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Objectives. To synthesize Pt-containing derivatives of natural chlorins as potential agents for the combination therapy in oncology. Platinum compounds are known to occupy an important place as chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of oncological diseases. However, Pt(II) complexes are highly toxic to the body and are not selectively accumulated in tumor cells. If photodynamic and chemotherapy methods are combined in a single drug, the pigments are responsible for the selectivity of conjugate accumulation in the tumor, while a chemotherapeutic agent based on Pt(II) complexes is responsible for the cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. This will not affect healthy cells and thereby minimize the systemic toxicity of the drug to the body.Methods. Methods for the synthesis of pyridine-containing derivatives of natural chlorins and their metal complexes for use as potential binary agents in oncology were applied. As part of the study, the structures of the compounds obtained were confirmed by mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and high-resolution chromatography-mass spectrometry. Preparative methods, including thin-layer and column chromatography, centrifugation and recrystallization, were used to isolate and purify the compounds obtained.Results. Platinum(II) complexes of pyridine-containing derivatives of natural chlorins were obtained for application in combination therapy in oncology. The schemes for synthesizing the target photosensitizers were optimized, in order to increase the yields and for subsequent transfer to industrial sites.Conclusions. It was found that pyridine-containing derivatives of natural chlorins could be obtained in high yields, that they possess chelating properties for platinum, and can be considered as binary agents in cancer therapy after successful preclinical trials.

The utilization of low-energy photons in light-driven reactions is an effective strategy for improving the efficiency of solar energy conversion. In nature, photosynthetic organisms use chlorophylls to harvest the red portion of sunlight, which ultimately drives the reduction of CO2. However, a molecular system that mimics such function is extremely rare in non-noble-metal catalysis. Here we report a series of synthetic fluorinated chlorins as biomimetic chromophores for CO2 reduction, which catalytically produces CO under both 630 nm and 730 nm light irradiation, with turnover numbers of 1790 and 510, respectively. Under appropriate conditions, the system lasts over 240 h and stays active under 1% concentration of CO2. Mechanistic studies reveal that chlorin and chlorinphlorin are two key intermediates in red-light-driven CO2 reduction, while corresponding porphyrin and bacteriochlorin are much less active forms of chromophores. Using low-energy photons in light-driven reactions is an effective strategy for improving the efficiency of solar energy conversion but molecular systems that mimic such function are extremely rare in non-noble-metal catalysis. Here the authors report fluorinated chlorins as chromophores for CO2 reduction, which catalytically produce CO under both 630 nm and 730 nm light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugates of chlorins with β‐cyclodextrin connected either directly or via a flexible linker were prepared. In aqueous medium these amphiphilic conjugates were photostable, produced singlet oxygen at a rate similar to clinically used temoporfin and formed irregular nanoparticles via aggregation. Successful loading with the chemotherapeutic drug tamoxifen was evidenced in solution by the UV‐Vis spectral changes and dynamic light scattering profiles. Incubation of MCF‐7 cells with the conjugates revealed intense spotted intracellular fluorescence suggestive of accumulation in endosome/lysosome compartments, and no dark toxicity. Incubation with the tamoxifen‐loaded conjugates revealed also practically no dark toxicity. Irradiation of cells incubated with empty conjugates at 640 nm and 4.18 J/cm2 light fluence caused >50 % cell viability reduction. Irradiation following incubation with tamoxifen‐loaded conjugates resulted in even higher toxicity (74 %) indicating that the produced reactive oxygen species had triggered tamoxifen release in a photochemical internalization (PCI) mechanism. The chlorin‐β‐cyclodextrin conjugates displayed less‐lasting effects with time, compared to the corresponding porphyrin‐β‐cyclodextrin conjugates, possibly due to lower tamoxifen loading of their aggregates and/or their less effective lodging in the cell compartments' membranes. The results suggest that further to favorable photophysical properties, other parameters are important for the in vitro effectiveness of the photodynamic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

meso-Tetrahexylporphyrin was converted to its corresponding 7,8-dihydroxychlorin using an osmium tetroxide-mediated dihydroxylation strategy. Its diol moiety was shown to be able to undergo a number of subsequent oxidation reactions to form a chlorin dione and porpholactone, the first meso-alkylporphyrin-based porphyrinoid containing a non-pyrrolic building block. Further, the diol chlorin was shown to be susceptible to dehydration, forming the porphyrin enol that is in equilibrium with its keto-chlorin form. The meso-hexylchlorin dione could be reduced and it underwent mono- and bis-methylation reactions using methyl-Grignard reagents, and trifluoromethylation using the Ruppert-Prakash reagent. The optical and spectroscopic properties of the products are discussed and contrasted to their corresponding meso-aryl derivatives (where known). This contribution establishes meso-tetrahexyl-7,8-dihydroxychlorins as a new and versatile class of chlorins that is susceptible to a broad range of conversions to generate functionalized chlorins and a pyrrole-modified chlorin analogue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic tetrapyrrole derivatives such as porphyrins, chlorins, corrins (compounds with a corrin core), and phthalocyanines are a family of molecules containing four pyrrole rings usually coordinating a metal ion (Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, etc.). Here, we report the characterization of some representative cyclic tetrapyrrole derivatives by MALDI-ToF/ToF MS analyses, including heme b and c, phthalocyanines, and protoporphyrins after proper matrix selection. Both neutral and acidic matrices were evaluated to assess potential demetallation, adduct formation, and fragmentation. While chlorophylls exhibited magnesium demetallation in acidic matrices, cyclic tetrapyrroles with Fe, Zn, Co, Cu, or Ni remained steadfast against demetallation across all conditions. Phthalocyanines and protoporphyrins were also detectable without a matrix using laser desorption ionization (LDI); however, the incorporation of matrices achieved the highest ionization yield, enhanced sensitivity, and negligible fragmentation. Three standard proteins, i.e., myoglobin, hemoglobin, and cytochrome c, were analyzed either intact or enzymatically digested, yielding heme b and heme c ions along with accompanying peptides. Furthermore, we successfully detected and characterized heme b in real samples, including blood, bovine and cod liver, and mussel. As a result, MALDI MS/MS emerged as a powerful tool for straightforward cyclic tetrapyrrole identification, even in highly complex samples. Our work paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding of cyclic tetrapyrroles in biological and industrial settings, including the geochemical field, as these compounds are a source of significant geological and geochemical information in sediments and crude oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most photosensitizers of interest for photodynamic therapy—especially porphyrinoids and chlorins—are hydrophobic. To circumvent this difficulty, the use of nanocarriers is an attractive strategy. In this perspective, we have developed highly water-soluble and biocompatible fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONPs) made from citric acid and diethyltriamine which are then activated by ethlynene diamine as nanoplatforms for efficient photosensitizers (PSs). Purpurin 18 (Pp18) was selected as a biosourced chlorin photosensitizer combining the efficient single oxygen generation ability and suitable absorption in the biological spectral window. The simple reaction of activated FONPs with Pp18, which contains a reactive anhydride ring, yielded nanoparticles containing both Pp18 and Cp6 derivatives. These functionalized nanoparticles combine solubility in water, high singlet oxygen generation quantum yield in aqueous media (0.72) and absorption both in the near UV region (FONPS) and in the visible region (Soret band approximately 420 nm as well as Q bands at 500 nm, 560 nm, 660 nm and 710 nm). The functionalized nanoparticles retain the blue fluorescence of FONPs when excited in the near UV region but also show deep-red or NIR fluorescence when excited in the visible absorption bands of the PSs (typically at 520 nm, 660 nm or 710 nm). Moreover, these nanoparticles behave as efficient photosensitizers inducing colorectal cancer cell (HCT116 and HT-29 cell lines) death upon illumination at 650 nm. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values down to, respectively, 0.04 and 0.13 nmol/mL were observed showing the potential of FONPs[Cp6] for the PDT treatment of cancer. In conclusion, we have shown that these novel biocompatible nanoparticles, which can be elaborated from biosourced components, both show deep-red emission upon excitation in the red region and are able to produce singlet oxygen with high efficiency in aqueous environments. Moreover, they show high PDT efficiency on colorectal cancer cells upon excitation in the deep red region. As such, these functional organic nanoparticles hold promise both for PDT treatment and theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α,α′-Dioxothiones are very reactive species and can participate in cycloaddition reactions with several compounds. Porphyrins bearing vinyl groups are interesting scaffolds for further functionalization namely by cycloaddition reactions; it is well known that porphyrins can react as either a 2π or 4π component in different cycloaddition approaches, such as hetero Diels–Alder reactions. This study reports for the first time the reactivity of a α,α′-dioxothione in the presence of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin bearing a vinyl group (2-VinylTPP) and of its Zn(II) complex (Zn-VinylTPP). The results revealed that the reactivity of α,α′-dioxothione as a heterodienophile or as a heterodiene is dependent on the absence or on the presence of Zn(II) in the porphyrin inner core. Thus, the free base 2-VinylTPP reacted as a diene affording two diastereomeric chlorins (3a and 3b) that are in a tautomeric equilibrium with porphyrin 4, and Zn-VinylTPP reacted as a dienophile affording porphyrin 5 and different oxidized products. All the cycloadducts obtained were revealed to be emissive in the red region and be able to produce 1O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic exposes our vulnerability to viruses that acquire the ability to infect our cells. Classical disinfection methods are limited by toxicity. Existing medicines performed poorly against SARS-CoV-2 because of their specificity to targets in different organisms. We address the challenge of mitigating known and prospective viral infections with a new photosensitizer for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). Photodynamic inactivation is based on local oxidative stress, which is particularly damaging to enveloped viruses. We synthesized a cationic imidazolyl chlorin that reduced by > 99.999% of the percentage inhibition of amplification of SARS-CoV-2 collected from patients at 0.2 µM concentration and 4 J cm–2. Similar results were obtained in the prevention of infection of human ACE2-expressing HEK293T cells by a pseudotyped lentiviral vector exhibiting the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 at its surface. No toxicity to human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells was found under similar conditions. aPDT with this chlorin offers fast and safe broad-spectrum photodisinfection and can be repeated with low risk of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy is a promising method of tumors treatment using photosensitizers and light of a certain wavelength. PS modification improves and enhances the phototoxic effect with decreased dark cytotoxicity. Materials and Methods: We compared the photosensitizing effect of polyelectrolyte microcapsules with chlorin E6 (ClE6) and free ClE6 at equivalent concentrations on murine fibroblast culture L929 using in vitro tests. Microcapsules were prepared layer by layer, sequentially depositing oppositely charged polyelectrolytes onto spherical CaCO3 particles. Cellular uptake of capsules was assessed using confocal microscopy. MTT test was used for a study of cell viability, and the relative amount of ROS was determined by the fluorescent method. Results: Microcapsules with ClE6 (in all tested concentrations) after exposure to red light (660 nm) reduced cell viability from 20% to 5%, while these capsules did not have dark cytotoxicity. Free ClE6 at the same concentrations as in the capsules after irradiation reduced viability from 65% to 35%. The level of ROS in the group of cells with capsules was 2 times higher compared to the group with CLE6. Discussion: The most probable mechanism of toxicity increase is creation of a higher ROS concentration and effect localization in the area of microcapsule interaction with the cell membrane. ROS production activation may stem from capsules providing a higher local PS concentration in the cell or nearby than the drug's free form. Conclusion: The inclusion of chlorin E6 in polymer capsules reduced dark toxicity and increased the photosensitizing effect compared to the free form of ClE6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a promising cancer treatment relies on the development of new selective and effective photosensitizers (PS) with improved photophysical and biochemical qualities. Herein, we present the synthetic procedure, photophysical properties and photosensitizing effects of novel glycosylated 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyridine] fused chlorin agents featuring either glucose, galactose, or N‐acetyl glucosamine. It is shown that both the proto‐ and Zn2+‐ion forms of the ring‐stabilized glycochlorins exhibit the required photophysical properties in terms of triplet excited states and singlet oxygen generation, the latter more than 50 % in organic solvents such as CHCl3. Employing the rat AY‐27 and human T24 cancer cell models, it was found that these are superior to the corresponding unglycosylated chlorin in biological activity, and moreover, the proto form is 2–3 times superior to the Zn‐stabilized variant. Provisional flow cytometry and cell localization studies of the proto‐form indicate both necrotic and apoptotic biological activity, and that the photosensitizer localizes in the mitochondria, cell membrane and lysosomes. However, the localization into the lysosomes is dominating and increases substantially with time. We anticipate the findings will aid in the development of photosensitizers for targeted cancer PDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin cancer is one of the cancers that registers the highest number of new cases annually. Among all forms of skin cancer, melanoma is the most invasive and deadliest. The resistance of this form of cancer to conventional treatments has led to the employment of alternative/complementary therapeutic approaches. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) appears to be a promising alternative to overcome the resistance of melanoma to conventional therapies. PDT is a non-invasive therapeutic procedure in which highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated upon excitation of a photosensitizer (PS) when subjected to visible light of an adequate wavelength, resulting in the death of cancer cells. In this work, inspired by the efficacy of tetrapyrrolic macrocycles to act as PS against tumor cells, we report the photophysical characterization and biological assays of isobacteriochlorins and their corresponding chlorins and porphyrins against melanoma cancer cells through a photodynamic process. The non-tumoral L929 fibroblast murine cell line was used as the control. The results show that the choice of adequate tetrapyrrolic macrocycle-based PS can be modulated to improve the performance of PDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of sulfur-containing pharmaceutical compounds is important in the advancement of medicinal chemistry. Photosensitizers (PS) that acquire new properties upon incorporation of sulfur-containing groups or individual sulfur atoms into their structure are not neglected, either. In this work, a synthesis of sulfur-containing derivatives of natural chlorophyll a using Lawesson's reagent was optimized. Thiocarbonyl chlorins were shown to have a significant bathochromic shift in the absorption and fluorescence bands. The feasibility of functionalizing the thiocarbonyl group at the macrocycle periphery by formation of a Pt(II) metal complex in the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin was shown. The chemical stability of the resulting conjugate in aqueous solution was studied, and it was found to possess a high cytotoxic activity against sarcoma S37 tumor cells that results from the combined photodynamic and chemotherapeutic effect on these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of tetraarylchlorins with 3-methoxy-, 4-hydroxy- and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl meso-aryl rings (1-3-Chl) and their Sn(IV) complexes (1-3-SnChl) were synthesized and characterized so that their potential utility as photosensitizer dyes for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) can be assessed. The photophysicochemical properties of the dyes were assessed prior to in vitro PDT activity studies against MCF-7 breast cancer cells through irradiation with Thorlabs 625 or 660 nm LED for 20 min (240 or 280 mW·cm−2). PACT activity studies were performed against both planktonic bacteria and biofilms of Gram-(+) S. aureus and Gram-(−) E. coli upon irradiation with Thorlabs 625 and 660 nm LEDs for 75 min. The heavy atom effect of the Sn(IV) ion results in relatively high singlet oxygen quantum yield values of 0.69−0.71 for 1-3-SnChl. Relatively low IC50 values between 1.1−4.1 and 3.8−9.4 µM were obtained for the 1-3-SnChl series with the Thorlabs 660 and 625 nm LEDs, respectively, during the PDT activity studies. 1-3-SnChl were also found to exhibit significant PACT activity against planktonic S. aureus and E. coli with Log10 reduction values of 7.65 and >3.0, respectively. The results demonstrate that the Sn(IV) complexes of tetraarylchlorins merit further in depth study as photosensitizers in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we pursued research involving the microwave-assisted N-alkylation of a NH pyrrolidine-fused chlorin with methyl 4-(bromomethyl) benzoate and subsequent ester hydrolysis as a straightforward strategy to obtain carboxylic acid functionality in the pyrrolidine-fused chlorin, as a single reaction product. We studied the reaction's scope by extending the N-alkylation of the free-base chlorin and its corresponding Zn(II) complex to other alkyl halides, including 1,4-diiodobutane, N-(2-bromoethyl)phthalimide, and 2-bromoethanaminium bromide. In addition, two new chlorin–dansyl dyads were synthesized by reacting dansyl chloride with the 2-aminoethyl pyrrolidine-fused chlorin (dyad 6) and NH pyrrolidine-fused chlorin (dyad 7). According to spectral studies, the linker length between the two fluorophores influences the response of the dyads to the solvent polarity. Because of the simplicity of these approaches, we believe it will enable access to a vast library of custom-tailored N-functionalized chlorins while preserving their important absorption and emission spectra as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer and photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) strictly depends on the availability of molecular oxygen to trigger the light-induced generation of reactive species. Fluorocarbons have an increased ability to dissolve oxygen and are attractive tools for gas delivery. We synthesized three fluorous derivatives of chlorin with peripheral polyfluoroalkyl substituents. These compounds were used as precursors for preparing nanoemulsions with perfluorodecalin as an oxygen depot. Therefore, our formulations contained hydrophobic photosensitizers capable of absorbing monochromatic light in the long wavelength region and the oxygen carrier. These modifications did not alter the photosensitizing characteristics of chlorin such as the generation of singlet oxygen, the major cytocidal species in PDT. Emulsions readily entered HCT116 colon carcinoma cells and accumulated largely in mitochondria. Illumination of cells loaded with emulsions rapidly caused peroxidation of lipids and the loss of the plasma membrane integrity (photonecrosis). Most importantly, in PDT settings, emulsions potently sensitized cells cultured under prolonged (8 weeks) hypoxia as well as cells after oxygen depletion with sodium sulfite (acute hypoxia). The photodamaging potency of emulsions in hypoxia was significantly more pronounced compared to emulsion-free counterparts. Considering a negligible dark cytotoxicity, our materials emerge as efficient and biocompatible instruments for PDT-assisted eradication of hypoxic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive method of treatment for both neoplastic diseases and miscellaneous non-cancerous illnesses. It is complementary and, in some way, counter to various traditional treatment techniques, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. To date, various types of nanoparticles and compounds, including those belonging to the porphyrinoid group, have been researched in terms of future applications in technology and medicine. Among them, chlorins and their conjugates, combined with metallic nanoparticles, deserve special attention due to their enhanced photodynamic activity and the accompanied synergic photothermal effect. Many hybrid nanosystems reveal increased cellular uptake and improved stability and, therefore, can be applied in enhanced MRI imaging, as well as in targeting therapy. This review is focused on conjugates of metallic nanoparticles and chlorins, having in mind prospective applications as photosensitizers in multimodal neoplastic therapy, as well as tumor diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the combined application of synergistic therapies for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy has become important to obtain more efficient results. The synergism between two sensitizers, rose bengal (RB) and chlorin e6 (Ce6), excited by two different methods, was evaluated as a novel approach to both photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The sonostability and singlet oxygen generation (with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran for RB and tetrathiafulvalene for Ce6) were measured under sonication (1 MHz, 3 W) using a spectrophotometer. RB and Ce6 remained stable during sonication. RB was a more efficient sonosensitizer than Ce6. The dual synergism between RB and Ce6 was noticed, achieving a >3 log reduction for molar ratios RB:Ce6 of 1:1 and 1:3, while, alone, the sensitizers excited with ultrasound and light, respectively, achieved only ca. a 1 log reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliosarcoma (GS) is a primary malignant neoplasm of the central nervous system, treated with an unfavorable prognosis with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The treatment for GS consists of surgical resection, almost always accompanied by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, given the invasive behavior of the tumor. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is studied as an alternative method that combines light, a photosensitizer (PS), and molecular oxygen. This study aimed to compare the effects of PDT using the photosensitizers Fotoenticine (FTC) and Photodithazine (PDZ) at low concentrations and fluences. For this study, 9 L/lacZ cells, concentrations of 1.55 µg mL−1, 12.5 µg mL−1, and 50 µg mL−1 of chlorins and fluences of 1, 5, and 10 J/cm2 were used. A test was also carried out with Trypan Blue in L929 cells at the mentioned concentrations at 5 J/cm2. Both chlorins were internalized in the cytoplasm, with a significant reduction in viability (>95%) in almost all groups and altered cell adhesion and morphology after PDT. HSP70 expression decreased in both PS, while HSP27 increased only in PDT with FTC, and although there was a change in cell adhesion in the 9 L/LacZ lineage it was not observed in the L929 fibroblast lineage. Both chlorins were effective, highlighting the concentration of 50 µg mL−1 at the fluence of 5 J/cm2; according to the present study, the PDZ showed better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most photosensitizers of interest for photodynamic therapy—especially porphyrinoids and chlorins—are hydrophobic. To circumvent this difficulty, the use of nanocarriers is an attractive strategy. In this perspective, we have developed highly water-soluble and biocompatible fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONPs) made from citric acid and diethyltriamine which are then activated by ethlynene diamine as nanoplatforms for efficient photosensitizers (PSs). Purpurin 18 (Pp18) was selected as a biosourced chlorin photosensitizer combining the efficient single oxygen generation ability and suitable absorption in the biological spectral window. The simple reaction of activated FONPs with Pp18, which contains a reactive anhydride ring, yielded nanoparticles containing both Pp18 and Cp6 derivatives. These functionalized nanoparticles combine solubility in water, high singlet oxygen generation quantum yield in aqueous media (0.72) and absorption both in the near UV region (FONPS) and in the visible region (Soret band approximately 420 nm as well as Q bands at 500 nm, 560 nm, 660 nm and 710 nm). The functionalized nanoparticles retain the blue fluorescence of FONPs when excited in the near UV region but also show deep-red or NIR fluorescence when excited in the visible absorption bands of the PSs (typically at 520 nm, 660 nm or 710 nm). Moreover, these nanoparticles behave as efficient photosensitizers inducing colorectal cancer cell (HCT116 and HT-29 cell lines) death upon illumination at 650 nm. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values down to, respectively, 0.04 and 0.13 nmol/mL were observed showing the potential of FONPs[Cp6] for the PDT treatment of cancer. In conclusion, we have shown that these novel biocompatible nanoparticles, which can be elaborated from biosourced components, both show deep-red emission upon excitation in the red region and are able to produce singlet oxygen with high efficiency in aqueous environments. Moreover, they show high PDT efficiency on colorectal cancer cells upon excitation in the deep red region. As such, these functional organic nanoparticles hold promise both for PDT treatment and theranostics.

In this experimental work the acute toxicity of a chemically modified derivative of the natural pigment chlorophyll a called monocationic chlorin e6, which is a promising photosensitizer (PS) for antimicrobial and antitumor photodynamic therapy, was studied using white rats. The advantages of the PS under investigation are an intense absorption in the long-wavelength region of the visible spectrum, a sufficiently high quantum yield of singlet oxygen generation, pronounced amphiphilic properties along with an appropriate solubility in water, and a high level of photocytotoxic- ity in relation to both malignant HeLa cells and antibiotic-resistant hospital strains of E. сoli bacteria., P. aerugenosa and others. It has been shown that the value of LD50 of the considered PS can be calculated as the value of 100 mg/kg. In the reproduced experimental model of acute toxicity, pathomorphological changes in the vital organs of laboratory animals indicate a pronounced vasopathic effect of the drug with the development of cerebral edema and respiratory distress syndrome, which have become the main signs of thanatogenesis.

Interactions of cationic and anionic chlorin photosensitizers (PSs) for photodynamic therapy with the potential delivery vehicle, the micellar surfactant Tween 80, were studied by spectrophotometric and fluorescence titration. The formation of PS—Tween 80 complexes in an aqueous solution was demonstrated. Two binding modes of the macrocycles to surfactant micelles, each with its own binding constant and stereochemistry of interactions, are observed in the spectrophotometric titration curves. Regardless of the sign and magnitude of the charge of the PS molecule, water-soluble chlorin macroheterocycles are located in the outer layer of the micelle surrounded by polar oxyethylene groups, into which hydrated iodide ions can penetrate. Cationic PSs were found to be, in general, more accessible to the quencher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Pacific brittle star Ophiura sarsii has previously been shown to produce a chlorin (3S,4S)-14-Ethyl-9-(hydroxymethyl)-4,8,13,18-tetramethyl-20-oxo-3-phorbinepropanoic acid (ETPA) (1) with potent phototoxic activities, making it applicable to photodynamic therapy. Using extensive LC-MS metabolite profiling, molecular network analysis, and targeted isolation with de novo NMR structure elucidation, we herein identify five additional chlorin compounds from O. sarsii and its deep-sea relative O. ooplax: 10S-Hydroxypheophorbide a (2), Pheophorbide a (3), Pyropheophorbide a (4), (3S,4S,21R)-14-Ethyl-9-(hydroxymethyl)-21-(methoxycarbonyl)-4,8,13,18-tetramethyl-20-oxo-3-phorbinepropanoic acid (5), and (3S,4S,21R)-14-Ethyl-21-hydroxy-9-(hydroxymethyl)-4,8,13,18-tetramethyl-20-oxo-3-phorbinepropanoic acid (6). Chlorins 5 and 6 have not been previously reported in natural sources. Interestingly, low amounts of chlorins 1–4 and 6 could also be identified in a distant species, the basket star Gorgonocephalus cf. eucnemis, demonstrating that chlorins are produced by a wide spectrum of marine invertebrates of the class Ophiuroidea. Following the purification of these major Ophiura chlorin metabolites, we discovered the significant singlet oxygen quantum yield upon their photoinduction and the resulting phototoxicity against triple-negative breast cancer BT-20 cells. These studies identify an arsenal of brittle star chlorins as natural photosensitizers with potential photodynamic therapy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising cancer treatment strategy with rapid progress in preclinical and clinical settings. However, the limitations in penetration of external light and precise delivery of photosensitizers hamper its clinical translation. As such, the internal light source such as Cerenkov luminescence (CL) from decaying radioisotopes offers new opportunities. Herein, we show that goat milk-derived extracellular vesicles (GEV) can act as a carrier to deliver photosensitizer Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and tumor-avid 18F-FDG can activate CL-induced PDT for precision cancer theranostics. Methods: GEV was isolated via differential ultracentrifugation of commercial goat milk and photosensitizer Ce6 was loaded by co-incubation to obtain Ce6@GEV. Tumor uptake of Ce6@GEV was examined using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. To demonstrate the ability of 18F-FDG to activate photodynamic effects against cancer cells, apoptosis rates were measured using flow cytometry, and the production of 1O2 was measured by reactive oxygen species (ROS) monitoring kit. Moreover, we used the IVIS device to detect Cherenkov radiation and Cerenkov radiation energy transfer (CRET). For animal experiments, a small-animal IVIS imaging system was used to visualize the accumulation of the GEV drug delivery system in tumors. PET/CT and CL images of the tumor site were performed at 0.5, 1, and 2 h. For in vivo antitumor therapy, changes of tumor volume, survival time, and body weight in six groups of tumor-bearing mice were monitored. Furthermore, the blood sample and organs of interest (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and tumor) were collected for hematological analysis, immunohistochemistry, and H&E staining. Results: Confocal microscopy of 4T1 cells incubated with Ce6@GEV for 4 h revealed strong red fluorescence signals in the cytoplasm, which demonstrated that Ce6 loaded in GEV could be efficiently delivered into tumor cells. When Ce6@GEV and 18F-FDG co-existed incubated with 4T1 cells, the cell viability plummeted from more than 88.02 ± 1.30% to 23.79 ± 1.59%, indicating excellent CL-induced PDT effects. In vivo fluorescence images showed a peak tumor/liver ratio of 1.36 ± 0.09 at 24 h after Ce6@GEV injection. For in vivo antitumor therapy, Ce6@GEV + 18F-FDG group had the best tumor inhibition rate (58.02%) compared with the other groups, with the longest survival rate (35 days, 40%). During the whole treatment process, neither blood biochemical analysis nor histological observation revealed vital organ damage, suggesting the biosafety of this treatment strategy. Conclusions: The simultaneous accumulation of 18F-FDG and Ce6 in tumor tissues is expected to overcome the deficiency of traditional PDT. This strategy has the potential to extend PDT to a variety of tumors, including metastases, using targeted radiotracers to provide internal excitation of light-responsive therapeutics. We expect that our method will play a critical role in precision treatment of deep solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthesis and characterization of the free-base and zinc dimethylamine-based porphyrins (Por 1, 1a) and chlorins (Chl 2, 2a). • Optical properties/photophysical parameters of the dimethylamine-based porphyrins (1, 1a) and chlorins (2, 2a). • High stability (absorption reduction intensity <3 %) for all compounds and moderated to high photostability (2a < 2 < 1a = 1). • Fluorescence quantum yields (Ф F): ZnPor 1a (Ф F = 0.03) < H 2 Por 1 (Ф F = 0.04) < ZnChl 2a (Ф F = 0.10) < H 2 Chl 2 (Ф F = 0.18). The synthesis, structural characterization, and optical properties of new free-base and metalated dimethylamine-based porphyrin (1, 1a) and chlorin (2, 2a) derivatives are presented. The synthetic approach is based on the peripheral substitution of the para -fluor atoms of the commercially available 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)- 21H,23H -porphyrin (H 2 TPPF 20) by dimethylamine (H 2 Por 1), following the preparation of the analogous chlorin dye (H 2 Chl 2) using N -methylglycine and p -formaldehyde. Both compounds were then metalated with zinc acetate to perform the corresponding ZnPor 1a and ZnChl 2a dyes. Several photophysical parameters were determined, including absorption and emission features at 298 K (e.g., molar absorptivity coefficients, λ absorption maxima of Soret and/or Q bands, λ emission maxima, and ratio of long- to short-wavelength emission intensity), fluorescence quantum yield (Ф F), stability (under dark conditions), and photostability (under white light exposure at irradiance of 50 mW.cm−2). The photophysical results were determined and compared for the type of meso -substituted scaffold selected – A 4 -type – of free-base (1, 2) and zinc(II) complex (1a, 2a). The four compounds exhibit high dark stability in DMF (absorption reduction intensity < 3 %). The Pors 1 and 1a have also high photostability (absorption reduction intensity < 1.5 %), but H 2 Chl 2 and ZnChl 2a present a considerable absorption reduction, 14.3 % and 22.3 %, respectively. The Ф F of the ZnPor 1a (Ф F = 0.02) and H 2 Por 1 (Ф F = 0.02) are lower than those of ZnChl 2a (Ф F = 0.06) and H 2 Chl 2 (Ф F = 0.09). The developed compounds present potential applications in nonlinear optics, biomarkers, and/or solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye is the key to the efficiency of harvesting solar energy in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The dye performances such as light absorption, electron injection, and electron regeneration depend on the dye molecule structure. To predict it, one needs to compute the optimized molecule geometry, HOMO level, LUMO level, electron density distribution, energy gaps, and dipole moment in the ground and excited state. Chlorophyll-related chlorin and porphyrin, as well as their κ2O,O' complexes with Fe(II/III), were investigated with density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) computations using the B3LYP method and def2-TZVP basis set. NPA charges also were calculated to know the valence of the metal cations exactly. In general, the calculations show that the metal cations introduced occupied d orbitals with lower oxidation potentials than the chlorophyll ligand orbitals, which are responsible for the emergence of additional absorption bands. The states result in effective band broadening and the redshift of spectrum absorbance that is expected to improve DSSC performance. Another requirement that has to be possessed is the ability of electron regeneration, electron injection, and dipole moment. The Fe(II) complex has fulfilled these requirements, but not the Fe(III) complex due to having a low electron injection capability. However, this work has shown that Fe(III) complex exhibits a non-innocence ligand. It results in trivalent to divalent state change, in the appearance of a ligand radical cation, an extra hole, and a broader absorption spectrum. It also can affect its other electronic properties, such as electron injection capability. Thus, it can be considered an attractive candidate for the sensitizer in DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of tetraarylchlorins with 3-methoxy-, 4-hydroxy- and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl meso-aryl rings (1-3-Chl) and their Sn(IV) complexes (1-3-SnChl) were synthesized and characterized so that their potential utility as photosensitizer dyes for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) can be assessed. The photophysicochemical properties of the dyes were assessed prior to in vitro PDT activity studies against MCF-7 breast cancer cells through irradiation with Thorlabs 625 or 660 nm LED for 20 min (240 or 280 mW·cm−2). PACT activity studies were performed against both planktonic bacteria and biofilms of Gram-(+) S. aureus and Gram-(−) E. coli upon irradiation with Thorlabs 625 and 660 nm LEDs for 75 min. The heavy atom effect of the Sn(IV) ion results in relatively high singlet oxygen quantum yield values of 0.69−0.71 for 1-3-SnChl. Relatively low IC50 values between 1.1−4.1 and 3.8−9.4 µM were obtained for the 1-3-SnChl series with the Thorlabs 660 and 625 nm LEDs, respectively, during the PDT activity studies. 1-3-SnChl were also found to exhibit significant PACT activity against planktonic S. aureus and E. coli with Log10 reduction values of 7.65 and >3.0, respectively. The results demonstrate that the Sn(IV) complexes of tetraarylchlorins merit further in depth study as photosensitizers in biomedical applications.

Over the last decade, the convergence of advanced materials and innovative applications has fostered notable scientific progress within the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. Porphyrins and their derivatives, distinguished by an extended conjugated π-electron system, have a relevant role in propelling these advancements, especially in drug delivery systems, photodynamic therapy, wound healing, and (bio)sensing. However, despite their promise, the practical clinical application of these macrocycles is hindered by their inherent challenges of low solubility and instability under physiological conditions. To address this limitation, researchers have exploited the synergistic association of porphyrins and chlorins with polysaccharides by engineering conjugated systems and composite/hybrid materials. This review compiles the principal advances in this growing research field, elucidating fundamental principles and critically examining the applications of such materials within biomedical and pharmaceutical contexts. Additionally, the review addresses the eventual challenges and outlines future perspectives for this poignant research field. It is expected that this review will serve as a comprehensive guide for students and researchers dedicated to exploring state-of-the-art materials for contemporary medicine and pharmaceutical applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) strictly depends on the availability of molecular oxygen to trigger the light-induced generation of reactive species. Fluorocarbons have an increased ability to dissolve oxygen and are attractive tools for gas delivery. We synthesized three fluorous derivatives of chlorin with peripheral polyfluoroalkyl substituents. These compounds were used as precursors for preparing nanoemulsions with perfluorodecalin as an oxygen depot. Therefore, our formulations contained hydrophobic photosensitizers capable of absorbing monochromatic light in the long wavelength region and the oxygen carrier. These modifications did not alter the photosensitizing characteristics of chlorin such as the generation of singlet oxygen, the major cytocidal species in PDT. Emulsions readily entered HCT116 colon carcinoma cells and accumulated largely in mitochondria. Illumination of cells loaded with emulsions rapidly caused peroxidation of lipids and the loss of the plasma membrane integrity (photonecrosis). Most importantly, in PDT settings, emulsions potently sensitized cells cultured under prolonged (8 weeks) hypoxia as well as cells after oxygen depletion with sodium sulfite (acute hypoxia). The photodamaging potency of emulsions in hypoxia was significantly more pronounced compared to emulsion-free counterparts. Considering a negligible dark cytotoxicity, our materials emerge as efficient and biocompatible instruments for PDT-assisted eradication of hypoxic cells.

In this work we pursued research involving the microwave-assisted N-alkylation of a NH pyrrolidine-fused chlorin with methyl 4-(bromomethyl) benzoate and subsequent ester hydrolysis as a straightforward strategy to obtain carboxylic acid functionality in the pyrrolidine-fused chlorin, as a single reaction product. We studied the reaction’s scope by extending the N-alkylation of the free-base chlorin and its corresponding Zn(II) complex to other alkyl halides, including 1,4-diiodobutane, N-(2-bromoethyl)phthalimide, and 2-bromoethanaminium bromide. In addition, two new chlorin–dansyl dyads were synthesized by reacting dansyl chloride with the 2-aminoethyl pyrrolidine-fused chlorin (dyad 6) and NH pyrrolidine-fused chlorin (dyad 7). According to spectral studies, the linker length between the two fluorophores influences the response of the dyads to the solvent polarity. Because of the simplicity of these approaches, we believe it will enable access to a vast library of custom-tailored N-functionalized chlorins while preserving their important absorption and emission spectra as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer and photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of microorganisms.

Recently, the combined application of synergistic therapies for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy has become important to obtain more efficient results. The synergism between two sensitizers, rose bengal (RB) and chlorin e6 (Ce6), excited by two different methods, was evaluated as a novel approach to both photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The sonostability and singlet oxygen generation (with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran for RB and tetrathiafulvalene for Ce6) were measured under sonication (1 MHz, 3 W) using a spectrophotometer. RB and Ce6 remained stable during sonication. RB was a more efficient sonosensitizer than Ce6. The dual synergism between RB and Ce6 was noticed, achieving a >3 log reduction for molar ratios RB:Ce6 of 1:1 and 1:3, while, alone, the sensitizers excited with ultrasound and light, respectively, achieved only ca. a 1 log reduction.

Photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive method of treatment for both neoplastic diseases and miscellaneous non-cancerous illnesses. It is complementary and, in some way, counter to various traditional treatment techniques, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. To date, various types of nanoparticles and compounds, including those belonging to the porphyrinoid group, have been researched in terms of future applications in technology and medicine. Among them, chlorins and their conjugates, combined with metallic nanoparticles, deserve special attention due to their enhanced photodynamic activity and the accompanied synergic photothermal effect. Many hybrid nanosystems reveal increased cellular uptake and improved stability and, therefore, can be applied in enhanced MRI imaging, as well as in targeting therapy. This review is focused on conjugates of metallic nanoparticles and chlorins, having in mind prospective applications as photosensitizers in multimodal neoplastic therapy, as well as tumor diagnosis.

Meso‐tetra(4‐methylthiolphenyl)chlorin (3) and its Sn(IV) complex (3‐Sn) have been synthesized and characterized. The heavy atom effects of the Sn(IV) ion and sulfur atoms result in relatively high singlet oxygen quantum yield values of 0.40 and 0.48. The photodynamic activities against MCF‐7 breast cancer cells were determined through irradiation with a Thorlabs 660 nm LED for 30 min (280 mW.cm−2). IC50 values of 7.8 and 3.9 μM were obtained, respectively. 3‐Sn was found to have significant photodynamic antimicrobial activity against both gram‐(+) S. aureus and gram‐(−) E. coli bacteria upon irradiation with a Thorlabs 660 nm LED for 75 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorins are highly interesting compounds due to their spectroscopic properties in both UV-Vis and NIR regions. Upon coordination to a metal ion, the corresponding metallochlorins exhibit more valuable physicochemical properties that enable a broader range of applications, such as in photodynamic therapy (PDT), water splitting catalysis, optical sensor devices and dye-sensitized solar cells. Synthetic chemistry has been in a continuous quest to fulfil most green chemistry requirements through the development of efficient reactions. Being a heating process that does not depend on heat transfer to the reaction medium, ohmic heating accomplishes the mentioned requirements and allows a fast and uniform heating regime thanks to the ionic conductivity of the reaction medium. Herein, we report the metallation of pyrrolidine- and isoxazolidine-fused chlorins with Zn(II), Cu(II) and Pd(II) salts by ohmic heating, using non-toxic aqueous solutions, and their corresponding physico-chemical characterization. All pyrrolidine-fused chlorins showed higher yields, when compared with isoxazolidine ones. From the thermogravimetric analysis performed it is possible to infer that the metal enhances the steadiness of the macrocycle, making it easier to cause the thermal decomposition of the pyrrolidine- and isoxazolidine-fused chlorins. The Zn(II) complexes showed high absorption in the NIR spectral region, a low fluorescence quantum yield and a short excited singlet state, which indicate the high efficiency of intersystem crossing to the triplet state, making them very promising candidates as photosensitizers for PDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment and prognosis of cancers of the nervous system remain unfavorable to the patient, which makes it necessary to study alternative therapies as primary or adjuvant treatments to existing methods. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a method that consists of combining a photosensitizer (PS), a light source at the appropriate wavelength, and molecular oxygen, forming reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to death in the target cell. The objective of this work was to compare the effects of PDT with two chlorins, Photodithazine (PDZ) and Fotoenticine (FTC), in 9L/lacZ gliosarcoma cell lines. Both chlorins, together with an LED device at 660 nm with a fluence of 10 J/cm2, were included in the study. It was observed that the response to therapy depends on the concentration and type of PS used. In addition, PDZ showed a higher quantum yield of singlet oxygen generation than FTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study aims to obtain the amino acid derivatives of chlorophyll a and bacteriochlorophyll a for the targeted delivery of pigments to tumor foci. This will increase biocompatibility and, as a result, reduce toxic side effects. In addition to photodynamic efficiency, an additional cytotoxic effect is expected for the obtained conjugates of photosensitizers (PSs) with amino acids. This is owing to the participation of the latter in intracellular biochemical processes, including interaction with the components of the glutathione antioxidant system, leading to the vulnerability of tumor cells to oxidative stress.Methods. In this work, we have implemented the optimization of the structure of a highly efficient infrared PS based on O-propyloxim-N-propoxybacteriopurpurinimide (DPBP), absorbing at 800 nm and showing photodynamic efficacy for the treatment of deep-seated and pigmented tumors, by introducing L-lysine, L-arginine, methionine sulfoximine (MSO), and buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) methyl esters. The structure of the obtained compounds was proved by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the photoinduced cytotoxicity was studied in vitro on the HeLa cell line.Results. Conjugates of DPBP with amino acids and their derivatives, such as lysine, arginine, MSO, and BSO have been prepared. The chelating ability of DPBP conjugate with lysine was shown, and its Sn(IV) complex was obtained.Conclusions. Biological testing of DPBP with MSO and BSO showed a 5–6-fold increase in photoinduced cytotoxicity compared to the parent DPBP PS. Additionally, a high internalization of pigments by tumor cells was found, and the dark cytotoxicity (in the absence of irradiation) of DPBP-MSO and DPBP-BSO increased fourfold compared to the initial DPBP compound. This can be explained by the participation of methionine derivatives in the biochemical processes of the tumor cell.

Novel 4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-fused meso-tetraarylchlorins, with different degrees of hydrophilicity (with methyl ester, hydroxymethyl, and carboxylic acid moieties), have been synthesized and their photophysical characterization as well as in vitro photocytotoxicity assessment against human melanoma and esophageal and bladder carcinomas was carried out. An integrated analysis of the photosensitizers’ performance, considering the singlet oxygen generation data, cell internalization, and intracellular localization, allowed to establish relevant structure-photoactivity relationships and the rationalization of the observed photocytotoxicity. In the diacid and monoalcohol series, chlorins derived from meso-tetraphenylporphyrin proved to be the most efficient photodynamic therapy agents, showing IC50 values of 68 and 344 nM against A375 cells, respectively. These compounds were less active against OE19 and HT1376 cells, the diacid chlorin with IC50 values still in the nano-molar range, whereas the monohydroxymethyl-chlorin showed significantly higher IC50 values. The lead di(hydroxymethyl)-substituted meso-tetraphenylchlorin confirmed its remarkable photoactivity with IC50 values below 75 nM against the studied cancer cell lines. Subcellular accumulation of this chlorin in the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane was demonstrated.

Chlorins and bacteriochlorins are reduced porphyrin-type derivatives displaying characteristic structural, physical, and chemical features. Such features make chlorins and bacteriochlorins key "players" in several fields, and specifically in medicine as photosensitizers (PSs) for the diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic situations by photodynamic therapy. Cycloaddition approaches have become important synthetic tools to prepare chlorin and bacteriochlorin macrocycles. This review highlights the procedures developed over the last 10 years to synthesize chlorins and bacteriochlorins, namely through Diels-Alder and 1,3-dipolar reactions using porphyrin macrocycles as templates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of nickel(II) monobenzochlorins (MBCs) and monobenzoporphyrins (MBPs) containing β-appended or meso,β-fused indanedione (IND) or malononitrile (MN) groups were synthesized and characterized for their physicochemical, electrochemical and anion sensing properties. Each investigated compound contained four meso-phenyl rings and a single β,β′-fused 4,5-di(methoxycarbonyl)benzene ring, with the chlorins represented as NiMBC(Y)2(R)4 and the porphyrins as NiMBP(YF)2, where Y is an indanedione (IND) or malononitrile (MN) group, R = H or Br and YF is a meso,β-fused IND or MN substituent. One of the investigated compounds, NiMBP(IND)2, was structurally characterized and shown to possess a ruffled macrocyclic conformation. The monobenzochlorins, NiMBC(IND)2, NiMBC(IND)2Br4 and NiMBC(MN)2, reversibly respond to basic anions such as CN−, F−, OAc− and H2PO4− through a visible color change assigned to the deprotonation of the vicinal proton on the appended IND or MN substituents. The malononitrile-fused NiII monobenzoporphyrin, NiMBP(MN)2, exhibited a selective but irreversible visual detection of cyanide ions (LOD = 2.23 ppm). This reaction afforded a tri-fused π-extended monobenzoporphyrin product represented as NiMBP(VCN)2 (where VCN = meso,β-fused vinyl cyanide) in non-aqueous media and proceeded via anion induced electron transfer (AIET). The in situ generated π-extended porphyrin was also isolated and characterized as to its physicochemical and electrochemical properties and found to possess a narrow electrochemical HOMO–LUMO gap of 1.46 V along with a near-IR (NIR) absorption band located at 861 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Pacific brittle star Ophiura sarsii has previously been shown to produce a chlorin (3S,4S)-14-Ethyl-9-(hydroxymethyl)-4,8,13,18-tetramethyl-20-oxo-3-phorbinepropanoic acid (ETPA) (1) with potent phototoxic activities, making it applicable to photodynamic therapy. Using extensive LC-MS metabolite profiling, molecular network analysis, and targeted isolation with de novo NMR structure elucidation, we herein identify five additional chlorin compounds from O. sarsii and its deep-sea relative O. ooplax: 10S-Hydroxypheophorbide a (2), Pheophorbide a (3), Pyropheophorbide a (4), (3S,4S,21R)-14-Ethyl-9-(hydroxymethyl)-21-(methoxycarbonyl)-4,8,13,18-tetramethyl-20-oxo-3-phorbinepropanoic acid (5), and (3S,4S,21R)-14-Ethyl-21-hydroxy-9-(hydroxymethyl)-4,8,13,18-tetramethyl-20-oxo-3-phorbinepropanoic acid (6). Chlorins 5 and 6 have not been previously reported in natural sources. Interestingly, low amounts of chlorins 1–4 and 6 could also be identified in a distant species, the basket star Gorgonocephalus cf. eucnemis, demonstrating that chlorins are produced by a wide spectrum of marine invertebrates of the class Ophiuroidea. Following the purification of these major Ophiura chlorin metabolites, we discovered the significant singlet oxygen quantum yield upon their photoinduction and the resulting phototoxicity against triple-negative breast cancer BT-20 cells. These studies identify an arsenal of brittle star chlorins as natural photosensitizers with potential photodynamic therapy applications.

Objectives. Chlorin and bacteriochlorin photosensitizers are effective agents for cancer photodynamic therapy and fluorescence imaging. They are also excellent chelators forming stable metal complexes. Besides, 64Cu and 109Pd isotopes can serve as emitters for nuclear medicine. Chelation of these metals with cyclen conjugates with chlorin and bacteriochlorin photosensitizers can become a simple and universal strategy for the synthesis of diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals for nuclear medicine. This article reports on the synthesis of similar Cu and Pd complexes of cyclen conjugates with pheophorbide and bacteriopheophorbide and the study of their photophysical properties.Methods. Metalation of cyclen conjugates was carried out with palladium and copper acetates. For bacteriochlorins, 6-O-palmitoyl-L-ascorbic acid was additionally used as a reducing agent. MALDI mass spectrometry, which was carried out on a time-of-flight mass spectrometer Bruker Ultraflex TPF/TOF and a Bruker Daltonics Autoflex II confirmed the structure of the compounds obtained Electronic absorption spectra were obtained on a Shimadzu 3101 spectrophotometer. Fluorescence and phosphorescence spectra were obtained on a FluoTime 300 PicoQuant spectrofluorometer.Results. Photophysical studies of metal complexes showed that the introduction of palladium cations quenches fluorescence and increases the quantum yield of singlet oxygen generation to 0.98 for the chlorin conjugate. Besides, it decreases the quantum yield of fluorescence to 0.10 and increases the quantum yield of singlet oxygen generation to 0.72 for the bacteriochlorin conjugate. Introducing a copper cation to cyclen conjugates with pheophorbide and bacteriopheophorbide leads to photophysical characteristics quenching.Conclusions. Due to the stability of the synthesized metal complexes in acidic media, as well as the short metalation time (5, 20, 10, and 15 minutes) it is reasonable to expect the successful development of effective imaging agents for positron emission tomography and radionuclide therapy. In addition, the residual fluorescence of bacteriochlorins makes it possible to use fluorescence diagnostics in combination with these methods.

The computational results of the features observed in the room-temperature Q-band absorption spectrum of free-base chlorin (H2Ch) are presented. The vibrational structures of the first and second excited singlet states were calculated based on a harmonic approximation using density functional theory and its time dependent extension within the Franck-Condon and Herzberg-Teller approaches. The outcome allowed to identify the experimental bands and to assign them to the specific vibrational transitions. A very good agreement between the simulated and measured wavelengths and their relative intensities provided the opportunity to predict the origin of the S0 → S2 transition which could not be determined experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of chlorins was performed by hydrogenation of porphyrins using diimide generated and consumed under mechanical activation. The reaction conditions achievable under ball milling, absence of solvent and use of hydrazine hydrate as diimide source, allowed the hydrogenation of porphyrins with high conversion, high selectivity, and nearly ideal sustainability scores (atom economy of 97% and E-factor of 0.96). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing antibiotic resistance of microorganisms is an increasingly important challenge for modern medicine. In the next few decades, the so-called post antibiotic era is likely to begin. For this reason, the search for new solutions using PACT seems particularly promising. Four new chlorin compounds were tested and photochemically characterized for singlet oxygen generation efficiency and photostability. They have been evaluated for bactericidal properties against MRSA, E. coli (ESBL+) and C. albicans. Their synergism with antibiotics from the group of cephalosporins and carbapenems was evaluated. A reduction of approximately 3 logs or more was achieved for each of the bacterial strains. A decrease in MIC values was observed for all bacteria, the greatest for ceftriaxone. Combining traditional antibiotic therapy with PACT may be a promising route in the case of antibiotic-resistant infections, but requires further in-depth research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we analyze the latest data on the molecular docking of a range of SARS-CoV-2 proteins to protoporphyrin IX, verteporfin, and chlorin e6, as well as consider the prospects for using chlorins and porphyrins as agents for photoinactivation of the SARS2 virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of cellular metabolism; they play a significant role as secondary messengers in cell signaling. In cells, high concentrations of ROS induce apoptosis, senescence, and contact inhibition, while low concentrations of ROS result in angiogenesis, proliferation, and cytoskeleton remodeling. Thus, controlling ROS generation is an important factor in cell biology. We designed a chlorin e6 (Ce6)-immobilized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film (Ce6-PET) to produce extracellular ROS under red-light irradiation. The application of Ce6-PET films can regulate the generation of ROS by altering the intensity of light-emitting diode sources. We confirmed that the Ce6-PET film could effectively promote cell growth under irradiation at 500 μW/cm2 for 30 min in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We also found that the Ce6-PET film is more efficient in generating ROS than a Ce6-incorporated polyurethane film under the same conditions. Ce6-PET fabrication shows promise for improving the localized delivery of extracellular ROS and regulating ROS formation through the optimization of irradiation intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present the generalization of a time-dependent method for the calculation of intersystem crossing (ISC) rates in the Condon approximation. When ISC takes place between electronic states with the same orbital type, i.e., when the transition is forbidden according to the El-Sayed rules, it is necessary to go beyond the Condon approximation. Similar to the Herzberg-Teller expansion of the vibronic interaction, the electronic spin-orbit matrix elements are assumed to depend linearly on the nuclear coordinates. The ISC rate is then a sum of three contributions: a direct, mixed direct-vibronic, and vibronic term. The method, presented in this work, is based on the generating function formalism and the multi-mode harmonic oscillator approximation. In addition to the zero-temperature case, we implemented formulae for finite-temperature conditions assuming a Boltzmann population of vibrational levels in the initial state. Tests have been carried out for a variety of molecules for which literature data were available. We computed vibronic one-photon spectra of free-base porphyrin and free-base chlorin and calculated ISC rates for xanthone, thioxanthone, thionine, as well as free-base porphyrin and found excellent agreement with previous results. Quantitative rates for triplet formation in rhodamine A have been determined theoretically for the first time. We find the S1 ⇝ T2 channel to be the major source of triplet rhodamine formation in the gas phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non‐invasive and highly selective therapeutic approach. Photosensitizers (PSs) are an essential ingredient in PDT. However, many PSs are hydrophobic and insoluble, seriously restraining their clinical use. In this study, we prepared biocompatible PSs using water‐soluble organic nanoparticles (WSONs) with a chlorin derivative, pyropheophorbide a (PPa), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to overcome the limited clinical applications of PDT. Among the PEGylated WSONs (WSON‐PEGs), WSON‐PEG 3400 and 2000 exhibited good water solubility and stability, with no aggregation in aqueous media, a high photoactivity, and low dark toxicity in vitro against A549 and HeLa cells. An in vivo application of WSON‐PEG 3400 using A549 tumour‐bearing BALB/c nude mice demonstrated a three‐fold higher PDT efficacy compared with the control and drug only groups, without treatment‐induced toxicity or toxic side effects. These results demonstrate that WSON‐PEG (3400) is a biocompatible PS with a high PDT efficacy and reduced dark toxicity, suitable for use in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compare the two-photon absorption (2PA) spectra of non-centrosymmetrical metal-free tribenzo-tetraazachlorin (H2TBTAC) and analogous symmetrical tetra-tert-butyl-phthalocyanine (H2TtBuPc). Surprisingly, despite formal lack of center of inversion, the 2PA spectrum of H2TBTAC displays a two-photon allowed transition at 935 nm, similar to gerade-gerade (g-g) transitions observed in H2TtBuPc and in other symmetrical phthalocyanines. This transition is even better resolved in the singlet-singlet excited-state absorption spectrum. We tentatively explain the survival of the g-g transition in H2TBTAC by assuming that the main π-electron conjugation pathway in the tetraaza-substituted tetrapyrrole macrocycle bypasses the outer parts of the two oppositely located isoindole rings and thus renders the optically responsive core of the chromophore quasi-centrosymmetrical. By using the independently measured ground- and excited-state absorption extinction coefficients, we also show that the two-photon absorptivity can be quantitatively explained by a simple three-level model with the lowest energy Q1 state serving as an intermediate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic chlorins are not only fluorescent, the modulation of the tetrapyrrole system can also chelate metal ions. Conjugation of linkers at their pyrrolidines allows for conjugation to bio-molecules to create target specificity. By altering these chemo-photophysical properties, this work facilitates the use of chlorins in fluorescent imaging and positron emission tomography (PET). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]