A new micro/nanoencapsulated porphyrin formulation for PDT treatment

Int J Pharm. 2009 Jul 6;376(1-2):76-83. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2009.04.024. Epub 2009 May 3.

Abstract

The highly hydrophobic 5,10,15-triphenyl-20-(3-N-methylpyridinium-yl)porphyrin (3MMe) cationic species was synthesized, characterized and encapsulated in marine atelocollagen/xanthane gum microcapsules by the coacervation method. Further reduction in the capsule size, from several microns down to about 300-400 nm, was carried out successfully by ultrasonic processing in the presence of up to 1.6% Tween 20 surfactant, without affecting the distribution of 3MMe in the oily core. The resulting cream-like product exhibited enhanced photodynamic activity but negligible cytotoxicity towards HeLa cells. The polymeric micro/nanocapsule formulation was found to be about 4 times more phototoxic than the respective phosphatidylcholine lipidic emulsion, demonstrating high potentiality for photodynamic therapy applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Capsules / chemical synthesis
  • Capsules / chemistry*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Drug Carriers / chemical synthesis*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Nanocapsules / chemistry*
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Porphyrins / administration & dosage*
  • Porphyrins / chemical synthesis
  • Porphyrins / pharmacology

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Drug Carriers
  • Nanocapsules
  • Porphyrins