Functionalization of Photosensitized Silica Nanoparticles for Advanced Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer

BODIPY dyes have recently attracted attention as potential photosensitizers. In this work, commercial and novel photosensitizers (PSs) based on chromophores (haloBODIPYs orthogonal dimers strategically designed with intense bands in the blue, green or red region of visible spectra high singlet oxygen production) were covalently linked to mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) further functionalized PEG folic acid (FA). MSNs approximately 50 nm size different functional groups synthesized allow multiple alternatives PS-PEG-FA decoration their external surface. Different combinations varying type PS (commercial Rose Bengal, Thionine Chlorine e6 custom-made BODIPY-based), linkage design, length are detailed. All nanosystems physicochemically characterized (morphology, diameter, distribution loaded amount) photophysically studied (absorption capacity, fluorescence efficiency, suspension. For most promising nanoplatforms, biocompatibility dark conditions phototoxicity under suitable irradiation wavelengths (blue, green, red) at regulated light doses (10–15 J/cm2) compared PSs free solution HeLa cells vitro.