The targeted delivery of a photosensitizer (PS) into specific cancer cells is an effective way to enhance the efficacy and minimize the side effects of photodynamic therapy. Herein, heptamannosylated β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was used to mediate the formation of an adamantane (Ad)-functionalized BODIPY PS nanoparticle via strong β-CD/Ad complexation. The mannose-functionalized PS nanoparticles are selectively internalized by mannose-receptor-rich MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, facilitating singlet oxygen generation to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells upon red-light irradiation. These nanoparticles exhibit excellent targeted delivery of the PS, leading to cancer cell death after irradiation both in vitro and in vivo.
Keywords: BODIPY; mannose-mediated targeting; photodynamic therapy; photosensitizer; supramolecular chemistry.