Structural Data Showing the Existence of LDI Bonds between the Rings of Dimeric Cofacial Siloxysilicon Phthalocyanines

In a pair of earlier papers, the existence of long directional interaction bonds, LDI bonds, was postulated on the basis of data for cofacial oligomeric siloxysilicon phthalocyanines from this laboratory and data for other cofacial oligomeric phthalocyanines from the literature. However, the combined data are not fully suited to the purpose for which they were used. Here an alternative approach is taken in which a carefully chosen group of dimeric cofacial siloxysilicon phthalocyanines is used. Structural data derived from these phthalocyanines is examined in some detail to determine where it conforms to normal expectations and where it does not. To a high degree of certainty, consideration of the results obtained shows that long directional (LDI) bonds exist in dimeric cofacial siloxysilicon phthalocyanines. The new data also provide an opportunity for other research on chemical bonds.

Theranostic Agents for Photodynamic Therapy of Prostate Cancer by Targeting Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen

Prostatectomy has been the mainstay treatment for men with localized prostate cancer. Surgery, however, often can result in major side effects, which are caused from damage and removal of nerves and muscles surrounding the prostate. A technology that can help surgeons more precisely identify and remove prostate cancer resulting in a more complete prostatectomy is needed. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a type II membrane antigen highly expressed in prostate cancer, has been an attractive target for imaging and therapy. The objective of this study is to develop low molecular weight PSMA-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents, which would provide image guidance for prostate tumor resection and allow for subsequent PDT to eliminate unresectable or remaining cancer cells. On the basis of our highly negatively charged, urea-based PSMA ligand PSMA-1, we synthesized two PSMA-targeting PDT conjugates named PSMA-1-Pc413 and PSMA-1-IR700. In in vitro cellular uptake experiments and in vivo animal imaging experiments, the two conjugates demonstrated selective and specific uptake in PSMA-positive PC3pip cells/tumors, but not in PSMA-negative PC3flu cells/tumors. Further in vivo photodynamic treatment proved that the two PSMA-1-PDT conjugates can effectively inhibit PC3pip tumor progression. The two PSMA-1-PDT conjugates reported here may have the potential to aid in the detection and resection of prostate cancers. It may also allow for the identification of unresectable cancer tissue and PDT ablation of such tissue after surgical resection with potentially less damage to surrounding tissues. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(8); 1834-44. ©2016 AACR.

Studies directed towards nonyl acridine orange analogues having the potential to act as FRET donors with the PDT drug Pc 4

Analogues of nonyl acridine orange (NAO) were made by quaternization of substituted acridine oranges. The Pc 4-FRET occurrence of these NAO analogues in cells was investigated.

Dual Receptor-Targeted Theranostic Nanoparticles for Localized Delivery and Activation of Photodynamic Therapy Drug in Glioblastomas

Targeting gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with two or more receptor binding peptides has been proposed to address intratumoral heterogeneity of glioblastomas that overexpress multiple cell surface receptors to ultimately improve therapeutic efficacy. AuNPs conjugated with peptides against both the epidermal growth factor and transferrin receptors and loaded with the photosensitizer phthalocyanine 4 (Pc 4) have been designed and compared with monotargeted AuNPs for in vitro and in vivo studies. The (EGFpep+Tfpep)-AuNPs-Pc 4 with a particle size of ∼41 nm improved both specificity and worked synergistically to decrease time of maximal accumulation in human glioma cells that overexpressed two cell surface receptors as compared to cells that overexpressed only one. Enhanced cellular association and increased cytotoxicity were achieved. In vivo studies show notable accumulation of these agents in the brain tumor regions.

Peptide-Targeted Gold Nanoparticles for Photodynamic Therapy of Brain Cancer

Targeted drug delivery using epidermal growth factor peptide-targeted gold nanoparticles (EGFpep-Au NPs) is investigated as a novel approach for delivery of photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents, specifically Pc 4, to cancer. In vitro studies of PDT show that EGFpep-Au NP-Pc 4 is twofold better at killing tumor cells than free Pc 4 after increasing localization in early endosomes. In vivo studies show that targeting with EGFpep-Au NP-Pc 4 improves accumulation of fluorescence of Pc 4 in subcutaneous tumors by greater than threefold compared with untargeted Au NPs. Targeted drug delivery and treatment success can be imaged via the intrinsic fluorescence of the PDT drug Pc 4. Using Pc 4 fluorescence, it is demonstrated in vivo that EGFpep-Au NP-Pc 4 impacts biodistribution of the NPs by decreasing the initial uptake by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and by increasing the amount of Au NPs circulating in the blood 4 h after IV injection. Interestingly, in vivo PDT with EGFpep-Au NP-Pc 4 results in interrupted tumor growth when compared with EGFpep-Au NP control mice when selectively activated with light. These data demonstrate that EGFpep-Au NP-Pc 4 utilizes cancer-specific biomarkers to improve drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy over untargeted drug delivery.

Transferrin receptor-targeted theranostic gold nanoparticles for photosensitizer delivery in brain tumors

Therapeutic drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is not only inefficient, but also nonspecific to brain stroma. These are major limitations in the effective treatment of brain cancer. Transferrin peptide (Tfpep) targeted gold nanoparticles (Tfpep-Au NPs) loaded with the photodynamic pro-drug, Pc 4, have been designed and compared with untargeted Au NPs for delivery of the photosensitizer to brain cancer cell lines. In vitro studies of human glioma cancer lines (LN229 and U87) overexpressing the transferrin receptor (TfR) show a significant increase in cellular uptake for targeted conjugates as compared to untargeted particles. Pc 4 delivered from Tfpep-Au NPs clusters within vesicles after targeting with the Tfpep. Pc 4 continues to accumulate over a 4 hour period. Our work suggests that TfR-targeted Au NPs may have important therapeutic implications for delivering brain tumor therapies and/or providing a platform for noninvasive imaging.

The structure and properties of a sheathed, low reactivity silicon phthalocyanine and the potential for still more inert phthalocyanines

The structure of a silicon phthalocyanine having a sheath composed of eight 1,4-isobutoxy, four bidentate 2,3-dibenzobarreleno substituents, and two trans-heptacyclopentylpentacyclooctasiloxy ligands has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The macrocycle in this compound is nearly completely covered by its sheath, but there is a channel in it which is large enough to give small diatomic molecules easy access to the macrocycle. In solution, transient channels exist in the sheath because of molecular vibrations. The structure of the compound also has been determined by a PM6 semi-empirical calculation. Except for one understandable difference, the results from this calculation are in good agreement with the results from the crystal determination. The van der Waals volume of the molecule has been determined from both the crystal and PM6 data by a Monte Carlo method. The amount of steric hindrance present in analogs of the compound in which its isobutoxy substituents are replaced by other alkoxy groups has been examined through calculations based on van der Waals volumes. Possible analogs of this sheathed molecule are suggested in which the sheath may be impenetrable to even small molecules and thus that are highly resistant to attack.

Synthesis, properties and drug potential of the photosensitive alkyl- and alkylsiloxy-ligated silicon phthalocyanine Pc 227

Photolysis of Pc 227 yields the extensively studied photodynamic therapy drug Pc 4. The photolytic pathway is a homolysis involving a phthalocyanine π radical and low bond dissociation energy.

The Synthesis and Characterization of a Group of Transition Metal Octabutoxynaphthalocyanines and the Absorption and Emission Properties of the Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd and Pt Members of This Group

The synthesis and photophysical properties of new metallo-octabutoxynaphthalocyanines with Rh(III), Ir(III), and Pt(II) are reported. Various metals were inserted into the metal-free octabutoxynaphthalocyanine and the resultant metal complexes were fully characterized by NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The absorption and emission properties of these new complexes were also examined and compared to those of Co(II), Ni(II), and Pd(II) octabutoxynaphthalocyanines. The results provide useful information to understand the effect of these transition metals on the properties of this macrocyclic ring.

The synthesis and properties of iron, ruthenium, and osmium octabutoxynaphthalocyanine

New series of iron, ruthenium, and osmium octabutoxynaphthalocyanines were synthesized by inserting corresponding metals into the metal-free octabutoxynaphthalocyanine. Although preparation of axial ligand-free iron octabutoxynaphthalocyanines was reported before, we could not reproduce the synthesis by following the reported method. We attributed the failure to the instability of the iron octabutoxynaphthalocyanines. Bis-ligation increased the stability of the iron complex but only sufficiently for characterization. The application of iron complexes will be limited by their instability. However, ruthenium and osmium formed stable complexes with this macrocycle ring but with significantly lower reaction yields. These new complexes were characterized by NMR, UV-vis, and mass spectrometry.

Abstract 5711: Applying new light to the detection and treatment of brain cancers using targeted photodynamic therapy

Currently, an estimated 11.4 million people in the US have been affected by cancer and this number is expected to double by 2020 as indicated by the NIH NCI in 2006. Each year approximately 20% of these people are expected to die of cancer, with brain cancers among the most deadly. Brain cancer patients have a median life expectancy of only 6-10 months after diagnosis, and those with recurring brain cancer survive less than 20 weeks after any therapeutic regime. Consequently, there is a critical need to develop and improve the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of brain cancers, including gliomas. Theranostic drugs have the potential to do all of these and are becoming lifesaving alternatives. However, the current standard of care suffers from lack of specificity and systemic toxicity, often requiring invasive surgical procedures. These are significant obstacles when dealing with minimizing offsite damage to the healthy brain while maximizing treatment efficacy in the tumor. Our study presents a novel drug delivery platform using targeted-gold nanoparticles (Au NP) to deliver a therapeutic photodynamic therapy (PDT) drug, phthalocyanine 4 (Pc 4), across the blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB), which allows both detection and treatment of gliomas within mere hours. Targeting Pc 4 to cancer-specific biomarkers concentrates the drug specifically at the brain tumor, significantly reducing collateral damage to healthy brain tissue. Once Pc 4 is delivered, it offers selectivity based on its defined light activation. Our targeted delivery vehicle possesses several advantages over systemic drug delivery: greater control over bioavailability of the drug, controlled release of Pc 4 directly to the site, lower concentration of drug required for PDT effect, and avoidance of systemic drug exposure. The drug delivery mechanism of targeted-Au NP Pc 4 was investigated utilizing in vivo and in vitro fluorescence imaging, immunohistochemistry, elemental analysis, biodistribution studies, and therapeutic efficacy. We are able to target cancer biomarkers specifically, deliver hydrophobic drugs across the BBTB, increase drug accumulation into the tumor, alter drug localization, and enhance PDT killing affect. As a result, this study presents a unique application of PDT to the treatment of brain tumors using photosensitizing drugs like Pc 4.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5711. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5711

Addressing brain tumors with targeted gold nanoparticles: a new gold standard for hydrophobic drug delivery?

EGF-modified Au NP-Pc 4 conjugates showed 10-fold improved selectivity to the brain tumor compared to untargeted conjugates. The hydrophobic photodynamic therapy drug Pc 4 can be delivered efficiently into glioma brain tumors by EGF peptide-targeted Au NPs. Compared to the untargeted conjugates, EGF-Au NP-Pc 4 conjugates showed 10-fold improved selectivity to the brain tumor. This delivery system holds promise for future delivery of a wider range of hydrophobic therapeutic drugs for the treatment of hard-to-reach cancers.

Long, directional interactions in cofacial silicon phthalocyanine oligomers

Single crystal structures have been determined for the three cofacial, oxygen-bridged, silicon phthalocyanine oligomers, [((CH(3))(3)SiO)(2)(CH(3))SiO](SiPcO)(2-4)[Si(CH(3))(OSi(CH(3))(3))(2)], and for the corresponding monomer. The data for the oligomers give structural parameters for a matching set of three cofacial, oxygen-bridged silicon phthalocyanine oligomers for the first time. The staggering angles between the six adjacent cofacial ring pairs in the three oligomers are not in a random distribution nor in a cluster at the intuitively expected angle of 45° but rather are in two clusters, one at an angle of 15° and the other at an angle of 41°. These two clusters lead to the conclusion that long, directional interactions (LDI) exist between the adjacent ring pairs. An understanding of these interactions is provided by atoms-in-molecules (AIM) and reduced-density-gradient (RDG) studies. A survey of the staggering angles in other single-atom-bridged, cofacial phthalocyanine oligomers provides further evidence for the existence of LDI between cofacial phthalocyanine ring pairs in single-atom-bridged phthalocyanine oligomers.

Preliminary clinical and pharmacologic investigation of photodynamic therapy with the silicon phthalocyanine photosensitizer pc 4 for primary or metastatic cutaneous cancers

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cutaneous malignancies has been found to be an effective treatment with a range of photosensitizers. The phthalocyanine Pc 4 was developed initially for PDT of primary or metastatic cancers in the skin. A Phase I trial was initiated to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of systemically administered Pc 4 followed by red light (Pc 4-PDT) in cutaneous malignancies. A dose-escalation study of Pc 4 (starting dose 0.135 mg/m(2)) at a fixed light fluence (135 J/cm(2) of 675-nm light) was initiated in patients with primary or metastatic cutaneous malignancies with the aim of establishing the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Blood samples were taken at intervals over the first 60 h post-PDT for pharmacokinetic analysis, and patients were evaluated for toxicity and tumor response. A total of three patients (two females with breast cancer and one male with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) were enrolled and treated over the dose range of 0.135 mg/m(2) (first dose level) to 0.54 mg/m(2) (third dose level). Grade 3 erythema within the photoirradiated area was induced in patient 2, and transient tumor regression in patient 3, in spite of the low photosensitizer doses. Pharmacokinetic observations fit a three-compartment exponential elimination model with an initial rapid distribution phase (∼0.2 h) and relatively long terminal elimination phase (∼28 h), Because of restrictive exclusion criteria and resultant poor accrual, the trial was closed before MTD could be reached. While the limited accrual to this initial Phase I study did not establish the MTD nor establish a complete pharmacokinetic and safety profile of intravenous Pc 4-PDT, these preliminary data support further Phase I testing of this new photosensitizer.

Successful cutaneous delivery of the photosensitizer silicon phthalocyanine 4 for photodynamic therapy

BACKGROUND

 Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of malignancies of a variety of organ systems, including the lungs, bladder, gastrointestinal tract and skin. Cutaneous lesions serve as ideal targets of PDT because of the accessibility of the skin to light. To achieve optimum results, the photosensitizer must be delivered effectively into the target layers of the skin within a practical timeframe, via noninvasive methods.

AIM

To determine whether topical application of a second-generation photosensitizer, silicon phthalocyanine (Pc) 4 [SiPc(OSi(CH3)2 (CH2)3 N(CH3)2)(OH)], results in effective penetration of the skin barrier.

METHODS

Penetration of Pc 4 was evaluated using standard Franz-type vertical diffusion cell experiments on surrogate materials (silicone membranes) and laser-scanning confocal microscopy of normal skin biopsy samples from human volunteers.

RESULTS

The Franz diffusion data indicate that Pc 4 formulated in an ethanol/propylene glycol solution (70/30%, v/v) can penetrate the membrane at a flux that is appreciable and relatively invariant. Using the same formulation, Pc 4 uptake could be detected in human skin via laser-scanning confocal microscopy.

CONCLUSION

After topical application, Pc 4 is absorbed into the epidermis in as little as 1 h, and the absorption increased with increasing time and dose. Pc 4 can be effectively delivered into human skin via topical application. The data also suggest that the degree of penetration is time- and dose-dependent.

Abstract 4449: Deep penetration of PDT drugs into tumors via non-covalent drug-gold nanoparticle conjugates

In 2010, more than a million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed with half resulting in death, at an NIH estimated total yearly cost of $263.8 billion. Therefore, there is a critical need to improve both cancer diagnostics and therapeutics; future theranostics aim to combine both in a single visit. Consequently, efficient delivery of hydrophobic, theranostic drugs is necessary. This study presents a novel non-covalent PDT cancer drug-gold nanoparticle (Au NP) conjugate system that is able to perform rapid drug release deep into tumors within hours rather than days. The drug delivery mechanism of the PDT drug Pc 4 using Au NPs into tumors by passive accumulation was investigated via fluorescence imaging of Pc 4, elemental gold analysis, and histological staining. The pharmacokinetics of the conjugates over a 7 day period showed rapid drug excretion, as monitored via the fluorescence of Pc 4 which decreased significantly to near baseline levels. Moreover, the biodistribution of Au NPs indicated clearance of the conjugates from the mice. The spleen, liver, kidneys, and urinary tract showed accumulation of Au NPs and accounted for 33.6% of the injected dose at only 4 hrs, suggesting possible excretion pathways, since the total injected dose of Au NPs recovered from dissected organs decreased by 33.4%. Histological analysis corroborated these findings; Au NPs in the liver were found in liver sinusoids and hepatocytes, Au NPs in the spleen were found near macrophages, Au NPs in the kidney were located in the glomerulus, and Au NPs in the urinary tract were found in the stroma. At 4 hrs post-injection, ∼76% of the injected dose of Au NPs was recovered in harvested organs, and AuNPs accumulated passively in tumors with an average accumulation of 8 ± 6 % ID (or ∼62.46 μg/g of tumor tissue). The tumor (4 hrs post-injection) showed very high fluorescence intensities further suggesting the passive accumulation of Pc 4 via the Au NPs within the tumor. In vitro studies showed the conjugates delivered 389.4 moles of Pc 4 per mole of Au NP into cells in 4 hrs; in vivo studies showed approximately 10 RFUs (of Pc 4)/ μg of gold delivered into tumor tissues. Ultimately, this study suggests that Pc 4 non-covalently loaded Au NPs that penetrate deep into the tumor interior provide a very attractive approach to delivery cancer drugs to visualize carcinomas and track therapeutic responses.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4449. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4449

Abstract 1685: Nano-scale targeting of Pc 4 to improve drug delivery, accumulation, and PDT efficacy in brain tumors

Malignant gliomas are among the most lethal cancers with a median survival expectancy of only 6-12 months. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment. However, curative resection is often not possible due to infiltrating growth of the tumor into normal brain. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been suggested as an additional therapy to guide tumor resections and enhance the effect of surgery via photoreactive treatment during or at the cessation of surgical intervention. The most difficult challenge in treating malignant brain tumors may be delivering targeted therapies that preserve healthy tissue while effectively eradicating the cancer. Therefore, improving drug delivery rate and tumor selectivity of the photosensitizing agent will dramatically reduce systemic toxicity and enhance the success of PDT. EGFR amplification is the most common genetic alteration in gliomas and plays a critical role in stimulating glioma progression, making it an ideal target. Consequently, we have developed a highly efficient EGFR-targeted gold-nanoparticle (EGF-Au NP) to improve delivery of PDT cancer drugs to tumors in vivo. EGF peptides attached to PEGylated Au NPs deliver hydrophobic PDT drug, Pc 4, to brain tumors overexpressing EGFR better than either the non-targeted Au NPs or Pc 4 alone. The drug rapidly releases and penetrates deep within tumors within 1-4 hrs. In vivo small animal imaging experiments show targeted delivery of Pc 4 to tumor sites. Ex vivo imaging of the tumors confirmed as much as a 4-fold increase in the intrinsic fluorescence of Pc 4 over non-targeted conjugates after systemic administration. Moreover, in vitro experiments show a higher concentration of Pc 4 uptake per Au NP over non-targeted Au NPs per cancer cell. Histological analysis, including confocal microscopy, shows that, after targeting, the delivered Pc 4 localizes in the endosomes of the cancer cells. Transmission electron micrographs show that Au NPs cluster along the cell surface or within discrete vesicles within the cell. Localization within the endosomal pathway may be more effective for PDT and produce less off-target toxicity than free Pc 4, which preferentially accumulates in mitochondria. Further, glioma cells treated for 4 hrs with EGF-targeted Au NP-Pc 4 and then exposed to PDT show an enhanced killing effect, especially when compared to either non-targeted Au NP-Pc 4 or free Pc 4 controls. Systemic delivery of EGF-Au NP-Pc 4 to heterotopic brain tumors reveals increasing tumor necrosis after PDT. Biodistribution experiments also show that the Au NPs and Pc 4 are effectively excreted over time. This study suggests that the EGFR-targeted Au NPs improve drug delivery to tumors for PDT and are removed from the body safely after treatment.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1685. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1685

A requirement for bid for induction of apoptosis by photodynamic therapy with a lysosome- but not a mitochondrion-targeted photosensitizer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with lysosome-targeted photosensitizers induces the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis via the cleavage and activation of the BH3-only protein Bid by proteolytic enzymes released from photodisrupted lysosomes. To investigate the role of Bid in apoptosis induction and the role of damaged lysosomes on cell killing by lysosome-targeted PDT, we compared the responses of wild type and Bid-knock-out murine embryonic fibroblasts toward a mitochondrion/endoplasmic reticulum-binding photosensitizer, Pc 4, and a lysosome-targeted sensitizer, Pc 181. Whereas apoptosis and overall cell killing were induced equally well by Pc 4-PDT in both cell lines, Bid(-/-) cells were relatively resistant to induction of apoptosis and to overall killing following PDT with Pc 181, particularly at low PDT doses. Thus, Bid is critical for the induction of apoptosis caused by PDT with the lysosome-specific sensitizers, but dispensable for PDT targeted to other membranes.

Deep penetration of a PDT drug into tumors by noncovalent drug-gold nanoparticle conjugates

Efficient drug delivery to tumors is of ever-increasing importance. Single-visit diagnosis and treatment sessions are the goal of future theranostics. In this work, a noncovalent PDT cancer drug-gold nanoparticle (Au NP) conjugate system performed a rapid drug release and deep penetration of the drug into tumors within hours. The drug delivery mechanism of the PDT drug through Au NPs into tumors by passive accumulation was investigated via fluorescence imaging, elemental analysis, and histological staining. The pharmacokinetics of the conjugates over a 7-day test period showed rapid drug excretion, as monitored via the fluorescence of the drug in urine. Moreover, the biodistribution of Au NPs in this study period indicated clearance of the NPs from the mice. This study suggests that noncovalent delivery via Au NPs provides an attractive approach for cancer drugs to penetrate deep into the center of tumors.

Binding to and photo-oxidation of cardiolipin by the phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4

Cardiolipin is a unique phospholipid of the mitochondrial inner membrane. Its peroxidation correlates with release of cytochrome c and induction of apoptosis. The phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4 binds preferentially to the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Earlier Förster resonance energy transfer studies showed colocalization of Pc 4 and cardiolipin, which suggests cardiolipin as a target of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Pc 4. Using liposomes as membrane models, we find that Pc 4 binds to cardiolipin-containing liposomes similarly to those that do not contain cardiolipin. Pc 4 binding is also studied in MCF-7c3 cells and those whose cardiolipin content was reduced by treatment with palmitate. Decreased levels of cardiolipin are quantified by thin-layer chromatography. The similar level of binding of Pc 4 to cells, irrespective of palmitate treatment, supports the lack of specificity of Pc 4 binding. Thus, factors other than cardiolipin are likely responsible for the preferential localization of Pc 4 in mitochondria. Nonetheless, cardiolipin within liposomes is readily oxidized by Pc 4 and light, yielding apparently mono- and dihydroperoxidized cardiolipin. If similar products result from exposure of cells to Pc 4-PDT, they could be part of the early events leading to apoptosis following Pc 4-PDT.

Delivery of the photosensitizer Pc 4 in PEG-PCL micelles for in vitro PDT studies

The silicon phthalocyanine Pc 4 is a second-generation photosensitizer that has several properties superior to other photosensitizers currently approved by the FDA, and it has shown significant promise for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in several cancer cells in vitro and model tumor systems in vivo. However, because of the high hydrophobicity of Pc 4, its formulation for in vivo delivery and favorable biodistribution become challenging. To this end, we are studying encapsulation and delivery of Pc 4 in block copolymer micelles. Here, we report the development of biocompatible PEG-PCL micelle nanoparticles, encapsulation of Pc 4 within the micelle core by hydrophobic association with the PCL block, and in vitro PDT studies of the micelle-formulated Pc 4 in MCF-7c3 human breast cancer cells. Our studies demonstrate efficient encapsulation of Pc 4 in the micelles, intracellular uptake of the micelle-formulated Pc 4 in cells, and significant cytotoxic effect of the formulation upon photoirradiation. Quantitative estimation of the extent of Pc 4 loading in the micelles and the photocytotoxicity of the micelle-incorporated Pc 4 demonstrate the promise of our approach to develop a biocompatible nanomedicine platform for tumor-targeted delivery of Pc 4 for site-selective PDT.

Delivery and efficacy of a cancer drug as a function of the bond to the gold nanoparticle surface

In this feature article, gold nanoparticle conjugates loaded with phthalocyanine-based PDT drugs are prepared and tested for delivery efficiency and PDT efficacy on HeLa cancer cells. It could be shown that the delivery and PDT outcome are strongly affected by the bond that links the drug load to the nanoparticle surface. Whereas labile amino adsorption to the Au nanoparticle surface allows for efficient drug release into the cancer cells and for efficient PDT, a covalent thiol bond to the Au nanoparticle leads to the delivery of the drug into cell vesicles, and no PDT effect is observed. This work highlights the importance of carefully choosing the interaction between drug molecules and the nanoparticle surface.

Signaling From Lysosomes Enhances Mitochondria-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy In Cancer Cells

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), visible light activates a photosensitizing drug added to a tissue, resulting in singlet oxygen formation and cell death. Assessed by confocal microscopy, the photosensitizer phthalocyanine 4 (Pc 4) localizes primarily to mitochondrial membranes in cancer cells, resulting in mitochondria-mediated cell death. A Pc 4 derivative, Pc 181, accumulates into lysosomes. In comparison to Pc 4, Pc 181 was a more effective photosensitizer promoting killing cancer cells after PDT. The mode of cell death after Pc 181-PDT is predominantly apoptosis, and pancaspase and caspase-3 inhibitors prevent onset of the cell death. To assess further how lysosomes contribute to PDT, we monitored cell killing of A431cells after PDT in the presence and absence of bafilomycin, an inhibitor of the acidic vacuolar proton pump that collapses the pH gradient of the lysosomal/endosomal compartment. Bafilomycin by itself did not induce toxicity but greatly enhanced Pc 4-PDT-induced cell killing. In comparison to Pc 4, less enhancement of cell killing by bafilomycin occurred after Pc 181-PDT at photosensitizer doses producing equivalent cell killing in the absence of bafilomycin. These results indicate that lysosomal disruption can augment PDT with Pc 4, which targets predominantly mitochondria, but less so after PDT with Pc 181, since Pc 181 already targets lysosomes.

Structural factors and mechanisms underlying the improved photodynamic cell killing with silicon phthalocyanine photosensitizers directed to lysosomes versus mitochondria

The phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4 has been shown to bind preferentially to mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Upon photoirradiation of Pc 4-loaded cells, membrane components, especially Bcl-2, are photodamaged and apoptosis, as indicated by activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, is triggered. A series of analogs of Pc 4 were synthesized, and the results demonstrate that Pcs with the aminopropylsiloxy ligand of Pc 4 or a similar one on one side of the Pc ring and a second large axial ligand on the other side of the ring have unexpected properties, including enhanced cell uptake, greater monomerization resulting in greater intracellular fluorescence and three-fold higher affinity constants for liposomes. The hydroxyl-bearing axial ligands tend to reduce aggregation of the Pc and direct it to lysosomes, resulting in four to six times more killing of cells, as defined by loss of clonogenicity, than with Pc 4. Whereas Pc 4-PDT photodamages Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, Pc 181-PDT causes much less photodamage to Bcl-2 over the same dose-response range relative to cell killing, with earlier cleavage of Bid and slower caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. Therefore, within this series of photosensitizers, these hydroxyl-bearing axial ligands are less aggregated than is Pc 4, tend to localize to lysosomes and are more effective in overall cell killing than is Pc 4, but induce apoptosis more slowly and by a modified pathway.

Oxidative modification of cytochrome c by singlet oxygen

Singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) is a reactive oxygen species that may be generated in biological systems. Photodynamic therapy generates (1)O(2) by photoexcitation of sensitizers resulting in intracellular oxidative stress and induction of apoptosis. (1)O(2) oxidizes amino acid side chains of proteins and inactivates enzymes when generated in vitro. Among proteogenic amino acids, His, Tyr, Met, Cys, and Trp are known to be oxidized by (1)O(2) at physiological pH. However, there is a lack of direct evidence of oxidation of proteins by (1)O(2). Because (1)O(2) is difficult to detect in cells, identifying oxidized cellular products uniquely derived from (1)O(2) could serve as a marker of its presence. In the present study, (1)O(2) reactions with model peptides analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry provide insight into the mass of prominent adducts formed with the reactive amino acids. Analysis by MALDI-TOF and tandem mass spectrometry of peptides of cytochrome c exposed to (1)O(2) generated by photoexcitation of the phthalocyanine Pc 4 showed unique oxidation products, which might be used as markers of the presence of (1)O(2) in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Differences in the elemental composition of the oxidized amino acid residues observed with cytochrome c and the model peptides suggest that the protein environment can affect the oxidation pathway.

Targeting of mitochondria by 10-N-alkyl acridine orange analogues: role of alkyl chain length in determining cellular uptake and localization

10-N-Nonyl acridine orange (NAO) is used as a mitochondrial probe because of its high affinity for cardiolipin (CL). Targeting of NAO may also depend on mitochondrial membrane potential. As the nonyl group has been considered essential for targeting, a systematic study of alkyl chain length was undertaken; three analogues (10-methyl-, 10-hexyl-, and 10-hexadecyl-acridine orange) were synthesized and their properties studied in phospholipid monolayers and breast cancer cells. The shortest and longest alkyl chains reduced targeting, whereas the hexyl group was superior to the nonyl group, allowing very clear and specific targeting to mitochondria at concentrations of 20-100 nM, where no evidence of toxicity was apparent. Additional studies in wild-type and cardiolipin-deficient yeast cells suggested that cellular binding was not absolutely dependent upon cardiolipin.

Irradiation-induced enhancement of Pc 4 fluorescence and changes in light scattering are potential dosimeters for Pc 4-PDT

Phthalocyanine 4 (Pc 4) is a promising photosensitizer currently in clinical trials. Photobiological responses to Pc 4 photodynamic therapy (Pc 4-PDT) have been characterized extensively, but relatively little has been done to evaluate dose metrics for this sensitizer. We describe an irradiation-induced increase in fluorescence in tumor cell monolayers. This increase is due solely to enhanced fluorescence from Pc 4, as confirmed by confocal spectroscopy. In EMT6 cells incubated with 250 nM Pc 4 for 24 h, the maximum increase in fluorescence is approximately 3.7-fold above baseline levels. This increase occurs over a range of fluences, 0.05-0.6 J cm(-2), where clonogenic survival decreases by 3 orders of magnitude. Light scattering measurements performed on similarly treated EMT6 cells in suspension suggested a Pc 4-PDT-mediated mitochondrial swelling of approximately 13% at 0.6 J cm(-2), where fluorescence enhancement saturates under these treatment conditions. Fluorescence imaging and light scattering experiments performed at a five-fold lower Pc 4 incubation concentration revealed a reduced fluorescence enhancement at a five-fold higher fluence, which produced comparable mitochondrial swelling. Taken together, these data suggest that Pc 4 is initially aggregated at high local concentration in mitochondria and that irradiation relaxes the quenching of Pc 4 fluorescence through a mechanism that may involve mitochondrial swelling.

Effect of the functionalization of the axial phthalocyanine ligands on the energy transfer in QD-based donor-acceptor pairs

This study examines the electronic coupling between quantum dots (QDs) and molecules on their surfaces as a function of the modality of their interaction. As a probe, the energy transfer (ET) between CdSe QDs and phthalocyanines (Pcs) was monitored and evaluated with regard to the functionalization of the axial phthalocyanine ligand, bulkiness of the functional group bridging the QD donor and Pc acceptor, and the number of the functionalized axial ligands. New silicon PCs and their conjugates with CdSe QDs were synthesized. The ET efficiency and kinetics were studied by steady state and femtosecond time-resolved absorption spectroscopy. We observed a decrease in ET efficiency with the increase in functional group bulkiness, which could be explained by increasing steric hindrance between the ET pair. In addition, a higher ET efficiency was observed for amino and thiol functionalized Pcs compared to Pcs without functional group on the axial alkyl chain.

Synthesis and photophysical properties of silicon phthalocyanines with axial siloxy ligands bearing alkylamine termini

Eleven silicon phthalocyanines which can be grouped into two homologous series [SiPc[OSi(CH3)2(CH2)(n)N(CH3)2]2, n = 1-6 (series 1), and SiPc[OSi(CH3)2(CH2)3N((CH2)(n)H)2]2, n = 1-6 (series 2)] as well as an analogous phthalocyanine, SiPc[OSi(CH3)2(CH2)3NH2]2, were synthesized. The ground state absorption spectra, the triplet state dynamics, and singlet oxygen quantum yields of 10 of these phthalocyanines were measured. All compounds displayed similar ground state absorption spectral properties in dimethylformamide solution with single Q band maxima at 668 +/- 2 nm and B band maxima at 352 +/- 1 nm. Photoexcitation of all compounds in the B bands generated the optical absorptions of the triplet states which decayed with lifetimes in the hundreds of microseconds region. Oxygen quenching bimolecular rate constants near 2 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) were measured, indicating that energy transfer to oxygen was exergonic. Singlet oxygen quantum yields, phi(delta), were measured, and those phthalocyanines in which the axial ligands are terminated by dimethylamine residues at the end of alkyl chains having four or more methylene links exhibited yields near > or = 0.35. Others gave singlet oxygen quantum yields near 0.2, and still others showed singlet oxygen yields of <0.1. The reduced singlet oxygen yields are probably caused by a charge transfer quenching of the 1pi,pi* state of the phthalocyanine by interaction with the lone pair electrons on the nitrogen atoms of the amine termini. In some cases, these can approach and interact with the electronically excited pi-framework, owing to diffusive motions of the flexible oligo-methylene tether.

Photophysics of octabutoxy phthalocyaninato-Ni(II) in toluene: ultrafast experiments and DFT/TDDFT studies

Reported herein is a combination of experimental and DFT/TDDFT theoretical investigations of the ground and excited states of 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-Octabutoxyphthalocyaninato-nickel(II), NiPc(BuO)(8), and the dynamics of its deactivation after excitation into the S(1)(pi,pi) state in toluene solution. According to X-ray crystallographic analysis NiPc(BuO)(8) has a highly saddled structure in the solid state. However, DFT studies suggest that in solution the complex is likely to flap from one D(2)(d)-saddled conformation to the opposite one through a D(4)(h)-planar structure. The spectral and kinetic changes for the complex in toluene are understood in terms of the 730 nm excitation light generating a primarily excited S(1) (pi,pi) state that transforms initially into a vibrationally hot (3)(d(z)2,d(x)2(-)(y)2) state. Cooling to the zeroth state is complete after ca. 8 ps. The cold (d,d) state converted to its daughter state, the (3)LMCT (pi,d(x)2(-)(y)2), which itself decays to the ground state with a lifetime of 640 ps. The proposed deactivation mechanism applies to the D(2)(d)-saddled and the D(4)(h)-planar structure as well. The results presented here for NiPc(BuO)(8) suggest that in nickel phthalocyanines the (1,3)LMCT (pi,d(x)2(-)(y)2) states may provide effective routes for radiationless deactivation of the (1,3)(pi,pi) states.

Photodynamic therapy with the phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4: the case experience with preclinical mechanistic and early clinical-translational studies

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is emerging as a promising non-invasive treatment for cancers. PDT involves either local or systemic administration of a photosensitizing drug, which preferentially localizes within the tumor, followed by illumination of the involved organ with light, usually from a laser source. Here, we provide a selective overview of our experience with PDT at Case Western Reserve University, specifically with the silicon phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4. We first review our in vitro studies evaluating the mechanism of cell killing by Pc 4-PDT. Then we briefly describe our clinical experience in a Phase I trial of Pc 4-PDT and our preliminary translational studies evaluating the mechanisms behind tumor responses. Preclinical work identified (a) cardiolipin and the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL as targets of Pc 4-PDT, (b) the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, with the key participation of caspase-3, as a central response of many human cancer cells to Pc 4-PDT, (c) signaling pathways that could modify apoptosis, and (d) a formulation by which Pc 4 could be applied topically to human skin and penetrate at least through the basal layer of the epidermis. Clinical-translational studies enabled us to develop an immunohistochemical assay for caspase-3 activation, using biopsies from patients treated with topical Pc 4 in a Phase I PDT trial for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Results suggest that this assay may be used as an early biomarker of clinical response.

Effects of Benzoannulation and α-Octabutoxy Substitution on the Photophysical Behavior of Nickel Phthalocyanines: A Combined Experimental and DFT/TDDFT Study

The photophysical properties of a group of Ni(II)-centered tetrapyrroles have been investigated by ultrafast transient absorption spectrometry and DFT/TDDFT methods in order to characterize the impacts of alpha-octabutoxy substitution and benzoannulation on the deactivation pathways of the S1(pi,pi*) state. The compounds examined were NiPc, NiNc, NiPc(OBu)8, and NiNc(OBu)8, where Pc = phthalocyanine and Nc = naphthalocyanine. It was found that the S1(pi,pi*) state of NiNc(OBu)8 deactivated within the time resolution of the instrument (200 fs) to a vibrationally hot T1(pi,pi*) state. The quasidegeneracy of the S1(pi,pi*) and 3(dz2,dx2-y2) states allowed for fast intersystem crossing (ISC) to occur. After vibrational relaxation (ca. 2.5 ps), the T1(pi,pi*) converted rapidly (ca. 19 ps lifetime) and reversibly into the 3LMCT(pi,dx2-y2) state. The equilibrium state, so generated, decayed to the ground state with a lifetime of ca. 500 ps. Peripheral substitution of the Pc ring significantly modified the photodeactivation mechanism of the S1(pi,pi*) by inducing substantial changes in the relative energies of the S1(pi,pi*), 3(dpi,dx2-y2), 3(dz2,dx2-y2), T1(pi,pi*), and 1,3LMCT(pi,dx2-y2) excited states. The location of the Gouterman LUMOs and the unoccupied metal level (dx2-y2) with respect to the HOMO is crucial for the actual position of these states. In NiPc, the S1(pi,pi*) state underwent ultrafast (200 fs) ISC into a hot (d,d) state. Vibrational cooling (ca. 20 ps lifetime) resulted in a cold (dz2,dx2-y2) state, which repopulated the ground state with a 300 ps lifetime. In NiPc(OBu)8, the S1(pi,pi*) state deactivated through the 3(dz2,dx2-y2), which in turn converted to the 3LMCT(pi,dx2-y2) state, which finally repopulated the ground state with a lifetime of 640 ps. Insufficient solubility of NiNc in noncoordinating solvents prevented transient absorption data from being obtained for this compound. However, the TDDFT calculations were used to make speculations about the photoproperties.

Observation of Non-Förster-Type Energy-Transfer Behavior in Quantum Dot−Phthalocyanine Conjugates

The effect of linker chain length on the energy transfer from CdSe quantum dots (QDs) to silicon phthalocyanine (Pc) photodynamic therapy agents was investigated by steady-state and femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy with 500 nm light for the specific excitation of the QD energy donor. The conjugation between the QD and the Pc was achieved with linker chains varying from 4 to 9 bond lengths by incorporating 1-6 methylene groups into the axial ligand of the Pc. With increasing chain length, the energy-transfer efficiency increased, which appears to be opposed to a purely Förster-type resonance energy-transfer behavior that is commonly discussed for the energy transfer in QD conjugates. The obtained results provide strong evidence for a capping-layer-mediated energy transfer in the QD-based donor-acceptor conjugates.

Pc 4 photodynamic therapy of U87-derived human glioma in the nude rat

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

As a potential therapy for malignant glioma, we tested the phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4 for: (1) rapid clearance from the vasculature, (2) specificity for glioma, and (3) tumoricidal photosensitizing capability.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Parenchymal injection of U87 cells into athymic rat brains (N = 100) was followed after 12 days by tail vein injection of 0.5 mg/kg Pc 4. After 1 day, the tumor was illuminated with either 5 (N = 11) or 30 (N = 16) J/cm(2) red light at 672 nm. Sacrifice was 1 day later. The brains from these 27 animals underwent H&E (necrosis) and TUNEL assay (apoptosis) histology. Pc 4 concentration of explanted brains and tumors (N = 16), and all blood samples (N = 52) were determined by HPLC-MS 1 day post Pc 4 administration.

RESULTS

Tumor-specific apoptosis was almost uniformly seen; however, necrosis was found mostly in the high-light-dose group. Pc 4 concentration in bulk tumor averaged 3.8 times greater than in normal brain.

CONCLUSIONS

These results warrant expanding this pre-clinical study to seek effective baseline Pc 4 drug- and light-doses and infusion-to-photoirradiation timing that would be necessary for a Pc 4-mediated PDT clinical trial for glioma patients.

Photothermal sensitisation as a novel therapeutic approach for tumours: studies at the cellular and animal level

Irradiation of B78H1 murine amelanotic melanoma cells with 850 nm light emitted from a Ti:sapphire laser, operated in a pulsed mode at high fluence rates and in the presence of Ni(II)-octabutoxy-naphthalocyanine (NiNc), promoted a photothermally sensitised process leading to fast and irreversible cell death. This resulted in the ejection of a consistent mass of cytoplasmic material from the irradiated cells that was detected by scanning electron microscopy. The extensive chemical and mechanical damage was probably caused by the photoinduced generation of an acoustic shock wave. The efficiency of the photoprocess was modulated by intracellular concentration of NiNc and maximally by the formation of aggregated naphthalocyanine clusters in specific subcellular areas. Very similar results were obtained upon irradiation of NiNc-loaded C32 human amelanotic melanoma cells and transformed murine HT-1080 and HaCaT fibroblasts. From these results, photothermal sensitisation appears to be a general phenomenon and preliminary studies with mice bearing subcutaneously transplanted amelanotic melanomas, irradiated with 850 nm light 24 h after intravenous injection of NiNc, suggest that this approach has potential for the therapy of some types of skin tumours.

Photothermal sensitisation: evidence for the lack of oxygen effect on the photosensitising activity

Irradiation of amelanotic melanoma B78H1 cells in the presence of liposome-delivered Ni(II)-octabutoxy-naphthalocyanine with a Q-switched Ti:sapphire laser operated in a pulsed mode (850 nm, 30 ns pulses, 10 Hz, 120 mJ pulse -1) promotes a photothermal sensitization process leading to extensive cell inactivation. The photoprocess occurs with identical efficiency in N2-saturated and air-equilibrated media, indicating that this photosensitization modality does not require the presence of oxygen.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer reveals a binding site of a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy

Phthalocyanine (Pc) 4, like many photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT), localizes to intracellular membranes, especially mitochondria. Pc 4-PDT photodamages Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, antiapoptotic proteins interacting with the permeability transition pore complex that forms at contact sites between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes. These complexes and the inner membrane are unique in containing the phospholipid cardiolipin. Nonyl-acridine orange (NAO) is a specific probe of cardiolipin. Here we show evidence for fluorescence resonance energy transfer from NAO to Pc 4, defining a binding site for the photosensitizer. This observation establishes an innovative tool for exploring the localization of other photosensitizers and additional fluorescent, mitochondrion-localizing drugs having appropriate spectral properties.

The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor in photodynamic therapy with the phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4

The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is an 18 kDa protein of the outer mitochondrial membrane that interacts with the voltage-dependent anion channel and may participate in formation of the permeability transition pore. The physiological role of PBR is reflected in the high-affinity binding of endogenous ligands that are metabolites of both cholesterol and heme. Certain porphyrin precursors of heme can be photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT), which depends on visible light activation of porphyrin-related macrocycles. Because the apparent binding affinity of a series of porphyrin analogs for PBR paralleled their ability to photoinactivate cells, PBR has been proposed as the molecular target for porphyrin-derived photocytotoxicity. The phthalocyanine (Pc) photosensitizer Pc 4 accumulates in mitochondria and structurally resembles porphyrins. Therefore, we tested the relevance of PBR binding on Pc 4-PDT. Binding affinity was measured by competition with 3H-PK11195, a high-affinity ligand of PBR, for binding to rat kidney mitochondria (RKM) or intact Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. To assess the binding of the Pc directly, we synthesized 14C-labeled Pc 4 and found that whereas Pc 4 was a competitive inhibitor of 3H-PK11195 binding to the PBR, PK11195 did not inhibit the binding of 14C-Pc 4 to RKM. Further, 14C-Pc 4 binding to RKM showed no evidence of saturation up to 10 microM. Finally, when Pc 4-loaded CHO cells were exposed to activating red light, apoptosis was induced; Pc 4-PDT was less effective in causing apoptosis in a companion cell line overexpressing the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. For both cell lines, PK11195 inhibited PDT-induced apoptosis; however, the inhibition was transient and did not extend to overall cell death, as determined by clonogenic assay. The results demonstrate (1) the presence of low-affinity binding sites for Pc 4 on PBR; (2) the presence of multiple binding sites for Pc 4 in RKM and CHO cells other than those that influence PK11195 binding; and (3) the ability of high supersaturating levels of PK11195 to transiently inhibit apoptosis initiated by Pc 4-PDT, with less influence on overall cell killing. We conclude that the binding of Pc 4 to PBR is less relevant to the photocytotoxicity of Pc 4-PDT than are other mitochondrial events, such as photodamage to Bcl-2 and that the observed inhibition of Pc 4-PDT-induced apoptosis by PK11195 likely occurs through a mechanism independent of PBR.