Molecular photosensitisers for two-photon photodynamic therapy. Issue 96 (8th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bolze, F.; Jenni, S.; Sour, A.; Heitz, V.
• Is Part Of: Chemical communications. Volume 53:Issue 96(2017)
• Page Start: 12857
• Page End: 12877
• Publication Date: 2017-11-08
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1039/c7cc06133a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-7345

Abstract

Abstract : With the recent development of clinical two-photon microscopes or endoscopes, new photosensitisers for two-photon photodynamic therapy are the subject of increasing interest. Herein, we review the advances within the ten last years of molecular two-photon photosensitisers. Abstract : Two-photon excitation has attracted the attention of biologists, especially after the development of two-photon excited microscopy in the nineties. Since then, new applications have rapidly emerged such as the release of biologically active molecules and photodynamic therapy (PDT) using two-photon excitation. PDT, which requires a light-activated drug (photosensitiser), is a clinically approved and minimally invasive treatment for cancer and for non-malignant diseases. This feature article focuses on the engineering of molecular two-photon photosensitisers for PDT, which should bring important benefits to the treatment, increase the treatment penetration depth with near-infrared light excitation, improve the spatial selectivity and reduce the photodamage to healthy tissues. After an overview of the two-photon absorption phenomenon and the methods to evaluate two-photon induced phototoxicity on cell cultures, the different classes of photosensitisers described in the literature are discussed. The two-photon PDT performed with historical one-photon sensitisers are briefly presented, followed by specifically engineered cyclic tetrapyrrole photosensitisers, purely organic photosensitisers and transition metal complexes. Finally, targeted two-photon photosensitisers and theranostic agents that should enhance the selectivity and efficiency of the treatment are discussed.