Abstract
The development of third-generation photosensitizers for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one of the most promising directions in current cancer therapy. Nanoparticles based on the block copolymer maltoheptaose-b-poly (methyl methacrylate) (MH-b-PMMA) containing the photosensitizer chlorine-aluminum phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) were developed for application in PDT. The MH-b-PMMA@ClAlPc nanoparticles showed a hydrodynamic radius of 41 nm, low polydispersity index, negative zeta potential, high encapsulation efficiency, and optimal stability. Furthermore, MH-b-PMMA@ClAlPc nanoparticles were able to generate cytotoxic singlet oxygen (1O2), showing singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) values close to free ClAlPc. The drug release profile from MH-b-PMMA@ClAlPc was described by a biphasic model, consisting of fast release at early time, followed by a sustained release profile. The nanoparticles were mainly located in the intestinal surrounding cells and did not induce lethality to Caenorhabditis elegans at low concentrations. Our findings highlight that glyconanoparticles have potential to be employed as novel nanocarriers for hydrophobic photosensitizers in PDT.
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