Nano-formulation of a photosensitizer using a DNA tetrahedron and its potential for in vivo photodynamic therapy

Biomater Sci. 2016 Apr;4(4):605-9. doi: 10.1039/c5bm00467e. Epub 2015 Dec 17.

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cytotoxic treatment using singlet oxygen produced by photosensitizers. Approved porphyrinoid PDT still suffers from a lack of robust production methods and low water solubility. Methylene blue (MB) is a good candidate for the PDT drug, because the dye is an effective photosensitizer, can be easily synthesized, and is already being used in other clinical fields. However, its poor cell/tissue penetration and low stability against the reducible biological conditions should be addressed by using a proper delivery vehicle. Here, we employed a DNA tetrahedron, a self-assembled nanostructure as the carrier for intracellular delivery of MB by taking advantage of the DNA binding property of the photosensitizer and demonstrated photo-induced cytotoxicity by the MB delivered by the DNA nanocarrier. We also evaluated the PDT potency of the MB-loaded DNA nanoconstruct in vivo tumor model to suppress tumor growth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Methylene Blue / administration & dosage*
  • Methylene Blue / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Photosensitizing Agents / pharmacology
  • Singlet Oxygen / chemistry*
  • Singlet Oxygen / metabolism

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Singlet Oxygen
  • DNA
  • Methylene Blue