Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging treatment modality for a range of disease classes, both cancerous and noncancerous. This has brought about an active pursiut of new PDT agents that can be optimized for the unique set of photophysical characteristics that are required for a succesful clinical agent. There are many reported or commercially available photosensitizers, but most have limitations, such as low photostability, or a limited usable range of solvent conditions. In this study, we introduced a novel class of extended conjugation water soluble boradiazaindacene dyes which are efficient singlet oxygen generators. These sensitizers have strong absorptions in the therapeutic window and have spectacular photoinduced cytotoxicity. In addition, they display no dark toxicity at the active concentrations. With these remarkable properties, they are likely to find applications as promising new reagents for photodynamic therapy.

ABSTRACT TOWARDS PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FOR MOLECULAR LOGIC GATES: &ldquo / AND&rdquo / LOGIC AS AN ADDITIONAL LAYER OF SELECTIVITY IN SINGLET OXYGEN RELEASE FOR PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY &Ouml / zlem, Suriye M.S., Department of Chemistry Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Engin Umut Akkaya June 2008, 54 pages There have been many examples of individual molecular logic gates and molecular equivalents of more complex digital designs in recent years such as half adder, half subtractor, multiplexer. Neverethless, the unresolved issues of addressability and lack of communication between logic gates remain to be the Achille&rsquo / s heel for molecular logic gates. A few years ago we have demonstrated that appropriately decorated bodipy dyes can be very efficient generators for singlet oxygen, thus act as a satisfactory photodynamic agents. As a bonus, these dyes absorb very strongly at 660 nm which is considered to be within the therapeutic window of mammalian tissue. So, combining our earlier experience in molecular logic gates and rational design of photodynamic agents, we proposed a photodynamic therapy agent that would release singlet oxygen at a much larger rate when the cancer related cellular parameters are above a threshold value at the same location. Following the survey of the relevant literature for cancer related parameters, we decided that sodium ion concentration and pH (H+ concentration) could be very promising targets. In the tumor regions the pH can drop below 6 and the Na+ concentration is also significantly higher then normal tissues. As a result, in the proposed logic system the chemical inputs could be Na+ and H+. The system in fact is an automaton which is to seek higher concentration of both hydrogen and sodium ions, and release the toxic agent (singlet oxygen) only when both concentrations are high. Thus, the proposed logic gate is an AND logic gate, the output of which is singlet oxygen. Keywords: Photodynamic therapy, singlet oxygen, molecular logic gates, AND logic operation

The persistence of high global mortality rates directly attributable to cardiovascular disease drives ongoing research into novel approaches for improved diagnosis and treatment of its primary underlying cause, atherosclerosis. Combined intravascular ultrasound and photoacoustic (IVUS/IVPA) imaging is one such modality, actively being developed as a tool for improved characterization of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques. The pathophysiology associated with progression and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques leads to characteristic changes in arterial morphology and composition. IVUS/IVPA imaging seeks to expand upon the ability of clinically utilized intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging to assess vessel anatomy by adding improved sensitivity to image the underlying cellular and molecular composition through intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) imaging of either endogenous chromophores (e.g. lipid) or exogenously delivered contrast agents. This dissertation focuses on the expansion of IVUS/IVPA imaging using exogenous contrast agents to enable the detection and subsequent optically-triggered therapy of atherosclerotic plaques. The passive extravasation and aggregation of systemically injected plasmonic gold nanorods absorbing within the near infrared tissue optical window within plaques of atherosclerotic rabbit models is first demonstrated, along with the ability to localize the contrast agents using ex vivo IVUS/IVPA imaging. The motivation for nanoparticle labeling of atherosclerosis is then expanded from that of purely image contrast agents to vehicles for image-guided, dual-modality phototherapy. The integrated IVUS/IVPA imaging catheter is utilized for photothermal delivery with simultaneous IVPA temperature monitoring using the high optical absorption of gold nanorod contrast agents to enable localized heating. Subsequently, the potential role for IVUS/IVPA-guided phototherapy is further expanded through the characterization and in vitro assessment of novel multifunctional theranostic nanoparticles comprised of a gold nanorod core with a degradable, photosensitizer-doped silica shell. Together, the results presented within this dissertation provide a framework for ongoing research into the expansion of IVUS/IVPA imaging as a platform for complimentary diagnosis and local treatment of atherosclerotic plaques using multifunctional theranostic nanoparticle contrast agents. / text

Cancer remains a global pandemic and is rapidly overtaking other diseases as the no.1 killer in developing nations. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been advanced as a minimally invasive cancer therapy. In addition, the emergence of harmful microbes with increasing resistance to drugs has prompted the employment of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) as a promising alternative to combat antibiotic resistance. In PDT and PACT, a photosensitizer (dye/drug) upon activation by light transfers energy to molecular oxygen producing singlet oxygen which kills cells. There is increased attention and research into more selective and non-aggregated photosensitizers that will better PDT in treating cancer. This research work is focused on design and synthesis of non-aggregated asymmetric phthalocyanines (dyes) tagged with mitochondrial targeting vehicles to maximize selectivity and photo-killing of tumor cells. Chapter 1 presents a brief review of the current status of PDT and treatment of cancer. The three components of PDT namely, light, oxygen and the photosensitizer, are briefly discussed giving a concise overview of the development of each of them in bettering PDT as an alternative to cancer therapy. Chapter 2 outlines the design, synthesis and characterization of two non-aggregated symmetric ZnPc isomers that have improved water solubility due to incorporation of triethylene glycol groups. The extension of the max absorption to near-IR via non-peripheral substitution on the Pc macrocycle is reported, while comparing the photophysical characteristics of both isomers. Chapter 3 details the improved selectivity of photosensitizers by conjugating ZnPcs to rhodamine B, a delocalized lipophilic cation, which targets the mitochondria of the cell. This conjugation achieved 70% more cell death suggesting that incorporation of rhodamine improved cellular uptake and localization of the photosensitizers which is crucial. Chapters 4 and 5 cover the design, synthesis, characterization, and photodynamic therapy evaluation of ZnPc and phosphorous phthalocyanines. Introduction of phosphorous as an electron deficient central atom promoted a 42 nm bathochromic shift relative to the corresponding ZnPc isomer. Additionally, the effect of peripheral and non-peripheral substitution on phototoxicity of these new compounds is studied and reported. Chapter 5 also gives concluding remarks, and future directions of this work.

Porphyrins represent one of the oldest, most widely studied chemical structures, both in nature and in biomedical applications. Due to their tumor avidity and favorable photophysical properties, such as long wavelength absorption and emission, easy derivatization, high singlet oxygen quantum yield and low in vivo toxicity, porphyrins have found particular success for photodynamic therapy and fluorescence imaging of cancer. Additionally, they are excellent metal chelators, forming highly stable metallo-complexes, making porphyrins an efficient delivery vehicle for radioisotopes. Thus, there is great potential in the applications of these multi-modal porphyrin-based agents for cancer imaging and therapy. I have investigated the characteristics of various porphyrin-based probes and their potential application in different clinically relevant models. Here, I will discuss three types of porphyrin-based agents: 1) photodynamic molecular beacons (PPMMPB), 2) targeted peptide porphyrins (PPF) and 3) porphyrin-lipid nanovesicles, porphysomes. I will demonstrate that all of these porphyrin-based agents have potential clinical applications in various fields of cancer imaging and therapy. Although these three agents differ greatly, they all aim to increase the signal-to-background ratio of tumor to healthy tissue uptake of porphyrins, thereby increasing our ability to detect tumor tissue and better preserve healthy tissue during therapy.

Porphyrins represent one of the oldest, most widely studied chemical structures, both in nature and in biomedical applications. Due to their tumor avidity and favorable photophysical properties, such as long wavelength absorption and emission, easy derivatization, high singlet oxygen quantum yield and low in vivo toxicity, porphyrins have found particular success for photodynamic therapy and fluorescence imaging of cancer. Additionally, they are excellent metal chelators, forming highly stable metallo-complexes, making porphyrins an efficient delivery vehicle for radioisotopes. Thus, there is great potential in the applications of these multi-modal porphyrin-based agents for cancer imaging and therapy. I have investigated the characteristics of various porphyrin-based probes and their potential application in different clinically relevant models. Here, I will discuss three types of porphyrin-based agents: 1) photodynamic molecular beacons (PPMMPB), 2) targeted peptide porphyrins (PPF) and 3) porphyrin-lipid nanovesicles, porphysomes. I will demonstrate that all of these porphyrin-based agents have potential clinical applications in various fields of cancer imaging and therapy. Although these three agents differ greatly, they all aim to increase the signal-to-background ratio of tumor to healthy tissue uptake of porphyrins, thereby increasing our ability to detect tumor tissue and better preserve healthy tissue during therapy.

Photodynamic therapy has been established as one of the approaches for the treatment of various malignant tumors. While most of the reagents used for this purpose are porphyrin derivatives, there is a strong motivation for finding novel and better sensitizers. Perylenediimides are known for their photo- and chemical stability, but they do not have absorptions in the red end of the visible spectrum. However, recently reported green perylenediimides which have dialkylamino substituents on the perylene core, provide an alternative. To that end, we have designed and synthesized novel green perylenediimides with remarkable water solubility at neutral pH and absorption peaks beyond 650 nm. We demonstrated that on red-light excitation, singlet oxygen trap 1,3-diphenyl-iso-benzofuran is rapidly degraded. We also carried out cell culture experiments / an important parameter to be optimized for practical application as a novel photodynamic therapy agent was the excited dye toxicity to dark toxicity. Our results confirmed that these novel perylenediimides acted as sensitizers generating singlet oxygen and the initial in vitro biological experiments demonstrated their potential utility in photodynamic therapy.

Submitted by Ligia Souza (ligia@ufscar.br) on 2017-09-21T14:27:46Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseMCG.pdf: 3682312 bytes, checksum: fd17a7f18e76507395baaaf315348805 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (ronisp@ufscar.br) on 2017-09-25T12:32:38Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseMCG.pdf: 3682312 bytes, checksum: fd17a7f18e76507395baaaf315348805 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (ronisp@ufscar.br) on 2017-09-25T12:32:44Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseMCG.pdf: 3682312 bytes, checksum: fd17a7f18e76507395baaaf315348805 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-25T12:37:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseMCG.pdf: 3682312 bytes, checksum: fd17a7f18e76507395baaaf315348805 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-07-31 / Outra / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Infectious pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity/mortality, mainly due to the increasing rate of microorganisms resistant to antibiotics. Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) is emerging as a promising approach, as effects are based on oxidative stress, preventing the emergence of resistant microorganism strains. In previous studies, the in vitro inactivation of Streptococcus pneumoniae using indocyanine green (ICG) and infrared light source was successful, and achieved reduction of 5 log10 colony-forming units (CFU/mL) with concentration as low as 10 μM ICG. In the present study, a proof-of-principle protocol was designed to treat lung infections by PDI using extracorporeal illumination with a 780 nm laser device and ICG as photosensitizer. In a first row of experiments, hairless mice were infected with S. pneumoniae and PDI was performed two days after infection. For control groups, CFU recovery ranged between 103-104 CFU/mL/mouse. For PDT group, however, no bacteria were recovered in 80% of the animals. Animal survival was evaluated separately over 50 days. No deaths occurred in PDT group, whereas 60% of the control did not survive. Lung injury analyses were performed in BALB/c mice, the bacteria reduction were 2 and 4 log10 in 2 mice (5 in total) and the wet-to-dry ratio showed that PDI did not increase the edema in lungs. The bronchoalveolar lavage data indicated a larger absolute number of cells (mononuclear and polymorphonuclear) in the PDI group in contrast to control group, meaning that the technique could increase the immune system response. In vitro results showed the irradiated ICG could generate aggregates or photoproducts that help PDI to inactivate the bacteria. Our results indicate that extracorporeal PDI has potential for pneumonia treatment, and pulmonary decontamination with PDI may be used as a single therapy or as an antibiotics adjuvant. / A pneumonia infecciosa é uma das principais causas de morbidade/mortalidade no mundo, principalmente devido à taxa crescente de micro-organismos resistentes a antibióticos. A inativação fotodinâmica (IFD) está emergindo como uma abordagem promissora, cujos efeitos são baseados no estresse oxidativo, impedindo o surgimento de cepas de micro-organismos resistentes. Em estudos anteriores, a inativação in vitro de Streptococcus pneumoniae utilizando indocianina verde (ICV) e fonte de luz de infravermelho foi efetiva, inativando 5 log10 (UFC/mL) com apenas 10 μM ICV. Neste estudo, foi avaliado protocolo de prova de princípio para tratar infecções pulmonares por IFD usando irradiação extracorpórea com dispositivo a laser emitindo em 780 nm e ICV como fotossensibilizador (FS). Em uma primeira série de experimentos, camundongos hairless SKH-1 foram infectados com S. pneumoniae e a IFD foi realizada dois dias após a infecção. Para os grupos de controles, a recuperação de UFC variou entre 103-104 UFC/mL/animal. Para o grupo IFD, no entanto, nenhuma bactéria foi recuperada em 80% dos animais. A sobrevivência animal foi avaliada durante 50 dias. Não ocorreram mortes no grupo IFD, enquanto 60% do grupo controle foi a óbito. Foram realizadas análises de lesões pulmonares em camundongos BALB/c, onde a redução bacteriana foi de 2 e 4 log10 em dois animais (total 5) em comparação com o grupo controle, e a proporção de peso úmido e seco mostrou que a IFD não aumentou o edema nos pulmões. Os dados de lavagem broncoalveolar indicaram um aumento no número absoluto de células (mononucleares e polimorfonucleares) no grupo IFD, o que indica que a técnica pode aumentar a resposta do sistema imunológico. Os resultados in vitro mostraram que a ICV irradiada pode gerar agregados ou fotoprodutos que auxiliam a IFD a inativar a bactéria. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que a IFD com irradiação extracorpórea tem potencial para o tratamento de pneumonia, e a descontaminação pulmonar com IFD pode ser usada como terapia ou como adjuvante aos antibióticos. / CAPES: 99999.003154/2015-07

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:56:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 910904 bytes, checksum: c726c0e05bf38f910085210325321242 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-08-19 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Candida species are part of the commensal microbiota of the oral cavity of most healthy individuals. The emergence of new species of Candida and the selection of lines tolerant to conventional antifungal agents stimulates the development of new therapies for the treatment of infections caused by species of Candida. In this context stands the photodynamic therapy (PDT) which is capable of killing fungal cells by administration of a photosensitizing substance followed by the application of light in the visible wavelength. This study evaluated, in vitro, the efficacy of PDT in photoinactivation of Candida species (C. albicans, C. krusei, C. tropicalis and C. guilhermondii) using the photosensitizing agent methylene blue (150&#956;g/ml) and irradiation with a diode laser operating in the visible red (&#654;660nm, 40mW). Initially, the tested microorganisms were inoculated in test tubes containing liquid culture medium and incubated overnight at 37°C. Then cell s uspensions were obtained containing 106 cfu / ml. These suspensions were transferred to 96-holes plates and exposed to 03 doses of laser light (Group 1- 60J/cm2 (2,4J), Group 2- 120J/cm2 (4,8J), Group 3-180J/cm2 (7,2J)). Additional suspensions were treated with only the photosensitizer, with only the laser light or with 0.85% saline (control group). Each experimental condition was performed twice. After the treatments, 1&#956;l aliquots of the suspensions were plated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24-48h and after this period there was the counting of colonies (cfu / ml). The three doses evaluated determined significant inactivation of Candida spp. (P <0.05). The 180J/cm2 dose was the most effective, inactivating 78% of cfu/ml followed by doses of 120J/ cm2 and 60J/cm2 with inactivation average of 62% and 42% respectively. A statistically significant difference between the rates of inactivation of C. albicans, C.krusei, C. tropicalis and C. guilhermomdii at doses of 60 J/cm2 and 120 J/cm2 (p> 0.05) was not verified. However, at a dose of 180 J/cm2 C. albicans was the most susceptible species to the effects of PDT. We conclude that photodynamic therapy (PDT) has demonstrated effectiveness in the inactivation of Candida spp. / As espécies de Candida fazem parte da microbiota comensal da cavidade bucal da maioria dos indivíduos saudáveis.. A emergência de novas espécies de Candida e a seleção de linhagens tolerantes aos antifúngicos convencionais estimula o desenvolvimento de novas modalidades terapêuticas para o tratamento das infecções causadas por espécies de Candida.Nesse contexto destaca-se a terapia fotodinâmica (TFD) que é capaz de eliminar células fúngicas através da administração de uma substância fotosensibilizadora seguido da aplicação de luz em comprimento de onda visível e compatível. Este estudo avaliou, in vitro, a eficácia da TFD na fotoinativação de espécies do gênero Candida (C. albicans, C. krusei, C. tropicalis e C. guilhermondii) por meio do agente fotossensibilizador azul de metileno (150&#956;g/ml) e da irradiação com um Diodo Laser (660nm, 40mW)). Inicialmente os microrganismos avaliados foram inoculados em tubos de ensaio contendo meio de cultura líquido e incubados overnight a 37°C. Em seguida foram obtidas suspensões celulares contendo 106 ufc/ml, as quais foram transferidas para placas de 96 orifícios e expostas a 03 doses de luz Laser (Grupo1- 60J/cm2 (2,4J), Grupo2- 120J/cm2 (4,8J), Grupo 3-180J/cm2 (7,2J). Suspensões adicionais foram tratadas apenas com o fotossensibilizador, apenas com a luz Laser ou com solução salina 0,85% (grupos controle). Cada condição experimental foi realizada 2 vezes. Após a aplicação dos tratamentos, alíquotas de 1&#956;l das suspensões foram plaqueadas em Agar Sabouraud Dextrose. As placas foram incubadas a 37°C por 24-48h e após esse período foi realizada a contagem das colônias (ufc/ml). As três doses avaliadas determinaram inativação significativa de Candida spp. (p<0,05). A dose de 180J/cm2 foi a mais eficaz, inativando 78% das ufc seguida pelas doses de 120J/ cm2 e 60J/cm2 com inativação média de 62% e 42% respectivamente. Não foi verificada diferença estatística significativa entre as taxas de inativação de C.albicans, C.krusei, C. tropicalis e C. guilhermomdii nas doses de 60 J/cm2 e 120 J/cm2 (p> 0,05). No entanto, na dose de 180 J/cm2 C. albicans foi a espécie mais susceptível aos efeitos da TFD. Conclui-se que a terapia fotodinâmica (PDT) demonstrou efetividade na inativação de Candida spp.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito antibacteriano e a dissolução de biofilme promovido pela terapia fotodinâmica (PDT) associada com o hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl) 2,5% e a clorexidina (CHX) sobre biofilmes mono-espécie e multi-espécies. No modelo de biofilme mono-espécie, quarenta e seis prémolares inferiores foram contaminados com cepas de Enterococcus faecalis (ATCCC 29212) por 21 dias. Os espécimes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com a solução irrigadora utilizada: soro fisiológico, CHX 2% e NaOCl 2,5%. Após irrigação com 5 mL de cada irrigante, a PDT foi realizada. Amostras foram coletadas previamente aos protocolos de irrigação (S1), após irrigação (S2) e após PDT (S3). No modelo de biofilme multi-espécies, sessenta blocos de dentina bovina foram infectados intraoral e divididos em seis grupos: soro fisiológico, soro fisiológico/PDT, CHX, CHX/PDT, NaOCl e NaOCl/PDT. Microscopia confocal a laser foi usada para avaliar a porcentagem e o biovolume de células vivas e o volume total de biofilme. Todos os grupos reduziram as contagens de UFCs após os procedimentos de irrigação (S1-S2); porém a CHX e o NaOCl promoveram as menores contagens de UFCs (P < 0,05). A PDT diminuiu significativamente a contagem bacteriana no grupo do soro fisiológico (S2-S3; P < 0,05). No modelo de biofilme multi-espécies, a menor quantidade de células vivas foi observada nos grupos CHX, CHX/PDT, NaOCl e NaOCl/PDT, sem diferenças entre si (P > 0,05). A PDT não reduziu o volume total de biofilme (P > 0,05); porém parece diminuir o biovolume e a quantidade de células vivas após irrigação com CHX 2% e NaOCl 2,5%. A terapia fotodinâmica associada ao soro fisiológico reduziu a carga bacteriana em canais infectados com E. faecalis. A PDT parece reduzir a quantidade e o volume de células vivas, mas não o volume total de células em biofilme multiespécies induzido in situ. Finalmente, o tipo de irrigante foi decisivo para dissolver biofilme multi-espécies. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect and the biofilm dissolution promoted by photodynamic therapy (PDT) associated with 2.5% NaOCl and 2% CHX over monospecies and multispecies biofilms. In monospecies biofilm model, forty-six mandibular premolars were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis strains (ATCC 29212) broth culture for 21 days. Specimens were divided into three groups according to the irrigant used: saline, 2% of CHX and 2.5% of NaOCl. After irrigation with 5 mL of each irrigant, PDT was performed. Samples were collected at baseline (S1), after irrigation (S2) and after PDT (S3). In multispecies biofilm model, sixty bovine dentin blocs were infected intraorally, and divided into six groups: saline, saline/PDT, CHX, CHX/PDT, NaOCl and NaOCl/PDT. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to assess the percentage and the biovolume of live cells and the total biovolume. All groups reduced UFC’ counts after irrigation procedures (S1-S2); however CHX and NaOCl promoted the lowest UFCs counts (P < 0.05). PDT significantly reduced the bacterial counts in saline group (S2-S3; P < 0.05). In multispecies biofilm model, the lowest amount of live cells was observed in CHX, CHX/PDT, NaOCl and NaOCl/PDT groups, with no differences among them (P > 0.05). PDT did not reduce the total biovolume (P > 0.05); however it appears to decrease the biovolume and the amount of live cells after irrigation with 2% CHX and 2.5% NaOCl. PDT associated with saline reduced the bacterial load in canal infected with E. faecalis. PDT seems to reduce the amount and the biovolume of live cells, but did not reduce the total biovolume of cells in multispecies biofilm induced in situ. Finally, the irrigant was decisive to dissolve multispecies biofilm.