric prodrug of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) 13 was synthesised which displays nine copies of ALA on a core structure that is linked to a homing peptide for targeted delivery to a specific cancer cell type. The synthesis was accomplished effectively via a flexible, modular solid phase and solution phase route, using a combination of solid phase peptide synthesis and copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition chemistry. The prodrug system shows a sustained and enhanced production of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in the MDA-MB-231 cell line that over-expresses the epidernal growth factor receptor (EGFR+) in comparison to equimolar ALA and the corresponding non-targeted ALA dendrimer (nine copies of ALA). This study provides a proof of concept for the development of a new generation of prodrugs for ALA-based photodynamic therapy that can deliver an enhanced ALA payload to specific tissue types.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Tewari
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - R Dondi
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - E Yaghini
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PE, UK
| | - C Pourzand
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - A J MacRobert
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PE, UK
| | - I M Eggleston
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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15
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Goddard ZR, Beekman AM, Cominetti MMD, O'Connell MA, Chambrier I, Cook MJ, Marín MJ, Russell DA, Searcey M. Peptide directed phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticles for selective photodynamic therapy of EGFR overexpressing cancers. RSC Med Chem 2020; 12:288-292. [PMID: 34041483 PMCID: PMC8127329 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00284d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles, covalently functionalised with the photosensitiser C11Pc and PEG, were actively targeted towards epidermal growth factor receptor overexpressing cancers using the peptide FITC-βAAEYLRK. Selective phototoxicity was observed at nanomolar concentrations with minimal dark toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Rachael Goddard
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ UK
| | | | - Marco M D Cominetti
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Maria A O'Connell
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Isabelle Chambrier
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Michael J Cook
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ UK
| | - María J Marín
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ UK
| | - David A Russell
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Mark Searcey
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ UK
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16
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Chu JCH, Yang C, Fong WP, Wong CTT, Ng DKP. Facile one-pot synthesis of cyclic peptide-conjugated photosensitisers for targeted photodynamic therapy. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:11941-11944. [PMID: 32931540 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc05264g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A novel synthetic strategy for in situ cyclisation of peptides and conjugation with functional boron dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs) has been developed. Linear peptides with up to 16 amino acid residues can be cyclised effectively and the resulting conjugates can be isolated in higher than 20% yield. One of the conjugates having a cyclic RGD moiety has been studied both in vitro and in vivo. It exhibits high and selective affinity towards the αvβ3-positive cell lines and induces high photocytotoxicity. The conjugate can also selectively localise in and effectively inhibit the growth of αvβ3-overexpressed tumour in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky C H Chu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
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17
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Wong CTT, Chu JCH, Ha SYY, Wong RCH, Dai G, Kwong TT, Wong CH, Ng DKP. Phthalaldehyde-Amine Capture Reactions for Bioconjugation and Immobilization of Phthalocyanines. Org Lett 2020; 22:7098-7102. [PMID: 32806143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c02398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A phthalaldehyde-substituted phthalocyanine has been synthesized that can conjugate with a range of biomolecules, including peptides, monosaccharides, lipids, and DNAs, and be immobilized on the surface of bovine serum album nanoparticles and glass slides using the versatile and efficient phthalaldehyde-amine capture reactions. The light-induced cytotoxic effects of the latter two materials have also been examined against cancer cells and bacteria, respectively, showing that they are highly efficient photosensitizing systems for photodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarence T T Wong
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jacky C H Chu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Summer Y Y Ha
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Roy C H Wong
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gaole Dai
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tsz-Tung Kwong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Hang Wong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dennis K P Ng
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
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18
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Al-Bahrani HA, Kareem MM, Kadhum AA, Alrazzak NA. Synthesis and Characterization of New Zinc Phthalocyanine - Dodecenyl Succinic Anhydride Benzoic Groups. Curr Org Synth 2020; 17:488-495. [PMID: 32427085 DOI: 10.2174/1570179417666200519091950] [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: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phthalocyanines a series of compounds involves four iso-indole units linked by aza nitrogen atoms bonded with metal atoms that are normally located in the center a phthalocyanines ring. Some of the central metal-phthalocyanines can be excited by ultraviolet light and emit a fluorescence in far-red region. OBJECTIVE To synthesize a derivative of phthalocyanines namely 4,4',4' '-tri-(dodecenyl succinic anhydride)- 4' ' '-(5-amino salicylic acid) zinc phthalocyanine with a zinc central metal. MATERIALS AND METHODS The reaction of 4- nitro Phthalonitrile and 4- amino Phthalonitrile with ZnCl2 in the presence of dimethyl amino ethanol afforded 4,4',4' '-triamino-4' ' '-nitro zinc phthalocyanine. This product reacted with 5-amino salicylic acid to yield tetra-(5-amino salicylic acid) zinc phthalocyanine. A dodecenyl succinic anhydride was added on the amine group of benzoic rings to afford 4,4',4' '-tri-(dodecenyl succinic anhydride)-4' ' '-(5-amino salicylic acid) zinc phthalocyanine(I), the target compound. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Compound I is successfully synthesized with a yield of 72% from tetra-(5-amino salicylic acid) zinc phthalocyanine with dodecenyl succinic anhydride. CONCLUSION The newly synthesized molecule of 4,4',4' '-tri-(dodecenyl succinic anhydride)-4' ' '-(5-amino salicylic acid) zinc phthalocyanine (I), tetra-(5-amino salicylic acid) zinc phthalocyanine(E) and 4,4',4' '- triamino-4' ' '-nitro zinc phthalocyanine (S). The reaction of 4- nitro Phthalonitrile and 4- amino and the structure of compound I is confirmed and its formation was proven.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nour A Alrazzak
- Departmemt of Chemistry, College of Science for Women, University of Babylon, Hilla, Iraq
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