Macromolecular delivery of 5-aminolaevulinic acid for photodynamic therapy using dendrimer conjugates.

Intracellular porphyrin generation following administration of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been widely used in photodynamic therapy. However, cellular uptake of 5-ALA is limited by its hydrophilicity, and improved means of delivery are therefore being sought. Highly branched polymeric drug carriers known as dendrimers present a promising new approach to drug delivery because they have a well-defined structure capable of incorporating a high drug payload.

Enhanced porphyrin accumulation using dendritic derivatives of 5-aminolaevulinic acid for photodynamic therapy: an in vitro study.

Intracellular porphyrin generation following administration of 5-aminolaevulinic acid has been widely used in photodynamic therapy for a range of malignant and certain non-malignant lesions. However, cellular uptake of 5-aminolaevulinic acid is limited by its hydrophilic nature and improved means of delivery are therefore being sought. Highly branched polymeric drug carriers known as dendrimers are a promising new approach to drug delivery.