Encapsulation of porphyrins and chlorins in biodegradable nanoparticles: the effect of dye lipophilicity on the extravasation and the photothrombic activity. A comparative study.

In the present work, we performed a preclinical inter-comparison study using several photosensitizers with the goal of optimizing photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration. The tested molecules were the porphyrins meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and meso-tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl)-porphyrin (TCPP), and the chlorins pheophorbide-a (Pheo-a) and chlorin e(6) (Ce(6)). Each of these molecules was entrapped in biodegradable nanoparticles (NP) based on poly(d,l-lactic acid).