Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) loaded PLGA nanoparticles for topical Photodynamic Therapy of melanoma cells.

Introduction: Nanoparticles (Np) can increase drug efficacy and overcome problems associated with solubility and aggregation in a solution of PpIX.

Purpose: Evaluate if Np interferes in the photophysical and photobiological capacity of the PpIX comparing with free PpIX intended for topical PDT of melanoma.

Methods: In vitro photophysical evaluation of Np-PpIX was carried out through singlet oxygen (O) quantum yield.

In vitro Studies of Antitumor Effect, Toxicity/Cytotoxicity and Skin Permeation/Retention of a Green Fluorescence Pyrene-based Dye for PDT Application.

Photosensitizers (PS) are compounds that can generate reactive oxygen species under irradiation of appropriate light and are widely used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Currently, topical PDT is an effective treatment for several skin diseases, including bacterial infections, fungal mycoses and psoriasis. In addition, PDT is also used to treat nonmelanoma skin cancer and can be a potential tool for melanoma, associated with other treatments.

Silica nanoparticles doped with anthraquinone for lung cancer phototherapy.

In the present study, SiO nanoparticles functionalized with 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl group (SiNP-AAP) were used, for the first time, to covalently bond rose bengal (SiNP-AAP-RB) or 9,10-anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid (SiNP-AAP-OCAq). The functionalized SiNP were characterized by: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM); elemental analysis (CHN) for determination of the dye concentration; FTIR and UV-vis diffuse reflectance (DR-UV-vis) and a surface area study (BET). The functionalized SiNPs were applied in photodynamic therapy (PDT) against lung cancer cell lines.