Covalently functionalized MSNs as potential photosensitizing agents for PDT

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel approach for the treatment of some cancers and other non-malignant diseases. PDT aims to kill cancer tissue by the generation of singlet oxygen as a result of excitation of the photosensitizer (PS) by illuminating with a light source at a certain wavelength. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are promising in PDT issue due to their chemical inertness, biocompatibility, lowtoxicity, hydrophility and ease of surface modification. We have synthesized and characterized novel boradiazaindacene (BODIPY)-based PS that is covalently attached to the pore of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). We have observed that near infrared absorbing photosensitizer attached MSNs successfully generate cytotoxic singlet oxygen.