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Title: Methods of Study of Photosensitizer-photophysics with Application on Thiazolyl-porphyrins Author: Marek Scholz Department: Department of Chemical Physics and Optics Supervisor: RNDr. Roman Dědic, Ph.D. Supervisor's e-mail address: Roman.Dedic@mff.cuni.cz Abstract: Photodynamic therapy for oncologic and various chronic diseases is a rapidly emerging method of treatment. It is based on the production of highly reactive singlet oxygen and free radicals by excitation energy transfer from the molecules of photosensitizers. Photosensitizers are preferentially accumulated in the target tissues and locally illuminated. This way produced reactive species cause apoptosis or necrosis of the cells leading to the desired therapeutic effect. Synthesis and subsequent photophysical characterization of photosensitizing dyes is a fundamental part of the development of photodynamic methods. The main aim of the work is to explain the most widely used methods of photophysical study of photosensitizers and apply them to new synthesized photosensitizers: thiazolyl-porphyrins. Methods of absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, flash- photolysis, time- and spectral-resolved detection of luminescence, optoacoustic spectroscopy and other spectroscopic methods were used. Thiazolyl-porphyrins proved to be promising new...

Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department: Department of Biophysics and Physical Chemistry Candidate: Pavel Cermak Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Veronika Novakova, PhD. Title of Thesis: Preparation and photophysical evaluation of tetra-3,4- pyridoporphyrazines suitable for the photodynamic therapy Tetra-3,4-pyridoporphyrazines (TPyPz) are aza-analogues of phthalocyanines. Their large system of conjugated bonds enables them to absorb light in the red part of the absorption spectrum. Due to their ability to produce singlet oxygen, they can be potentially used as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Its mechanism is based on co-functioning of three elements - photosensitizer, light and oxygen. Photosensitizer excited by light absorption transfers its energy into tissue oxygen, thus, creating cytotoxic singlet oxygen. This method is beneficial for its high selectivity, low toxicity, minimal invasion and fast effect. The aim of this work was to synthetize and study water-soluble TPyPz suitable for PDT. Water solubility was achieved by quarternized amines, forming of salts or using suitable delivery systems (hydrophilic emulsion). Hydrophilicity was also increased by introduction of hydrophilic non-charged substituents (OH). At first, appropriate precursors for...

A enzima mieloperoxidase (MPO), presente em leucócitos da linhagem granulocítica e monocítica, tem papel fundamental na produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO). Existem fortes evidências que alguns produtos gerados a partir de reações catalisadas por mieloperoxidase (MPO) tenham papel na sinalização celular. Dentre estes produtos, chama atenção o oxigênio singlete (1O2). Em fagócitos, esta ERO poderia participar tanto do processo de morte de patógenos, quanto da sinalização de eventos da inflamação. O nosso grupo de pesquisa trabalha com a hipótese de que a localização da MPO, e consequentemente, os sítios de produção de 1O2 definem a função da enzima e do 1O2. O interesse particular no 1O2 deve-se também ao fato de que sua detecção não é trivial e relativamente pouco é conhecido sobre sua produção por sistemas biológicos se comparado a outras EROs. Neste estudo trabalhamos com a questão da localização de MPO em neutrófilos e monócitos humanos e com a detecção de 1O2 através da utilização de sondas específicas. Nos experimentos realizados avaliamos a produção de 1O2 pela utilização da sonda 9,10 difenilantraceno (DPA) e também empregando o éster 9,10-antracenil-3-bispropionato de etila (ABPE) como captador de 1O2. Apesar da proposta de uso do DPA revestindo partículas a serem fagocitadas ter sido feita anteriormente (Garcia F., mestrado concluído em 2006) houve dificuldades na utilização desta técnica que foram reconsideradas neste trabalho. Com esta sonda também obtivemos imagens em microscopia confocal, através da fluorescência do DPA e perda desta fluorescência após reação com 1O2. As análises dos resultados com a microscopia confocal em neutrófilos confirmam que 1O2 está sendo realmente formado no fagolissosomo, quando as células são ativadas por partículas opsonizadas. Em monócitos também houve a possibilidade de utilizar DPA como sonda para 1O2. Neste caso observamos um decréscimo mais lento da fluorescência quando comparado com neutrófilos e também um apagamento mais difuso da sonda. Acreditamos que as diferenças observadas, na formação de 1O2, para neutrófilos e mononucleares em microscopia confocal podem ser devido a diferentes formas de compartimentalização da enzima nestes dois tipos celulares. É possível que isto tenha uma função biológica específica, uma vez que, 1O2 parece ser um importante sinalizador no processo inflamatório. Dado o interesse na detecção de 1O2 em células do sistema imune, também utilizamos uma nova sonda, o éster 9,10-antracenil-3-bispropionato de etila (ABPE). A detecção neste caso é feita pelo monitoramento de um endoperóxido por HPLC. Os resultados obtidos com essa nova sonda demonstram-se mais satisfatórios quando comparados ao DPA, permitindo uma melhor detecção da produção de 1O2 por fagócitos. / The enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), present in leukocytes of granulocytic and monocytic lineage, plays a fundamental role in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is strong evidence that some products generated from reactions catalyzed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) have a role in cell signaling. Among these products, calls attention singlet oxygen (1O2). In phagocytes, ROS could participate in this process both the death of pathogens, the signaling events of inflammation. Our research group works on the assumption that the location of the MPO, and consequently, the production sites to define the role of 1O2 and 1O2 enzyme. The particular interest in the 1O2 is also due to the fact that its detection is not trivial and relatively little is known about its production by biological systems compared to other ROS. In this study we worked with the question of localization of MPO in human neutrophils and monocytes and the detection of 1O2 by using specific probes. In the experiments we evaluated the production of 1O2 by use of a probe 9.10 difenilantraceno (DPA) and also using the 9.10-ester antracenil bispropionato-3-acid ethyl esters (ABPE) 1O2 as a pickup. Although the proposed use of the DPA coating particles to be phagocytized have been made previously (F. Garcia, MA completed in 2006) hove difficulties in using this technique have been reconsidered in this work. With this probe also obtained images in confocal microscopy, by fluorescence of DPA and loss of fluorescence after reaction with 1O2. The analysis of results with confocal microscopy confirmed that in neutrophils 1O2 is actually being formed in fagolissosomo, when cells are activated by opsonized particles. Monocytes were also able to use DPA as a probe to 1O2. In this case we observe a slower decrease in fluorescence when compared with neutrophils and also a more diffuse effacement of the probe. We believe that the observed differences in the formation of 1O2 for neutrophils and mononuclear cells in confocal microscopy may be due to different forms of compartmentalization of the enzyme in these two cell types. It is possible that this has a specific biological function, since, 1O2 seems to be an important sign in the inflammatory process. Given the interest in the detection of 1O2 cells of the immune system, also used a new probe, the 9.10-ester antracenil bispropionato-3-acid ethyl esters (ABPE). The detection in this case is made by an endoperoxide monitoring by HPLC. The results obtained with this new probe show is more satisfactory when compared to the DPA, allowing better detection of 1O2 production by phagocytes.

Síntese, aspectos estruturais, propriedades fotoquímicas, fotofísicas e fotoindução para avaliação citotóxica in vitro de derivados de [Ru (Pc)] (PC = ftalocianina) são descritos neste trabalho. O desenvolvimento ftalocianinas utilizando anéis macrocíclicos, substituídos e não substituídos simetricamente, coordenados com o centro metálico de rutênio permitiu a obtenção de diferentes compostos. Coordenação de ligantes derivados de óxido nítrico (NO) na posição axial do rutênio (II) permitiu obter [Ru(NO)(Pc)(NO2)], um complexo liberador de NO quando submetido ao processo de redução. Os complexos foram caracterizados por FTIR, UV-Vis, 1H RMN e espectrometria de massas. As propriedades fotoquímicas de complexos como ftalocianinas de rutênio (II) têm sido investigadas por fotólise a laser em diferentes comprimentos de onda. Na irradiação de luz em 660 nm em solução aquosa aerada, observamos o fotoprocesso com a produção de oxigênio singleto. Pode-se observar a relação do rendimento quântico de oxigênio singleto e dos fotossensibilizadores utilizados para sua produção. O oxigênio singleto para [Ru (Pc-R)] segue a ordem [Ru(Pc)]> [Ru (Pc-DCBz)]> [Ru(Pc-DMX)] com DCBz = ácido 4-(3,4-dicianofenoxi) benzóico e DMX = 4,5-bis (2,5-dimetilfenoxi) ftalonitrilo. Estudos fotobiológicos são destacados com particular enfoque na irradiação de luz em 660 nm com interesse para aplicações de terapia fotodinâmica (TFD). Neste contexto, temos também a avaliação citotóxica em linhagens de células B16F10 do efeito sinérgico entre NO e oxigênio singleto quando comparado ao complexo [Ru(Pc)], um composto que é apenas produtor de oxigênio singleto. O NO parece potencializar a ação de oxigênio singleto uma vez que em ensaios de viabilidade celular, o complexo [Ru(NO)(Pc)(NO2)] é pelo menos 40% mais ativo que [Ru(Pc)], considerando 8,93 J / cm2 como uma potência. Considerando apenas a produção de oxigênio singleto encontramos a espécie [Ru(Pc-DCBz)] mais citotóxica nas linhagens B16F10 e MCF-7, sob irradiação em 660nm. Com base em todos os estudos, concluímos que citotoxicidade é dependente tanto da localização subcelular quanto do rendimento quântico de oxigênio singleto. A citotoxicidade pode ser reforçada pela produção de NO, seguido por irradiação de luz na janela terapêutica. / Synthesis, structural aspects, photochemistry, photophysical and in vitro photoinduced cytotoxic properties of [Ru(Pc)] (pc = phthalocyanine) derivatives are described in this work. Use of an unsubstituted or symmetrically substituted phthalocyanine ring coordinated to the central ruthenium allowed to obtain different compounds. Coordination of nitric oxide (NO) derivative ligands on axial position of ruthenium(II) ion permitted to obtain [Ru(NO)(Pc)(NO2)] a NO deliver agent under reduction process. The complexes were characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. The photochemical properties of (phthalocyanine)ruthenium(II) like complexes have been investigated by laser photolysis at different wavelengths. At 660 nm light irradiation in aerated aqueous solution we observed photoprocesses with singlet oxygen production. We have addressed the relationship of the singlet oxygen quantum yield and the photosensitizers used in its generation. The singlet oxygen for [Ru(Pc-R)] follows the order [Ru(Pc)] > [Ru(Pc-DCBz)] > [Ru(Pc-DMX)] with DCBz = 4-(3,4-dicianofenoxy)benzoic acid and DMX = 4,5-bis (2,5-dimethylfenoxy)ftalonitrile. Photobiological studies are highlighted with particular focus on light irradiation on 660 nm with interest for photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications. In this way we also have compared the synergism effect of NO and singlet oxygen production with [Ru(Pc)] as a compound producer of singlet oxygen only by means of cytotoxicity in B16F10 cell line. The NO seems to leverage the singlet oxygen action once [Ru(NO)(NO2)(Pc)] cell viability is at least 40 % more active than [Ru(Pc)] considering 8.93 J/cm2 as a potency. Considering only singlet oxygen production we found [Ru(Pc-DCBz)] more cytotoxic specie in B16F10 and MCF7 cell lines, under irradiation in 660 nm. Based on all studies, we have concluded that citotoxycity is dependent on subcellular localization as well singlet oxygen quantum yield. The cytotoxicity could be enhanced by NO production followed by light irradiation on the therapeutic window.

Síntese, aspectos estruturais, propriedades fotoquímicas, fotofísicas e fotoindução para avaliação citotóxica in vitro de derivados de [Ru (Pc)] (PC = ftalocianina) são descritos neste trabalho. O desenvolvimento ftalocianinas utilizando anéis macrocíclicos, substituídos e não substituídos simetricamente, coordenados com o centro metálico de rutênio permitiu a obtenção de diferentes compostos. Coordenação de ligantes derivados de óxido nítrico (NO) na posição axial do rutênio (II) permitiu obter [Ru(NO)(Pc)(NO2)], um complexo liberador de NO quando submetido ao processo de redução. Os complexos foram caracterizados por FTIR, UV-Vis, 1H RMN e espectrometria de massas. As propriedades fotoquímicas de complexos como ftalocianinas de rutênio (II) têm sido investigadas por fotólise a laser em diferentes comprimentos de onda. Na irradiação de luz em 660 nm em solução aquosa aerada, observamos o fotoprocesso com a produção de oxigênio singleto. Pode-se observar a relação do rendimento quântico de oxigênio singleto e dos fotossensibilizadores utilizados para sua produção. O oxigênio singleto para [Ru (Pc-R)] segue a ordem [Ru(Pc)]> [Ru (Pc-DCBz)]> [Ru(Pc-DMX)] com DCBz = ácido 4-(3,4-dicianofenoxi) benzóico e DMX = 4,5-bis (2,5-dimetilfenoxi) ftalonitrilo. Estudos fotobiológicos são destacados com particular enfoque na irradiação de luz em 660 nm com interesse para aplicações de terapia fotodinâmica (TFD). Neste contexto, temos também a avaliação citotóxica em linhagens de células B16F10 do efeito sinérgico entre NO e oxigênio singleto quando comparado ao complexo [Ru(Pc)], um composto que é apenas produtor de oxigênio singleto. O NO parece potencializar a ação de oxigênio singleto uma vez que em ensaios de viabilidade celular, o complexo [Ru(NO)(Pc)(NO2)] é pelo menos 40% mais ativo que [Ru(Pc)], considerando 8,93 J / cm2 como uma potência. Considerando apenas a produção de oxigênio singleto encontramos a espécie [Ru(Pc-DCBz)] mais citotóxica nas linhagens B16F10 e MCF-7, sob irradiação em 660nm. Com base em todos os estudos, concluímos que citotoxicidade é dependente tanto da localização subcelular quanto do rendimento quântico de oxigênio singleto. A citotoxicidade pode ser reforçada pela produção de NO, seguido por irradiação de luz na janela terapêutica. / Synthesis, structural aspects, photochemistry, photophysical and in vitro photoinduced cytotoxic properties of [Ru(Pc)] (pc = phthalocyanine) derivatives are described in this work. Use of an unsubstituted or symmetrically substituted phthalocyanine ring coordinated to the central ruthenium allowed to obtain different compounds. Coordination of nitric oxide (NO) derivative ligands on axial position of ruthenium(II) ion permitted to obtain [Ru(NO)(Pc)(NO2)] a NO deliver agent under reduction process. The complexes were characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. The photochemical properties of (phthalocyanine)ruthenium(II) like complexes have been investigated by laser photolysis at different wavelengths. At 660 nm light irradiation in aerated aqueous solution we observed photoprocesses with singlet oxygen production. We have addressed the relationship of the singlet oxygen quantum yield and the photosensitizers used in its generation. The singlet oxygen for [Ru(Pc-R)] follows the order [Ru(Pc)] > [Ru(Pc-DCBz)] > [Ru(Pc-DMX)] with DCBz = 4-(3,4-dicianofenoxy)benzoic acid and DMX = 4,5-bis (2,5-dimethylfenoxy)ftalonitrile. Photobiological studies are highlighted with particular focus on light irradiation on 660 nm with interest for photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications. In this way we also have compared the synergism effect of NO and singlet oxygen production with [Ru(Pc)] as a compound producer of singlet oxygen only by means of cytotoxicity in B16F10 cell line. The NO seems to leverage the singlet oxygen action once [Ru(NO)(NO2)(Pc)] cell viability is at least 40 % more active than [Ru(Pc)] considering 8.93 J/cm2 as a potency. Considering only singlet oxygen production we found [Ru(Pc-DCBz)] more cytotoxic specie in B16F10 and MCF7 cell lines, under irradiation in 660 nm. Based on all studies, we have concluded that citotoxycity is dependent on subcellular localization as well singlet oxygen quantum yield. The cytotoxicity could be enhanced by NO production followed by light irradiation on the therapeutic window.

Dietary fish oil supplementation has long been shown to have significant health benefits, largely stemming from the anti-inflammatory activity of the ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) present in fish oils. The anti-inflammatory properties of these fatty acids has been linked to beneficial health effects, such as protecting the heart, in individuals consuming diets rich in fish, or supplemented with fish oils. These effects are highly notable in the Māori people native to coastal regions of New Zealand; the significantly lower rates of heart problems compared to the inland populous has been attributed to the consumption of the green lipped mussel Perna Canaliculus. Commercially available health supplements based on the New Zealand green lipped mussel include a freeze-dried powder and a lipid extract (Lyprinol®), the latter of which has shown anti-inflammatory properties comparable to classical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Naproxen. GCMS analysis of Lyprinol by Murphy et al. showed the presence of a class of ω-4 and ω-6 PUFAs bearing a highly electron rich tri- or tetra-alkyl furan ring, which were designated furan fatty acids (F-acids). Due to their instability, isolation of F-acids from natural sources cannot be carried out and a general synthetic route toward this class of natural products was required. To accomplish this, the biosynthesis of F-acids was mimicked by utilising an oxidation of 1,3-dienes, followed by a dehydration/aromatisation to generate the heterocyclic furan ring. Singlet oxygen was chosen as the means of oxidising the conjugated dienes giving endoperoxides. To mimic the biological aromatisation of the peroxide intermediates the Appel reagent was chosen and, in a novel application of the reagent, was exploited as a mild, metal free method of dehydrating the cyclic peroxides to their corresponding furans. The biomimetic furan synthesis was applied toward a selection of 1,3-diene substrates bearing a range of pre-installed functionalities and substitution patterns including alkyl, aryl, alkenes, cyclopropyl rings, silyl ethers, and esters, alongside being applied to the total synthesis of the furan fatty acid F5. A brief exploration of the possibility of performing the aromatisation reaction under catalytic conditions was carried out, to determine whether endoperoxides could be converted to furans without needing a stoichiometric quantity of Appel reagent, by harnessing a catalytic quantity of triphenylphosphine oxide and regenerating the active P(V) species via reaction with oxalyl chloride. Furthermore, an optimisation study was carried out using a simple design of experiments procedure to ascertain the ideal conditions for carrying out the Appel-type dehydration of endoperoxides. Finally, the scope of the reaction sequence was expanded to be performed in a continuous flow reactor, with telescoping of the singlet oxygen diene oxidation and Appel-type aromatisation to increase oxidation yields and to omit the requirement for isolation of peroxide intermediates, and was applied to the synthesis of a selection of 2,5-diaryl furan motifs.

This theses focuses on preparation and characterisation and comparison of two types of polymer nanoparticles using photophysical methods. The first type was polystyrene nanoparticles prepared by modified nanoprecipitation method from polymeric sulfonated nanofiber membranes with diffrent content of sulfonated groups. The second type was polymer nanoparticles with diferent lenght of hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydrophilic poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG) blocks. Both types of nanoparticles conteined encapsulated photosensitizer 5,10,15,20-meso-tetraphenylporphyrin with a high quantum singlet oxygen yield. In the prepared nanoparticles with a photosensitizer, the kinetics of singlet oxygen generation was studied using time resolved spectroscopy. The relative efficiency of photooxidation was studied using external akceptor of singlet oxygen. The effect of temperature, size and matrix (type of polymer) of nanoparticles on photooxidation efficiency was also studied. In the next part of this these was studied the influence of time on the size and stability of nanoparticles and also the effect of solution pH and ionic strength on prepared nanoparticles.

This PhD project has explored the use of novel nitroxide annulated porphyrinic macrocycles as photosensitisers (PSs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The PSs have been synthesised, structurally, photophysically and photochemically characterised and investigated biologically through cell assays to determine their potential as photoactivated anticancer drugs. Tetra-nitroxide annulated phthalocyanines (Pcs) were initially investigated. Each of these compounds exhibit four annulated nitroxide-containing rings in a rigid, planar arrangement with fixed distance and geometry with respect to the macrocycle core, which is a novel structural motif in Pc chemistry. The presence of the nitroxides purportedly has two effects: to quench fluorescence and to increase photochemical singlet oxygen production by the compound. While nitroxides, as paramagnetic compounds, are non-fluorescent, their reduction to diamagnetic hydroxylamines results in an increased fluorescence yield. In this way, the nitroxide Pcs can potentially be used as probes for metabolic activity in biological systems, where the primary fate of the nitroxide moiety is reduction. Here, the fluorescence properties of the nitroxide-annulated Pcs were investigated through reduction of the nitroxide moieties by biologically significant reductants and calculation of fluorescence quantum yields. The singlet oxygen quantum yields of the Pcs were determined by two methods, the chemical trapping of singlet oxygen and the direct observation of singlet oxygen luminescence. While the quantum yields of the Pcs were promising when compared to clinically relevant PSs, the tetra-nitroxide Pcs did not exhibit increased quantum yields with respect to their nitroxide-free analogues. Additionally, there was minimal photodynamic action in cell assays. Subsequent fluorescence microscopy confirmed that this was most probably due to the fact that the Pcs were not localising within the cells. To improve the photodynamic action of the Pcs, two polymer-based delivery strategies were employed to enhance their delivery in biological environments. Firstly, the nitroxide Pcs were coupled to linear polymers to create polymer Pc hybrids. The second method involved the encapsulation of the nitroxide Pcs within polymer-based micelles. The synthesis of the polymer Pc hybrids was via a fast and efficient Atom Transfer Nitroxide Radical Coupling (ATNRC) reaction. The hybrids were synthesised as Mg, Zn or free-base (2H) Pc complexes, with either hydrophobic or hydrophilic polymer arms. The hybrids displayed high fluorescence quantum yields and reasonable singlet oxygen quantum yields. Again, these attributes this did not extend to any cell growth inhibition, even for the hydrophilic derivatives. Micellisation of the Pcs with a poly(styrene)-poly(acrylic acid) (PSty-PAA) star diblock copolymer afforded micelles with a range of concentrations of Pcs encapsulated within the glassy PSty core. Fluorescence studies showed that the micelles protected the nitroxide moieties from reduction by ascorbate, a result that could find application in EPR imaging and oximetry. During singlet oxygen experiments, the micelles were found to perform as nanoreactors, supramolecular assemblies which provide a reaction volume for other reagents. Pcs in the micelle cores effectively generated singlet oxygen and while this failed to escape the micelles, it was very effective in the oxidation of a hydrophobic model compound. Although there are potential applications for the micelle systems in waste-water remediation, these systems were ineffective in the PDT assays. With the difficulties associated with the biological delivery of the nitroxide Pcs in mind, hydrophilic mono-nitroxide annulated porphyrazine (Pz) macrocycles were designed and synthesised. Pzs exhibit many of the favourable optical properties of the Pcs. Synthesis of these compounds proceeded via Linstead macrocyclisation to give the target MgPz with A3B type substitution. A nitroxide-free A4 Pz was also isolated as a side-product. Transmetallation and/or hydrolysis gave access to Mg and Zn A3B and A4 carboxylate Pzs. These compounds were structurally characterised and their fluorescence characteristics investigated. The 1O2 quantum yields of the Pzs were also studied. Significantly, nitroxide annulation was found to enhance 1O2 generation of the Pzs relative to nitroxide-free analogues. The Zn carboxylate Pzs were shown to effectively inhibit the growth of tumour cell lines in PDT assay and the MgA4 carboxylate displayed strong 2-photon fluorescence within the cytoplasm of NFF cells. Experiments on freshly excised skin showed the carboxylate Pzs to be highly effective 2-photon PSs for PDT. In conclusion, we have identified several carboxylate Pzs which should be tested further in in vivo PDT experiments.