New Derivatives of Bacteriopurpurin with Thiolated Au (I) Complexes: Dual Darkand Light Activated Antitumor Potency.

Background: Conventional antitumor Photosensitizers (PS) are normally low toxic in the dark whereas light activation triggers massive cell death (photodynamic therapy, PDT).

Objective: To expand the therapeutic potential of PS to dual potency cytocidal agents, taking advantage of the use of bacteriopurpurin for a deeper tissue penetration of light, and suitability of the tetrapyrrolic macrocycle for chemical modifications at its periphery.

Methods: Conjugation of a pro-oxidant thiolate Au (I) moiety to the bacteriopurpurin core and evaluation of cytotoxicity in cell culture and in vivo.