The syntheses and characterization of new dirhodium complexes based on the electron acceptor ligand dipyrido[3,2-a:2´,3´-c]phenazine (dppz) and its derivatives are reported. These complexes have been shown to photocleave pUC18 plasmid in vitro under irradiation with visible light which results in the nicked, circular form of DNA. Unlike typical DNA photocleavage agents, the new compounds are capable of photocleaving DNA in the absence of oxygen as well as in the presence of oxygen. The toxicity of the complexes which contain the electron acceptor dppz ligand toward human skin cells increases when the cell cultures are irradiated with visible light. In contrast, the photocytotoxicity of those complexes that do not contain the dppz do not differ from cytotoxicity in the dark. The chemistry of the newly synthesized dirhodium-dppz complexes with glutathione, which is considered to be an important molecule in the deactivation of metal-based drugs, has also been investigated. The results show that glutathione reversibly reduces [Rh2(µ-O2CCH3)2(dppz)2]2+ (6) and [Rh2(µ-O2CCH3)2(dppz)(bpy)]2+ (7), and that they are easily reoxidized to the original form in air. EPR measurements and DFT calculations indicate that the additional electron is delocalized in the ligand orbitals. The molecular characteristics that affect the in vitro activity of dirhodium complexes is discussed. The lability of the groups coordinated to the dirhodium complexes is a significant factor that influences the toxicity of the complexes. In addition, the presence of labile solvent molecules and monodentate acetate groups provide potential “open sites” accessible for nucleophilic substitution, as opposed to these sites being occupied by non-labile groups that reduce the reactivity of the complexes. Finally, the results also demonstrate that the carbonato-bridged complexes of the type [Rh2(µ-O2CO)2(diimine)2(H2O)2]2+ are useful precursors to access new dirhodium-diimine compounds that are not accessible from the acetate precursors. These compounds react with trifluoroacetamide, 2-pyrrolidinone, and trifluoroacetic acid to form products in which the carbonato ligands are substituted in favor of the new bridging group. This work provides a foundation for the preparation of new series of dirhodium complexes that contain the dppz ligand and bridging ligands other than acetate.

The syntheses and characterization of new dirhodium complexes based on the electron acceptor ligand dipyrido[3,2-a:2´,3´-c]phenazine (dppz) and its derivatives are reported. These complexes have been shown to photocleave pUC18 plasmid in vitro under irradiation with visible light which results in the nicked, circular form of DNA. Unlike typical DNA photocleavage agents, the new compounds are capable of photocleaving DNA in the absence of oxygen as well as in the presence of oxygen. The toxicity of the complexes which contain the electron acceptor dppz ligand toward human skin cells increases when the cell cultures are irradiated with visible light. In contrast, the photocytotoxicity of those complexes that do not contain the dppz do not differ from cytotoxicity in the dark. The chemistry of the newly synthesized dirhodium-dppz complexes with glutathione, which is considered to be an important molecule in the deactivation of metal-based drugs, has also been investigated. The results show that glutathione reversibly reduces [Rh2(µ-O2CCH3)2(dppz)2]2+ (6) and [Rh2(µ-O2CCH3)2(dppz)(bpy)]2+ (7), and that they are easily reoxidized to the original form in air. EPR measurements and DFT calculations indicate that the additional electron is delocalized in the ligand orbitals. The molecular characteristics that affect the in vitro activity of dirhodium complexes is discussed. The lability of the groups coordinated to the dirhodium complexes is a significant factor that influences the toxicity of the complexes. In addition, the presence of labile solvent molecules and monodentate acetate groups provide potential “open sites” accessible for nucleophilic substitution, as opposed to these sites being occupied by non-labile groups that reduce the reactivity of the complexes. Finally, the results also demonstrate that the carbonato-bridged complexes of the type [Rh2(µ-O2CO)2(diimine)2(H2O)2]2+ are useful precursors to access new dirhodium-diimine compounds that are not accessible from the acetate precursors. These compounds react with trifluoroacetamide, 2-pyrrolidinone, and trifluoroacetic acid to form products in which the carbonato ligands are substituted in favor of the new bridging group. This work provides a foundation for the preparation of new series of dirhodium complexes that contain the dppz ligand and bridging ligands other than acetate.

A terapia fotodinâmica, do inglês photodynamic therapy (PDT) é uma fototerapia baseada na utilização de um fotossensibilizador (FS) na presença da luz em baixa intensidade em comprimento de onda ressonante à absorção do FS e que podem sensibilizar sistemas biológicos, gerando espécies reativas de oxigênio. Estudos mostram que a PDT apresenta um efeito letal em Candida albicans. O biofilme formado por C. albicans é a causa mais freqüente de infecções associadas a cateteres, possuindo uma comprovada resistência a antifúngicos, sendo que a remoção do cateter colonizado é quase sempre necessária. No entanto, poucos trabalhos na literatura relatam o comportamento e a resposta de C. albicans organizado em biofilme frente à PDT. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram desenvolver uma metodologia para formação in vitro de biofilme de C. albicans, verificar a sensibilidade do biofilme de C. albicans frente à terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana utilizando como FS o azul de metileno (AM) e a hipocrelina B:La+3 e analisar o biofilme através da Tomografia de Coerência Óptica (OCT) antes e depois da PDT. Para a formação do biofilme, foram confeccionados discos de silicone elastomérico oriundos de cateteres. Os fotossensibilizadores foram diluídos em solução de PBS, sendo que o AM teve duas concentrações diferentes testadas no biofilme: 100M e 1mM e a HBLa+3 somente uma de 10M. A irradiação de ambos os corantes com os microrganismos foi feita através de dois LEDs diferentes, um vermelho com = 630nm ± 20nm e outro azul com = 460nm ± 30nm. Foi realizada uma curva de fração de sobrevivência em função do tempo de irradiação de cada amostra com biofilme e de suspensão do microrganismo em formato de leveduras para verificar a susceptibilidade destes frente à PDT. As leveduras apresentaram 100% de redução em ambos os fotossensibilizadores, porém em tempos de irradiação diferentes (30s para a HBLa+3 e 6 min para o AM na concentração de 100M). Quando a terapia foi aplicada em biofilme, o AM em 100M não apresentou nenhuma redução significativa, enquanto que em concentração de 1mM houve redução de 100% após 6 min de irradiação. Já a HBLa+3 mostrou pouca redução em biofilme na concentração de 10M (menos de 1 log de redução. Concluímos que o microrganismo C. albicans se organizou em biofilme padronizado nos discos elastoméricos oriundos de cateteres e através do OCT, o biofilme medido apresentou 110m de espessura, informando uma mudança óptica ao ser submetido pela PDT com o AM 1mM. / Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a phototherapy based on the use of a photosensitizer (PS) in the presence of low intensity light with resonant wavelength of absorption of the PS and biological systems that can raise awareness, generating reactive oxygen species. Studies show that PDT has a lethal effect on Candida albicans. The biofilm formed by C. albicans is the cause of infections associated with medical devices such as catheters, with a proven resistance to antifungal agents, and the removal of the catheter colonized almost always is necessary. However, few studies in literature report the behavior and response of biofilm organized by C. albicans against PDT. The aims of this study were to develop a methodology for in vitro biofilm formation of C. albicans, evaluate the sensitivity of the biofilm of C. albicans to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using PS as the methylene blue (MB) and hypocrellin B: La+3 (HBLa+3) and analyze the biofilm by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). For biofilm formation, discs were made from elastomeric silicone catheters. The PS were dissolved in solution of PBS, and the MB had two different concentrations tested in the biofilm: 100M and 1mM; HBLa+3 only one of 10M. The irradiation of both dyes with the microorganism was done by two different LEDs, one with red emission at = 630nm ± 20nm and the other one blue emission at = 460nm ± 30nm. We performed a curve of survival fraction versus time of irradiation of each sample with biofilm and suspension of the microorganism in the yeast form to verify the susceptibility of the front PDT. The yeast showed 100% reduction using both PS, but at different times of irradiation (30s to HBLa+3 and 6 min for the MB at 100M). When the therapy was applied in biofilm, the MB 100M did not show any significant reduction, while at concentration of 1mM was reduced by 100% after 6 min of irradiation. The HBLa+3 biofilm group showed a lower reduction in the concentration of 10M in biofilm (less than 1 log reduction). OCT was performed for visualization and measurement of the thickness of the biofilm formed. The composition of the extracellular matrix of the biofilm polymer hindered the diffusion of PS inside, requiring higher concentrations of MB to disseminate it and to obtain satisfactory reduction for PDT. HBLa+3 group, in higher concentration, formed aggregates difficulting its use for PDT. We conclude that the organism C. albicans was organized in biofilms in a standardized way using elastomeric discs from catheters and the OCT showed that the biofilm measured 110m at thickness, showing an optical change when subjected to the PDT with MB 1mM.

Úlceras são alterações que ocorrem na integridade da pele como consequência de lesões diversas, constituindo a dificuldade de sua cura um grave problema de saúde pública. A fototerapia com laser de baixa intensidade (LLLT), através de seus efeitos biomoduladores, vem sendo apontada como uma técnica prática, rápida e eficaz para esses casos. Entretanto, aplicações de LLLT podem, em alguns casos, estimular a proliferação de microrganismos patogênicos presentes na lesão, resultando numa piora da infecção e maior retardo no processo de reparo. Nesses casos, o uso de quimioterapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (PACT) pode ser uma alternativa. O presente estudo testou a eficácia da PACT com Ftalocianina Cloro-Alumínio (FC-ClAl) e da LLLT na inativação de microrganismos, com uma dose energética adequada para não prejudicar o processo de cicatrização. Em biofilmes de P. aeruginosa e S. aureus previamente cultivados por um período de 24 h em microplacas de 24 e 96 poços, realizou-se etapa única de aplicação da fototerapia LLLT e PACT com 4 diferentes formulações para inativação de microrganismos: formulação vazia (ausência de fármaco fotossensível FV), formulação catiônica vazia (com alteração em sua polaridade FCV), formulação aniônica com fármaco fotossensível (apenas Ftalocianina Cloro-alumínio FC-ClAl FAPc), formulação catiônica com fármaco fotossensível (FC-ClAl + formulação com polaridade alterada FCPc). Foram feitas análises quantitativas através da contagem de células viáveis e medidas de absorbância em leitora de ELISA com sal tetrazólio, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-difenil brometo de tetrazólio (MTT), associado. Os dados obtidos foram comparados através de análise de variância (ANOVA) com nível de confiança de 95%. Os resultados obtidos permitiram concluir que a PACT com FC-ClAl sozinha (FAPc) não apresenta ação bactericida satisfatória sobre a P. aeruginosa e a S. aureus, mostrando resultados estimulatórios a esses microrganismos quando comparada às outras 3 formulações utilizadas. A ação antimicrobiana só foi observada ao se ter a associação da PACT Ftalocianina cloro-alumínio com a formulação catiônica (FCPc), a qual mostrou intensa interação com os biofilmes microbianos, principalmente com a S. aureus, mesmo na ausência de Ftalocianina (FCV). / Ulcers are changes on the skin integrity as a consequence of several lesions, and its cure represents a serious public health problem. Phototherapy based on low level laser therapy (LLLT), through its biomodulatory effects, has been pointed as a fast, practical and effective therapy for these cases. However, LLLT applications may, in some cases, stimulate pathogenic microorganisms proliferation present in the lesion, resulting in a worst infection and longer delay on the healing process. For such cases the use of Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PACT) can be an alternative. The present study tested the PACT effectiveness with a phthalocyanine-derived photosensitizer and LLLT on microorganism inactivation, with an adequate energy dose in order to not damage all the healing process. On P. aeruginosa and S. aureus mature biofilms, previously cultivated for a period of 24 h in 24 and 96 wells-plate, a single application of phototherapy based on LLLT and PACT to inactivate bacteria was performed, with four different formulations: blank formulation (FV - no photosensitive drug), cationic empty formulation (FCV - formulation with an inverted polarity), formulation with anionic photosensitive drug (FAPc - only Chloro-aluminum Phthalocyanine) and cationic formulation with photosensitive drug (FCPc - Chloro-aluminum Phthalocyanine associated with an inverted polarity formulation). Quantitative analyses were performed through the counting of colony forming units (CFU) and the absorbance analysis with MTT associated. The data were compared through variance analysis test (ANOVA), with a confidence level of 95%. The results showed that PACT with Chloro-aluminum Phthalocyanine itself does not present satisfactory bactericidal effect against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. This photosensitizer (FAPc) presented a microorganism stimulatory action when compared with the other three formulations used. The bactericidal effect was seen only with the PACT with cationic formulation association, which demonstrated an intense interaction with microbial biofilms, especially with S. aureus, even in the absence of Phthalocyanine (FCV).

A terapia fotodinâmica, do inglês photodynamic therapy (PDT) é uma fototerapia baseada na utilização de um fotossensibilizador (FS) na presença da luz em baixa intensidade em comprimento de onda ressonante à absorção do FS e que podem sensibilizar sistemas biológicos, gerando espécies reativas de oxigênio. Estudos mostram que a PDT apresenta um efeito letal em Candida albicans. O biofilme formado por C. albicans é a causa mais freqüente de infecções associadas a cateteres, possuindo uma comprovada resistência a antifúngicos, sendo que a remoção do cateter colonizado é quase sempre necessária. No entanto, poucos trabalhos na literatura relatam o comportamento e a resposta de C. albicans organizado em biofilme frente à PDT. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram desenvolver uma metodologia para formação in vitro de biofilme de C. albicans, verificar a sensibilidade do biofilme de C. albicans frente à terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana utilizando como FS o azul de metileno (AM) e a hipocrelina B:La+3 e analisar o biofilme através da Tomografia de Coerência Óptica (OCT) antes e depois da PDT. Para a formação do biofilme, foram confeccionados discos de silicone elastomérico oriundos de cateteres. Os fotossensibilizadores foram diluídos em solução de PBS, sendo que o AM teve duas concentrações diferentes testadas no biofilme: 100M e 1mM e a HBLa+3 somente uma de 10M. A irradiação de ambos os corantes com os microrganismos foi feita através de dois LEDs diferentes, um vermelho com = 630nm ± 20nm e outro azul com = 460nm ± 30nm. Foi realizada uma curva de fração de sobrevivência em função do tempo de irradiação de cada amostra com biofilme e de suspensão do microrganismo em formato de leveduras para verificar a susceptibilidade destes frente à PDT. As leveduras apresentaram 100% de redução em ambos os fotossensibilizadores, porém em tempos de irradiação diferentes (30s para a HBLa+3 e 6 min para o AM na concentração de 100M). Quando a terapia foi aplicada em biofilme, o AM em 100M não apresentou nenhuma redução significativa, enquanto que em concentração de 1mM houve redução de 100% após 6 min de irradiação. Já a HBLa+3 mostrou pouca redução em biofilme na concentração de 10M (menos de 1 log de redução. Concluímos que o microrganismo C. albicans se organizou em biofilme padronizado nos discos elastoméricos oriundos de cateteres e através do OCT, o biofilme medido apresentou 110m de espessura, informando uma mudança óptica ao ser submetido pela PDT com o AM 1mM. / Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a phototherapy based on the use of a photosensitizer (PS) in the presence of low intensity light with resonant wavelength of absorption of the PS and biological systems that can raise awareness, generating reactive oxygen species. Studies show that PDT has a lethal effect on Candida albicans. The biofilm formed by C. albicans is the cause of infections associated with medical devices such as catheters, with a proven resistance to antifungal agents, and the removal of the catheter colonized almost always is necessary. However, few studies in literature report the behavior and response of biofilm organized by C. albicans against PDT. The aims of this study were to develop a methodology for in vitro biofilm formation of C. albicans, evaluate the sensitivity of the biofilm of C. albicans to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using PS as the methylene blue (MB) and hypocrellin B: La+3 (HBLa+3) and analyze the biofilm by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). For biofilm formation, discs were made from elastomeric silicone catheters. The PS were dissolved in solution of PBS, and the MB had two different concentrations tested in the biofilm: 100M and 1mM; HBLa+3 only one of 10M. The irradiation of both dyes with the microorganism was done by two different LEDs, one with red emission at = 630nm ± 20nm and the other one blue emission at = 460nm ± 30nm. We performed a curve of survival fraction versus time of irradiation of each sample with biofilm and suspension of the microorganism in the yeast form to verify the susceptibility of the front PDT. The yeast showed 100% reduction using both PS, but at different times of irradiation (30s to HBLa+3 and 6 min for the MB at 100M). When the therapy was applied in biofilm, the MB 100M did not show any significant reduction, while at concentration of 1mM was reduced by 100% after 6 min of irradiation. The HBLa+3 biofilm group showed a lower reduction in the concentration of 10M in biofilm (less than 1 log reduction). OCT was performed for visualization and measurement of the thickness of the biofilm formed. The composition of the extracellular matrix of the biofilm polymer hindered the diffusion of PS inside, requiring higher concentrations of MB to disseminate it and to obtain satisfactory reduction for PDT. HBLa+3 group, in higher concentration, formed aggregates difficulting its use for PDT. We conclude that the organism C. albicans was organized in biofilms in a standardized way using elastomeric discs from catheters and the OCT showed that the biofilm measured 110m at thickness, showing an optical change when subjected to the PDT with MB 1mM.

Úlceras são alterações que ocorrem na integridade da pele como consequência de lesões diversas, constituindo a dificuldade de sua cura um grave problema de saúde pública. A fototerapia com laser de baixa intensidade (LLLT), através de seus efeitos biomoduladores, vem sendo apontada como uma técnica prática, rápida e eficaz para esses casos. Entretanto, aplicações de LLLT podem, em alguns casos, estimular a proliferação de microrganismos patogênicos presentes na lesão, resultando numa piora da infecção e maior retardo no processo de reparo. Nesses casos, o uso de quimioterapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (PACT) pode ser uma alternativa. O presente estudo testou a eficácia da PACT com Ftalocianina Cloro-Alumínio (FC-ClAl) e da LLLT na inativação de microrganismos, com uma dose energética adequada para não prejudicar o processo de cicatrização. Em biofilmes de P. aeruginosa e S. aureus previamente cultivados por um período de 24 h em microplacas de 24 e 96 poços, realizou-se etapa única de aplicação da fototerapia LLLT e PACT com 4 diferentes formulações para inativação de microrganismos: formulação vazia (ausência de fármaco fotossensível FV), formulação catiônica vazia (com alteração em sua polaridade FCV), formulação aniônica com fármaco fotossensível (apenas Ftalocianina Cloro-alumínio FC-ClAl FAPc), formulação catiônica com fármaco fotossensível (FC-ClAl + formulação com polaridade alterada FCPc). Foram feitas análises quantitativas através da contagem de células viáveis e medidas de absorbância em leitora de ELISA com sal tetrazólio, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-difenil brometo de tetrazólio (MTT), associado. Os dados obtidos foram comparados através de análise de variância (ANOVA) com nível de confiança de 95%. Os resultados obtidos permitiram concluir que a PACT com FC-ClAl sozinha (FAPc) não apresenta ação bactericida satisfatória sobre a P. aeruginosa e a S. aureus, mostrando resultados estimulatórios a esses microrganismos quando comparada às outras 3 formulações utilizadas. A ação antimicrobiana só foi observada ao se ter a associação da PACT Ftalocianina cloro-alumínio com a formulação catiônica (FCPc), a qual mostrou intensa interação com os biofilmes microbianos, principalmente com a S. aureus, mesmo na ausência de Ftalocianina (FCV). / Ulcers are changes on the skin integrity as a consequence of several lesions, and its cure represents a serious public health problem. Phototherapy based on low level laser therapy (LLLT), through its biomodulatory effects, has been pointed as a fast, practical and effective therapy for these cases. However, LLLT applications may, in some cases, stimulate pathogenic microorganisms proliferation present in the lesion, resulting in a worst infection and longer delay on the healing process. For such cases the use of Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PACT) can be an alternative. The present study tested the PACT effectiveness with a phthalocyanine-derived photosensitizer and LLLT on microorganism inactivation, with an adequate energy dose in order to not damage all the healing process. On P. aeruginosa and S. aureus mature biofilms, previously cultivated for a period of 24 h in 24 and 96 wells-plate, a single application of phototherapy based on LLLT and PACT to inactivate bacteria was performed, with four different formulations: blank formulation (FV - no photosensitive drug), cationic empty formulation (FCV - formulation with an inverted polarity), formulation with anionic photosensitive drug (FAPc - only Chloro-aluminum Phthalocyanine) and cationic formulation with photosensitive drug (FCPc - Chloro-aluminum Phthalocyanine associated with an inverted polarity formulation). Quantitative analyses were performed through the counting of colony forming units (CFU) and the absorbance analysis with MTT associated. The data were compared through variance analysis test (ANOVA), with a confidence level of 95%. The results showed that PACT with Chloro-aluminum Phthalocyanine itself does not present satisfactory bactericidal effect against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. This photosensitizer (FAPc) presented a microorganism stimulatory action when compared with the other three formulations used. The bactericidal effect was seen only with the PACT with cationic formulation association, which demonstrated an intense interaction with microbial biofilms, especially with S. aureus, even in the absence of Phthalocyanine (FCV).

La photothérapie dynamique (PDT) est un nouveau traitement n’induisant potentiellement pas de mutation et utilisable pour lutter contre le rétinoblastome. Les dérivés de porphyrine utilisés comme Ps dans la Thérapie PhotoDynamique (PDT) sont largement étudiés depuis la naissance du premier Ps de synthèse (l’HpD). Une limitation importante de la PDT provient de la faible profondeur (confinée près de la surface) de pénétration de la lumière (λ <700 nm) employée pour l'excitation du Ps. Afin de fournir une énergie d’activation suffisante pour produire l’oxygène singulet dans la fenêtre thérapeutique entre 700-1300, le processus d'absorption à deux photons a été proposé. Les Ps excitables par l’absorption simultanée de deux photons conduisent au concept de PDT à deux photons (PDT-ADP). Ce processus ayant une faible probabilité, son application demande le développement de nouveaux Ps avec une section efficace importante. Une autre limitation de la PDT est la faible sélectivité et spécificité des Ps actuels pour les cellules tumorales. Un ciblage actif de récepteurs membranaires spécifiques des cellules tumorales représente une solution possible. Il a été rapporté que des récepteurs de type lectine reconnaissant certains sucres sont surexprimés par des cellules malignes. Nous présenterons la synthèse et les résultats photocytotoxiques de dimères dissymétriques de porphyrine P-Y-P', inspirée d'études précédentes du laboratoire, privilégiant l’introduction de trois chaînes para-phénoxy-diéthylène glycol mannose sur trois des positions méso de porphyrines optimisés pour l’absorption à deux photons et vectorisés vers des lectines membranaires.Pour contourner le problème de solubilité des porphyrines dimères en milieu aqueux et améliorer l’internalisation de Ps dans les cellules tumorales, nous avons analysé le comportement interfacial des porphyrines dimères à l'interface air-tampon, étudié leur incorporation dans les liposomes à l’aide de la technique de la fluorescence, et évalué l’interaction entre porphyrin dimères et la Concanavaline A (une lectine extraite de Canavalia ensiformis qui reconnaît de manière spécifique l'alpha-D-mannose). / Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new potential treatment against retinoblastoma, which doesn’t induce mutations. The porphyrin derivatives used as Ps in PDT are widely studied since the birth of the first synthesis Ps (HpD). An important limitation of PDT comes from low penetration of light (λ<700 nm) used for excitation of the Ps. In order to provide enough energy to enable production of singlet oxygen in the phototherapeutic window between 700-1300, the absorption of two relatively low-energy photons simultaneously has been proposed. Ps excited by simultaneous absorption of two photons leads to the concept of two-photon PDT (TPE-PDT). This process has very low probability; its application in the PDT needs develop new Ps with intensive cross section. Another limitation is the low selectivity and specificity of current Ps for tumor cells. Active targeting to appropriate receptors expressed at the tumor cells give a possible solution. It has been reported that the lectin-like receptors recognizing certain sugars are overexpressed in malignant cells. We will present the synthesis and in vitro photocytotoxical results of asymmetric porphyrin dimers P-Y-P', inspired by previous studies of our laboratory, introducing three para-phenoxy-diethylene glycol mannose chains at the meso positions of porphyrin core which optimized for two-photon absorption and targeted to membrane lectins. To circumvent the solubility problem of porphyrin dimers in aqueous medium and improve internalization of Ps into tumor cells, we analyzed the interfacial behavior of the porphyrin dimers in the air-buffer interface, studied the incorporation of porphyrin dimers in liposomes using the technique of fluorescence, and evaluated the interaction between porphyrin dimers and Concanavalin A (Canavalia ensiformis lectin derived from that specifically recognizes the alpha-D-mannose).

Ce travail concerne le développement de nanoparticules de TiO2 et de SiO2 sensibilisées aux photosensibilisateurs pour application dans la photocatalyse et la thérapie photodynamique (PDT). Les NP ont été soit recouverts d'une coquille de polysiloxane, soit modifiés par l'aminopropyltriéthoxysilane (APTES) seul. Les PSs de tétraphényl monocarboxylphosphine (P1-COOH) ou de chlorine e6 (Ce6) ont été couplés aux NP par liaison amide. En photocatalyse, les NP hybrides modifiées par l'APTES, en particulier TiO2-APTES-Ce6, présentent une activité photocatalytique supérieure vis-à-vis de la dégradation du bleu de méthylène et de l’orange de méthyle sur les systèmes cœur-coquille sous lumière solaire et visible. Pour la PDT, des tests in vitro ont été désignés sur la lignée cellulaire de glioblastome U87 à différentes concentrations de NP éclairées à 652 nm. TiO2-APTES-Ce6 a révélé une bonne phototoxicité car la viabilité cellulaire a diminué de 89% après illumination. L'incorporation cellulaire et la localisation de ces NP et de leurs analogues de la silice ont été explorées. Les ROS impliqués dans la photocatalyse et la PDT ont été étudiés / This work addresses the development of dye-sensitized TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) for application in photocatalysis and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The NPs were either coated with a polysiloxane shell or modified by aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) alone. Monocarboxylic tetraphenyl porphyrin (P1-COOH) or chlorin e6 (Ce6) PSs were coupled to the NPs by amide bond. In photocatalysis, The APTES-modified sensitized NPs, particularly TiO2-APTES-Ce6, exhibit a superior activity towards the degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange over the core-shell systems under solar and visible light. For PDT, in vitro tests were conducted on the glioblastoma cell line U87 at different NPs’ concentrations illuminated at 652 nm. TiO2-APTES-Ce6 revealed a good phototoxicity as the cell viability decreased by 89% after illumination. The cellular uptake and localization of those NPs and their silica analogues were explored. The ROS involved in photocatalysis and PDT were investigated

Phthalocyanines are a group of molecules, which have been studied extensively due partly to their use and potential in a wide variety of applications, but also on account of the seemingly endless list of differently substituted moieties, which in principle may be prepared. The history of the compounds in general are discussed briefly in Chapter 1 of this thesis, while Chapter 2 focuses on Photodynamic Therapy, an area in which they have more recently been found to exhibit excellent potential. The synthesiso of novel phthalocyanines for potential application in PDT is reported in Chapter 3. The current research investigated the synthesis of binuclear Pcs from the linking of two preformed phthalocyanine rings by means of an oxalyl bridge functionality and also from the mixed cyclisation of phthalonitriles with bisphthalonitriles, which proved to be extremely problematic. The synthesis of water-soluble phthalocyanine derivatives was investigated as a sideline, which resulted in the synthesis of a novel phthalocyanine monomer substituted with eight triethylene glycol chains. Efforts to synthesise a phthalocyanine linked to a glucose unit were unsuccessful. Chapter 4 describes research into the photophysical properties of a number of mononuclear and binuclear phthalocyanines synthesised both in the current work and also compounds synthesised by co-workers. The electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra of the compounds are investigated, and the absorption spectrum of a purely cofacial dimeric structure is obtained by calculation from the spectrum of one of the binuclear derivatives. Laser Flash Photolysis was performed on a number of the samples, determining triplet lifetimes, triplet quantum yields and singlet oxygen quantum yields. The effect of aggregation on the photoproperties of phthalocyaninesis investigated in Chapter 5. The current work involved low temperature absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy on a number of mononuclear and binuclear phthalocyanine derivatives. The nature of the aggregated structures, which were observed to form at 77K, are then rationalised with reference to previous research into phthalocyanine aggregates and crystal structures.

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