Effects of metal and the phytyl chain on chlorophyll derivatives: physicochemical evaluation for photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms

Cell-derived nanomaterials for biomedical applications

The ever-growing use of nature-derived materials creates exciting opportunities for novel development in various therapeutic biomedical applications. Living cells, serving as the foundation of nanoarchitectonics, exhibit remarkable capabilities that enable the development of bioinspired and biomimetic systems, which will be explored in this review. To understand the foundation of this development, we first revisited the anatomy of cells to explore the characteristics of the building blocks of life that is relevant. Interestingly, animal cells have amazing capabilities due to the inherent functionalities in each specialized cell type. Notably, the versatility of cell membranes allows red blood cells and neutrophils' membranes to cloak inorganic nanoparticles that would naturally be eliminated by the immune system. This underscores how cell membranes facilitate interactions with the surroundings through recognition, targeting, signalling, exchange, and cargo attachment. The functionality of cell membrane-coated nanoparticles can be tailored and improved by strategically engineering the membrane, selecting from a variety of cell membranes with known distinct inherent properties. On the other hand, plant cells exhibit remarkable capabilities for synthesizing various nanoparticles. They play a role in the synthesis of metal, carbon-based, and polymer nanoparticles, used for applications such as antimicrobials or antioxidants. One of the versatile components in plant cells is found in the photosynthetic system, particularly the thylakoid, and the pigment chlorophyll. While there are challenges in consistently synthesizing these remarkable nanoparticles derived from nature, this exploration begins to unveil the endless possibilities in nanoarchitectonics research.

Biomimetic Materials Based on Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate and Chlorophyll Derivatives

Electrospinning of biomimetic materials is of particular interest due to the possibility of producing flexible layers with highly developed surfaces from a wide range of polymers. Additionally, electrospinning is characterized by a high simplicity of implementation and the ability to modify the produced fibrous materials, which resemble structures found in living organisms. This study explores new electrospun materials based on polyhydroxyalkanoates, specifically poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, modified with chlorophyll derivatives. The research investigates the impact of chlorophyll derivatives on the morphology, supramolecular structure, and key properties of nonwoven materials. The obtained results are of interest for the development of new flexible materials with low concentrations of chlorophyll derivatives.

Photodynamic Therapy Directed to Melanoma Skin Cancer by Thermosensitive Hydrogel Containing Chlorophyll A

Melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer intricately linked to genetic and environmental factors, is predicted to reach 100,000 new cases worldwide by 2040, underscoring the need for effective and safe treatment options. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a photosensitizer called Chlorophyll A (Chl-A) incorporated into hydrogels (HGs) made of chitosan (CS) and poloxamer 407 (P407) for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) against the murine melanoma cell line B16-F10. The HG was evaluated through various tests, including rheological studies, SEM, and ATR-FTIR, along with cell viability assays. The CS- and P407-based HGs effectively released Chl-A and possessed the necessary properties for topical application. The photodynamic activity of the HG containing Chl-A was evaluated in vitro, demonstrating high therapeutic potential, with an IC50 of 25.99 µM-an appealing result when compared to studies in the literature reporting an IC50 of 173.8 µM for cisplatin, used as a positive control drug. The developed formulation of CS and P407-based HG, serving as a thermosensitive system for topical applications, successfully controlled the release of Chl-A. In vitro cell studies associated with PDT exhibited potential against the melanoma cell line.

Zinc-Substituted Pheophorbide A Is a Safe and Efficient Antivascular Photodynamic Agent

The present study focuses on the photodynamic activity of zinc-substituted pheophorbide a against human endothelial cells. Previously, zinc pheophorbide a has been shown to be a very potent photosensitizer but also a strong albumin binder. Binding to albumin significantly reduces its availability to cancer cells, which may necessitate the use of relatively high doses. Here we show that zinc pheophorbide a is very effective against vascular endothelial cells, even in its albumin-complexed form. Albumin complexation increases the lysosomal accumulation of the drug, thus enhancing its efficiency. Zinc pheophorbide a at nanomolar concentrations induces endothelial cell death via apoptosis, which in many cases is considered a desirable cell death mode because of its anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, we demonstrate that in comparison to tumor cells, endothelial cells are much more susceptible to photodynamic treatment with the use of the investigated compound. Our findings demonstrate that zinc pheophorbide a is a very promising photosensitizer for use in vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy against solid tumors, acting as a vascular shutdown inducer. It can also possibly find application in the treatment of a range of vascular disorders. Numerous properties of zinc pheophorbide a are comparable or even more favorable than those of the well-known photosensitizer of a similar structure, palladium bacteriopheophorbide (TOOKAD^®).

Remnant photosynthetic pigments in tea dregs: identification, composition, and potential use as antibacterial photosensitizer

The production of tea dregs is continually increasing along with the growth of people's interest in ready-to-drink beverages. However, the recent development of research on the use of tea dregs is still very limited. The present study was aimed to identify the remnant photosynthetic pigments in tea dregs, determine their composition, and evaluate their potential use as natural antibacterial agents based on light-induced reaction (photosensitization). The tea dregs from six commercial teas, consisting of green and black teas, were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a photodiode array detector, and the spectroscopic data were analyzed from 350 to 700 nm. Pigment identification was performed based on spectral characteristics, and pigment composition in the extracts from the dregs was determined by a three-dimensional multi-chromatogram analysis method. The dominant pigment fractions in both tea types were pheophytin a and its isomers, as well as pheophytin b. Although the dregs of black teas generally contain fewer remnant pigments, they possess residual chlorophyll b, which is not found in the dregs of green teas. In thirty-minutes illumination under 50 W red light-emitting diode, the presence of pigments from tea dregs caused up to 0.87 and 0.35 log reduction of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. The disparity of pigments composition among tea types does not strongly influence their photosensitization activity against both bacteria. Hence, upon further application, the amount of total remnant pigments in the dregs could be taken as substantial consideration instead of tea types.

Chlorophyllides: Preparation, Purification, and Application

Chlorophyllides can be found in photosynthetic organisms. Generally, chlorophyllides have a-, b-, c-, d-, and f-type derivatives, and all chlorophyllides have a tetrapyrrole structure with a Mg ion at the center and a fifth isocyclic pentanone. Chlorophyllide a can be synthesized from protochlorophyllide a, divinyl chlorophyllide a, or chlorophyll. In addition, chlorophyllide a can be transformed into chlorophyllide b, chlorophyllide d, or chlorophyllide f. Chlorophyllide c can be synthesized from protochlorophyllide a or divinyl protochlorophyllide a. Chlorophyllides have been extensively used in food, medicine, and pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, chlorophyllides exhibit many biological activities, such as anti-growth, antimicrobial, antiviral, antipathogenic, and antiproliferative activity. The photosensitivity of chlorophyllides that is applied in mercury electrodes and sensors were discussed. This article is the first detailed review dedicated specifically to chlorophyllides. Thus, this review aims to describe the definition of chlorophyllides, biosynthetic routes of chlorophyllides, purification of chlorophyllides, and applications of chlorophyllides.

Derivatives of Natural Chlorophylls as Agents for Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy

The rapid growth of drug-resistant bacteria all over the world has given rise to a major research challenge, namely a search for alternative treatments to which bacteria will be unable to develop resistance. Photodynamic therapy is an approach of this kind. It involves the use of photosensitizers in combination with visible light at a certain wavelength to excite the former and generate reactive oxygen species. Various synthetic heterocyclic compounds are used as photosensitizers. Of these, derivatives of natural chlorophylls have a special place due to their properties. This review deals with the use of such compounds in antimicrobial PDT.

Visible Light-Induced Antibacterial Activity of Pigments Extracted from Dregs of Green and Black Teas

Chlorophyll and its derivatives are potential natural sensitizers frequently applied in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. Chlorophyll derivatives are formed naturally during tea processing, but they do not contribute to the color of tea infusions and thus are presumably left in the tea dregs. The present study aimed to investigate (i) the chlorophyll remnants in the pigments recovered from dregs of green and black teas and (ii) the antibacterial activity of pigments extracted from the tea dregs upon illumination using a light-emitting diode (LED) as the light source. Pigment analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed the presence of main degradation products of chlorophylls, such as pheophytin and its epimers, pyropheophytin, and pheophorbides. In vitro assays demonstrated significant reductions in the number of viable bacteria in the presence of the pigments after 30 min of incubation with LED light irradiation. The descending order of bacterial susceptibility was Listeria monocytogenes > Staphylococcus aureus > Escherichia coli > Salmonella typhi. At an equivalent irradiation intensity, the blue and red LEDs could stimulate a comparable inactivation effect through photodynamic reactions. These findings demonstrated the valorization potential of tea dregs as a source of chlorophyll derivatives with visible light-induced antibacterial activity.

Investigation of Chlorophyl-a Derived Compounds as Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Inactivation

Chlorophyll has unique physicochemical properties which makes them good as photosensitizer of Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI). The physicochemical properties of chlorophyll as photosensitizer can be optimized through several routes.  One of the possible route is by replacing the metal ion center of chlorophyll with other ions. In this research, the effect of coordinated metal ion in the natural chlorophyll-a was studied for bacterial growth (S. aureus) inhibition. The replacement of metal in the center of chlorophyll hopefully can improve the intensity of Intersystem Crossing Mechanism (ISC) lead to the formation of singlet oxygen species. The chlorophyll a and b were isolated from spinach via precipitation technique using 1,4 dioxane and water. The chlorophyll a and b were separated using sucrose column chromatography. The thin layer chromatography result showed that chlorophyll a (Rf: 0.57) had been well separated with chlorophyll b (Rf: 0.408). The absorption spectra of chlorophyll a and b showed that the Soret band was observed at 411 and 425 nm, while the Q band appeared at 663 and 659 nm. Replacement of metal ion center shifted the Soret band of chlorophyll- a derivatives to lower energy region, while Q-band was slightly shifted to the higher energy region. The absorption and the fluorescence intensity were  also observed decreasing after ion replacement. The Inhibition activity investigation over S. aureus showed the highest inhibition activity was exhibited by Zn-pheophytin-a (66.8%) followed by chlorophyll a (30.1 %) and Cu-pheophytin-a (0%). The inhibition activity is correlated with decreasing fluorescence intensity. The formation of singlet oxygen by ISC mechanism is hypothesized to deactivate the excitation state of Cu-pheophytin-a. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0). 

Photodynamic Inactivation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by a Natural Food Colorant (E-141ii)

This study evaluates the photosensitizing effectiveness of sodium copper chlorophyllin, a natural green colorant commonly used as a food additive (E-141ii), to inactivate methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus under red-light illumination. Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) was tested on a methicillin-sensitive reference strain (ATCC 25923) and a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain (GenBank accession number Mh087437) isolated from a clinical sample. The photoinactivation efficacy was investigated by exposing the bacterial strains to different E-141ii concentrations (0.0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 µM) and to red light (625 nm) at 30 J cm⁻². The results showed that E-141ii itself did not prevent bacterial growth for all tested concentrations when cultures were placed in the dark. By contrast, E-141ii photoinactivated both methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) under red-light illumination. However, different dose responses were observed for MSSA and MRSA. Whilst the MSSA growth was inhibited to the detection limit of the method with E-141ii at 2.5 µM, >10 µM concentrations were required to inhibit the growth of MRSA. The data also suggest that E-141ii can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) via Type I reaction by electron transfer from its first excited singlet state to oxygen molecules. Our findings demonstrate that the tested food colorant has great potential to be used in aPDI of MRSA.

Photodamage on Staphylococcus aureus by natural extract from Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pall.) Kuntze: Clean method of extraction, characterization and photophysical studies

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinical modality that allows the destruction of tumor cells and microorganisms by reactive oxygen species, formed by the combination of photosensitizer (PS), molecular oxygen and adequate wavelength light. This research, through a clean methodology that involves pressurized liquids extraction (PLE), obtained a highly antimicrobial extract of Tetragonia tetragonoides, which rich in chlorophylls as photosensitizers. The Chlorophylls-based extract (Cbe-PLE) presented pharmacological safety, through the maintenance of cellular viability. In addition, Cbe-PLE showed great efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, with severe dose-dependent damage to the cell wall of the pathogen. The obtained product has a high potential for the development of photostimulated phytotherapic formulations for clinical applications in localized infections, as a complementary therapeutic alternative to antibiotics.

Liposome and polymeric micelle-based delivery systems for chlorophylls: Photodamage effects on Staphylococcus aureus

Chlorophyll derivatives (Chls), loaded in F-127 polymeric micelles and DPPC liposomes as drug delivery systems (DDS), have been shown to be remarkable photosensitizers for photodynamic inactivation (PDI). Assays of photoinactivation of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (as biological models) showed that the effectiveness of Chls in these nanocarriers is dependent on photobleaching processes, photosensitizer locations in DDS, singlet oxygen quantum yields, and Chl uptake to bacteria. These are factors related to changes in Chl structure, such as the presence of metals, charge, and the phytyl chain. The photodynamic activity was significantly greater for Chls without the phytyl chain, i.e., phorbides derivatives. Furthermore, the inactivation of S. aureus was increased by the use of liposomes compared to micelles. Therefore, this research details and shows the high significance of the Chl structure and delivery system to enhance the photodynamic activity. It also highlights the chlorophylls (particularly phorbides) in liposomes as promising photosensitizers for PDI.

A Facile One-Pot Synthesis of Biomimetic Photocatalyst Zn(II)-Porphyrin-Sensitized 3D TiO2 Hollow Nanoboxes and Synergistically Enhanced Visible-Light Degradation

A serials of biomimetic photocatalyst zinc(II) meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrinato (ZnTCP)-sensitized 3D hierarchical TiO2 hollow nanoboxes (TiO2-HNBs) assembled by six ordered nanosheets with dominant {001} facets exposure (ZnTCP@TiO2-HNBs) have been successfully synthesized by a facile one-pot solvothermal method via a topological transformation process with TiOF2 as template. Infrared spectra (IR), UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that ZnTCP played a decisive role in constructing 3D hollow nanoboxes through the formation of ester bond combined to TiO2-HNBs, which also provided a transferring photo excited electrons bridge to sensitize TiO2-HNBs for enhancing visible-light response. Due to the superior sensitization and biomimetic activity of ZnTCP, the photodegradation rate of rhodamine B (RhB) of as-prepared ZnTCP@TiO2-HNBs with ZnTCP/TiOF2 mass ratio of 2% (T-2p) improves 3.6 times compared to that of TiO2-HNBs with a degradation yield of 99% for 2 h under simulated sunlight irradiation (> 420 nm). The enhanced photodegradation ability was attributed to synergistic visible photocatalytic mechanism of biomimetic catalyst, which can not only produce hydroxyl radical (•OH) and superoxide radical (•O2-) coming from the excitation process of ZnTCP sensitized TiO2-HNBs, but also generate singlet oxygen (1O2) that was only provided by biomimetic enzyme porphyrins. Furthermore, the photocatalyst showed good recycling stability and dispersibility after five rounds, ascribed to ZnTCP strong chemical bonding to the support TiO2-HNBs. By means of electrochemical cyclic voltammetry analysis, the effect of central zinc ions and parent porphyrin rings on the redox property of biomimetic catalyst was studied.

Biomedical Platform Development of a Chlorophyll-Based Extract for Topic Photodynamic Therapy: Mechanical and Spectroscopic Properties

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic modality that has shown effectiveness in the inactivation of cancer cell lines and microorganisms. Treatment consists of activating the photosensitizer (PS) upon light irradiation of adequate wavelength. After reaching the excited state, the PS can handle the intersystem conversion through energy transfer to the molecular oxygen, generating reactive oxygen species. This especially applies to singlet oxygen (¹O₂), which is responsible for the selective destruction of the sick tissue. Photosensitizing compounds (chlorophylls and derivatives) existing in the spinach extract have applicability for PDT. This study aimed to develop and characterize the thermoresponsive bioadhesive system composed of Pluronic F127 20.0%- and Carbopol 934P 0.2% (w/w) (FC)-containing chlorophyll-based extract 0.5% (w/w) (FC-Chl). Mechanical and rheological properties, in vitro release, sol-gel transition temperature, and ex vivo permeability of the spinach extract PS components (through pig ear skin) were investigated. Furthermore, photodynamic activity of the system was accessed through uric acid and time-solved measurements. The sol-gel transition temperature obtained for the FC-Chl system was 28.8 ± 0.3 °C. Rheological and texture properties of the platform were suitable for use as a dermatological system, exhibiting easy application and good characteristics of retention in the place of administration. In vitro release studies showed the presence of two distinct mechanisms that reasonably obey the zero-order and first-order kinetics models. PS components presented skin permeability and reached a permeation depth of 830 μm (between the epidermis and dermis). The photodynamic evaluation of the FC-Chl system was effective in the degradation of uric acid. The quantum yield (Φ_Δ¹O₂) and life time (τ¹O₂) of singlet oxygen showed similar values for the spinach extract and the isolated chlorophyll a species in ethanol. These results allowed for the classification of the FC-Chl platform as potentially useful for the delivery of the chlorophyll-based extract in the topic PDT, suggesting that it is worthy for in vivo evaluation.

All Organic Label-like Copper(II) Ions Fluorescent Film Sensors with High Sensitivity and Stretchability

Deep learning and analysis of heavy metal concentration are very crucial to our life, for it plays an essential role in both environmental and human health. In this paper, we developed a new Cu (II) ions sensor made by all organic material with bending and stretching properties. The new sensor consists of chlorophyll-a extracted from fresh leaves of Common Garcinia, plant fiber and with the use of PDMS as a substrate. Fluorescence spectra study shows that chlorophyll-a is significantly much more sensitive to Cu (II) ions than any other heavy metal ions and the device sensitivity outperforms all the Cu (II) ions sensors ever reported. The result fully shows the selectivity of chlorophyll-a toward Cu (II) ions. Bending and stretching tests show that the sensor has an outstanding durability, which can be used to develop accompanying applications, such as real-time sampling and the analysis of Cu (II) concentration specified in athlete's sweat or patients with brain death and Parkinson's disease.

The photodynamic action of pheophorbide a induces cell death through oxidative stress in Leishmania amazonensis

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by hemoflagellate protozoa, affecting millions of people worldwide. The difficulties of treating patients with this parasitosis include the limited efficacy and many side effects of the currently available drugs. Therefore, the search for new compounds with leishmanicidal action is necessary. Photodynamic therapy has been studied in the medical field because of its selectivity, utilizing a combination of visible light, a photosensitizer compound, and singlet oxygen to reach the area of treatment. The continued search for selective alternative treatments and effective targets that impact the parasite and not the host are fundamentally important for the development of new drugs. Pheophorbide a is a photosensitizer that may be promising for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The present study evaluated the in vitro biological effects of pheophorbide a and its possible mechanisms of action in causing cell death in L. amazonensis. Pheophorbide a was active against promastigote and amastigote forms of the parasite. After treatment, we observed ultrastructural alterations in this protozoan. We also observed changes in promastigote macromolecules and organelles, such as loss of mitochondrial membrane potential [∆Ψ_m], lipid peroxidation, an increase in lipid droplets, DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine exposure, an increase in caspase-like activity, oxidative imbalance, and a decrease in antioxidant defense systems. These findings suggest that cell death occurred through apoptosis. The mechanism of cell death in intracellular amastigotes appeared to involve autophagy, in which we clearly observed an increase in reactive oxygen species, a compromised ∆Ψ_m, and an increase in the number of autophagic vacuoles. The present study contributes to the development of new photosensitizers against L. amazonensis. We also elucidated the mechanism of action of pheophorbide a, mainly in intracellular amastigotes, which is the most clinically relevant form of this parasite.

Factors controlling the reactivity of divalent metal ions towards pheophytin a

In this study, we evaluate the factors which determine the reactivity of divalent metal ions in the spontaneous formation of metallochlorophylls, using experimental and computational approaches. Kinetic studies were carried out using pheophytin a in reactions with various divalent metal ions combined with non- or weakly-coordinative counter ions in a series of organic solvents. To obtain detailed insights into the solvent effect, the metalations with the whole set of cations were investigated in three solvents and with Zn²⁺ in seven solvents. The reactions were monitored using electronic absorption spectroscopy and the stopped-flow technique. DFT calculations were employed to shed light on the role of solvent in activating the metal ions towards porphyrinoids. This experimental and computational analysis gives detailed information regarding how the solvent and the counter ion assist/hinder the metalation reaction as activators/inhibitors. The metalation course is dictated to a large extent by the reaction medium, via either the activation or deactivation of the incoming metal ion. The solvent may affect the metalation in several ways, mainly via H-bonding with pyrrolenine nitrogens and the activation/deactivation of the incoming cation. It also seems to affect the activation enthalpy by causing slight conformational changes in the macrocyclic ligand. These new mechanistic insights contribute to a better understanding of the “metal–counterion–solvent” interplay in the metalation of porphyrinoids. In addition, they are highly relevant to the mechanisms of metalation reactions catalyzed by chelatases and explain the differences between the insertion of Mg²⁺ and other divalent cations.

Photoinactivation effect of eosin methylene blue and chlorophyllin sodium-copper against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

The use of eosin methylene blue according to Giemsa as photosensitizer is presented for the first time in this paper. The present study evaluated the potential application of chlorophyllin sodium copper salt (CuChlNa) and eosin methylene blue according to Giemsa (EMB) as antimicrobial photosensitizers (aPS) for photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (gram-negative) bacteria. The experiments were performed using S. aureus stain ATCC 25923 and E. coli ATCC 25922 in which five aPS concentrations (0.0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 μM for S. aureus and 0.0, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 40.0, and 50.0 μM for E. coli) were prepared and added in 2 mL of a saline solution containing the bacterial inoculum. After aPS incubation, the samples were divided into two groups, one kept in the dark and another submitted to the illumination. Then, the bacterial inactivation was determined 18 h after the incubation at 37 °C by counting the colony-forming units (CFU). The results revealed that both EMB and CuChlNa can be used as aPS for the photoinactivation of S. aureus, while only EMB was able to photoinactivate E. coli. Nevertheless, a more complex experimental setup was needed for photoinactivation of E. coli. The data showed that EMB and CuChlNa presented similar photoinactivation effects on S. aureus, in which bacterial growth was completely inhibited at photosensitizer (PS) concentrations over 5 μM, when samples were previously incubated for 30 min and irradiated by a light dose of 30 J cm^-2 as a result of an illumination of 1 h at 8.3 mW cm^-2 by using a red light at 625 nm with a 1 cm beam diameter and output power of 6.5 mW. In the case of E. coli, bacterial growth was completely inhibited only when combining a PS incubation period of 120 min with concentrations over 20 μM.

Use of Spectroscopic Techniques for Evaluating the Coupling of Porphyrins on Biocompatible Nanoparticles. A Potential System for Photodynamics, Theranostics, and Nanodrug Delivery Applications

Modern medicine has been searching for new and more efficient strategies for diagnostics and therapeutics applications. Considering this, porphyrin molecules have received great interest for applications in photodiagnostics and phototherapies, even as magnetic nanoparticles for drug-delivery systems and magnetic-hyperthermia therapy. Aiming to obtain a multifunctional system, which combines diagnostics with therapeutic functions on the same platform, the present study employed UV/vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies to evaluate the interaction between meso-tetrakis(p-sulfonatofenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) and maghemite nanoparticles (γ-Fe₂O₃). These spectroscopic techniques allowed us to describe the dynamics of coupling porphyrins on nanoparticles and estimate the number of 21 porphyrins per nanoparticle. Also, the binding parameters, such as the association constants (K_a = 8.89 × 10⁵ M^-1) and bimolecular quenching rate constant (k_q = 2.54 × 10¹⁴ M^-1 s^-1) were obtained. These results suggest a static quenching process where the electrostatic attraction plays an essential role. The work shows that spectroscopic techniques are powerful tools to evaluate the coupling of organic molecules and nanoparticles. Besides, the system studied provides a relevant background for potential applications in bionanotechnology and nanomedicine, such as (1) nanodrug delivery system, (2) photodiagnostics/theranostics, and/or (3) a combined action of photodynamic and hyperthermia therapies, working in a synergetic way.

Characterization of chlorophyll derivatives in micelles of polymeric surfactants aiming photodynamic applications

The spectrophotometric properties of chlorophylls' derivatives (Chls) formulated in the Pluronics® F-127 and P-123 were evaluated and the results have shown that the Chls were efficiently solubilized in these drug delivery systems as monomers. The relative location of the Chls in the Pluronics® was estimated from the Stokes shift and micropolarity of the micellar environment. Chls with phytyl chain were located in the micellar core, where the micropolarity is similar to ethanol, while phorbides' derivatives (without phytyl chain) were located in the outer shell of the micelle, i.e., more polar environment. In addition, the thermal stability of the micellar formulations was evaluated through electronic absorption, fluorescence emission and resonance light scattering with lowering the temperature. The Chls promote the stability of the micelles at temperatures below the Critical Micellar Temperature (CMT) of these surfactants. For F-127 formulations, the water molecules drive through inside the nano-structure at temperatures below the CMT, which increased the polarity of this microenvironment and directly affected the spectrophotometric properties of the Chls with phytyl chain. The properties of the micellar microenvironment of P-123, with more hydrophobic core due to the small PEO/PPO fraction, were less affected by lowering the temperature than for F-127. These results enable us to better understand the Chls behavior in micellar copolymers and allowed us to design new drug delivery system that maintains the photosensitizer's properties for photodynamic applications.

Spectroscopic studies of pyridil and methoxyphenyl porphyrins in homogeneous and Pluronic®-based nanostructured systems

Spectroscopic properties of Porphyrins TPyP (tetra(4-pyridil)porphyrin), TMPP (tetrakis(4-methoxypheny) porphyrin) and its zinc metaled derivatives porphyrins Zn-TPyP and Zn-TMPP respectively, were studied in homogeneous and micro heterogeneous systems, comprising nanostructured Pluronic® copolymeric micellar systems, as a promising drug delivery systems for the porphyrins investigated. Physico-chemical properties such as, hydrophobicity degree, self- aggregation in solvents of different polarities and water/ethanol mixtures (monofasic binary), as well as kinetics profile and isotherm binding, molecular organization, [Formula: see text] and relative localization in neutral micellar systems. The hydrophobic character was the key to relative drug location in the micellar systems. In homogenous solvents systems the porphyrins presented relatively high values of molar absorptivity and low values of [Formula: see text]. The K[Formula: see text] values obtained are modulated by the structure of porphyrins, state of aggregation, as well as, structure and macro molecular self-organization of copolymers. Fluorescence quenching studies have shown that porphyrins in F-127 are located in a less hydrophobic region than the porphyrins in P-123, which are located preferentially in a deeper micellar microenvironment. The zinc porphyrins showed high values of K[Formula: see text]. Thus, the association of the porphyrins with specific binding sites of micellar systems is strongly modulated by the presence of the metal coordinated to the porphyrinic ring.

Phytoconstituents from Sidastrum micranthum (A. St.-Hil.) Fryxell (Malvaceae) and antimicrobial activity of pheophytin a

abstract Sidastrum micranthum (A. St.-Hil.) Fryxell, a member of the Malvaceae family, is called malva preta in Brazil. As this species is commonly used to treat bronchitis, cough, and asthma, better knowledge of its chemical compounds is important. The phytochemical study of its hexane extract, using chromatographic techniques, led to isolation of six compounds: the triterpene isoarborinol, a mixture of sitosterol and stigmasterol, sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, pheophytin a, and 132-hydroxy-(132-S)-pheophytin a. Structural identification of these compounds was carried out using spectroscopic methods such as IR and 1D and 2D NMR (HOMOCOSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY). Compounds isolated from S. micranthum were screened for their in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activity against twenty fungal and bacterial standard strains. Pheophytin a exhibited antimicrobial action against all microorganisms tested.

Nanostructured layer-by-layer films containing phaeophytin-b: electrochemical characterization for sensing purposes

This paper reports the study and characterization of a new platform for practical applications, where the use of phaeophytin-b (phaeo-b), a compound derived from chlorophyll, was characterized and investigated for sensing purposes. Modified electrodes with nanostructured phaeo-b films were fabricated via the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique, where phaeo-b was assembled with cashew gum, a polysaccharide, or with poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAH). The multilayer formation was investigated with UV-Vis spectroscopy by monitoring the absorption band associated to phaeo-b at approximately 410 nm, where distinct molecular interactions between the materials were verified. The morphology of the films was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The electrochemical properties through redox behavior of phaeo-b were studied with cyclic voltammetry. The produced films were applied as sensors for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection. In terms of sensing, the cashew/phaeo-b film exhibited the most promising result, with a fast response and broad linear range upon the addition of H2O2. This approach provides a simple and inexpensive method for development of a nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor for H2O2.

Photodynamic therapy using chlorophyll-a in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, single-blind, split-face study

BACKGROUND

Chlorophyll-a is a novel photosensitizer recently tested for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of chlorophyll-a photodynamic therapy used for acne treatment.

METHODS

Subjects with acne on both sides of the face were included. Eight treatment sessions were performed over a 4-week duration. Half of the face was irradiated using a blue and red light-emitting diode after topical application of chlorophyll-lipoid complex. The other half underwent only light-emitting diode phototherapy. The lesion counts and acne severity were assessed by a blinded examiner. Sebum secretion, safety, and histologic changes were also evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 24 subjects completed the study. Facial acne improved on both treated sides. On the chlorophyll-a photodynamic therapy-treated side, there were significant reductions in acne lesion counts, acne severity grades, and sebum levels compared with the side treated with light-emitting diode phototherapy alone. The side effects were tolerable in all the cases.

LIMITATIONS

All the subjects were of Asian descent with darker skin types, which may limit the generalizability of the study. A chlorophyll-a arm alone is absent, as is a no-treatment arm.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that chlorophyll-a photodynamic therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris can be effective and safe with minimal side effects.

Effects of Chlorophyll-Derived Efflux Pump Inhibitor Pheophorbide a and Pyropheophorbide a on Growth and Macrolide Antibiotic Resistance of Indicator and Anaerobic Swine Manure Bacteria

Natural plant compounds, such as the chlorophyll a catabolites pheophorbide a (php) and pyropheophorbide a (pyp), are potentially active in the gastrointestinal tracts and manure of livestock as antimicrobial resistance-modifying agents through inhibition of bacterial efflux pumps. To investigate whether php, a known efflux pump inhibitor, and pyp influence bacterial resistance, we determined their long-term effects on the MICs of erythromycin for reference strains of clinically relevant indicator bacteria with macrolide or multidrug resistance efflux pumps. Pyp reduced the final MIC endpoint for Staphylococcus (S.) aureus and Escherichia (E.) coli by up to 1536 and 1024 μg erythromycin mL−1 or 1.4- and 1.2-fold, respectively. Estimation of growth parameters of S. aureus revealed that pyp exerted an intrinsic inhibitory effect under anaerobic conditions and was synergistically active, thereby potentiating the effect of erythromycin and partially reversing high-level erythromycin resistance. Anaerobe colony counts of total and erythromycin-resistant bacteria from stored swine manure samples tended to be lower in the presence of pyp. Tylosin, php, and pyp were not detectable by HPLC in the manure or medium. This is the first study showing that pyp affects growth and the level of sensitivity to erythromycin of S. aureus, E. coli, and anaerobic manure bacteria.

Photostable self-cleaning cotton by a copper(II) porphyrin/TiO2 visible-light photocatalytic system

Thin films of meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrinato copper(II) (CuTCPP) in conjunction with anatase TiO2 have been formed on cotton fabric. Their self-cleaning properties have been investigated by conducting photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, coffee and wine stains under visible-light irradiation. CuTCPP/TiO2-coated cotton fabrics showed superior self-cleaning performance when compared to bare TiO2-coated cotton. Furthermore, CuTCPP/TiO2-coated fabrics showed significant photostability under visible-light as compared to free base TCPP/TiO2-coated fabrics. The fabrics were characterized by FESEM, XRD and UV-vis spectroscopy. An insight into the mechanistic aspects of the CuTCPP/TiO2 photocatalysis is also discussed. Visible-light driven self-cleaning cotton based on copper(II) porphyrin/TiO2 catalyst exhibits significant potential in terms of stability and reproducibility for self-cleaning applications.

Properties of chlorophyll and derivatives in homogeneous and microheterogeneous systems

Chlorophyll (Mg-Chl) and its derivatives, zinc chlorophyll (Zn-Chl), copper chlorophyll (Cu-Chl), pheophytin (Pheo), pheophorbide (Pheid), and zinc chlorophyllide (Zn-Chld), were studied as to their acid-base equilibrium properties, hydrophobicity, stability, binding, and relative localization in neutral surfactant micellar systems. The stability order of metalochlorophyll (pH(M)) in acidic medium was found to be Cu-Chl > Zn-Chld > Zn-Chl > Mg-Chl. The apparent pK(a) for protonation of porphyrin ring nitrogens was around 1.0 for all derivatives. The pK(a) for protonation of carboxylate phorbide was 5.9 for Pheid and 2.4 for Zn-Chld. This difference was attributed to complexation of carboxylate with zinc. The hydrophobicity of chlorophyll in relation to the ability of partitioning the cell membrane lipid layer was estimated in the octanol/water biphasic system. Pheo, a more hydrophobic molecule, presented the highest partition coefficient (K(P)) in the organic phase, followed by Cu-Chl, Mg-Chl, Zn-Chl, Pheid, and Zn-Chld. The hydrophobic character was the key to relative drug location in the micellar systems. All studied derivatives interacted strongly with Tween 80 micellar systems, and particularly with P-123. For both surfactants, the order followed by binding constant (K(b)) was Zn-Chld > Pheo > Cu-Chl > Mg-Chl > Zn-Chl > Pheid, while binding constants estimated for the Chl containing the phytyl group correlated with K(P). Fluorescence quenching studies have shown that phorbides are located in a less hydrophobic region than the phytyl chain-containing derivatives, which are located preferentially in a deeper micellar microenvironment. Thus, the association of the chlorophylls with specific binding sites of micellar systems is strongly modulated by the presence of phytyl chains and metal coordinated to the porphyrinic ring.