Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yifan Liu, Han Zhao, Li Li, Baoyin Yang, Yongli Yue, Meng Li, Xiaowei Shi, Bo Zhang, Lei Wang, Chaochao Qi, Yibing Liu, Shuguang Ren, Kai Zhang, Juyoung Yoon
Summary: Researchers have proposed a tyrosinase-activated platinum complex for melanoma photodynamic therapy and fluorescence imaging. The complex showed high phototoxicity and induced apoptosis in melanoma cells in both in-vivo and in-vitro experiments. The study suggests that combining imaging and treatment within a single fluorophore may be useful in cancer theranostics.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Gonzalo Duran-Sampedro, Evelyn Y. Xue, Marta Moreno-Simoni, Celia Paramio, Tomas Torres, Dennis K. P. Ng, Gema de la Torre
Summary: Pt(II)-BODIPY complexes combine the chemotherapeutic activity of Pt(II) with the photocytotoxicity of BODIPYs. Additional conjugation with targeting ligands can boost the uptake by cancer cells that overexpress the corresponding receptors. Both Pt(II) triangles, 1 and 2, built with pyridyl BODIPYs functionalized with glucose or triethylene glycol methyl ether, showed higher singlet oxygen quantum yields and cellular uptake compared to non-functionalized BODIPYs.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolina Diaz-Norambuena, Edurne Avellanal-Zaballa, Alejandro Prieto-Castaneda, Jorge Banuelos, Santiago de la Moya, Antonia R. Agarrabeitia, Maria J. Ortiz
Summary: Heavy-atom-free photosensitizers, such as BODIPY-based orthogonal dimers with proper formyl functionalization, have the potential to visualize and kill tumor cells through fluorescence signaling and photodynamic therapy. The photophysical properties of formyl-functionalized BODIPY dimers were analyzed, indicating that their dual performance of fluorescence and singlet oxygen generation can be modulated by the formyl functionalization at specific positions. Regioselective formylation was proposed as an effective tool to balance fluorescence, singlet oxygen generation, and intramolecular charge transfer for photo-theragnosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikita Suvorov, Viktor Pogorilyy, Ekaterina Diachkova, Yuri Vasil'ev, Andrey Mironov, Mikhail Grin
Summary: The rapid growth of drug-resistant bacteria has led to a major research challenge in finding alternative treatments, such as photodynamic therapy using photosensitizers and visible light at a certain wavelength to treat bacteria. Chlorophyll derivatives play a special role in this antimicrobial PDT.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xue Wei, Wei-Bo Cui, Feng-Yi Sun, Hui Li, Jing-Fu Guo, Xue-Li Hao, Ai-Min Ren
Summary: In this paper, density functional theory (DFT) and timedependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations were used to study the properties of Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes. The designed Pd(II) complex showed a large two-photon absorption cross section and long triplet excited state lifetime, making it a potential candidate for an effective two-photon absorption photosensitizer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Viktor Pogorilyy, Anna Plyutinskaya, Nikita Suvorov, Ekaterina Diachkova, Yuriy Vasil'ev, Andrei Pankratov, Andrey Mironov, Mikhail Grin
Summary: The study presented the first selenium-containing chlorin with improved spectral properties and stability compared to the starting purpurin-18. The derivatives showed high fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields. The sulfur and selenium-anhydrides of chlorin p(6) exhibited higher photoinduced cytotoxicity and dark cytotoxicity compared to purpurin-18 and purpurinimide, possibly due to interaction with endogenous intracellular compounds.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jose H. Correia, Jose A. Rodrigues, Sara Pimenta, Tao Dong, Zhaochu Yang
Summary: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive therapeutic modality that selectively targets tumor cells by using photosensitizers and specific light wavelengths. New research on enhanced tumor selectivity of photosensitizers and improved effectiveness of PDT is being conducted, along with exploring new applications of PDT.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samira Savani, Kubra Onbasli, Hande Gunduz, Eda Aydindogan, Merve Erkisa, Abdullah Muti, Minahil Khan, Alphan Sennaroglu, Engin Ulukaya, Havva Yagci Acar, Safacan Kolemen
Summary: This article introduces a cysteine-activatable chlorinated hemicyanine as a tumor-selective image-guided dual phototherapy agent. The agent shows a significant response in near-infrared emission signal and activates singlet oxygen generation and photothermal conversion potential when reacting with cysteine. It induces significant cell death in cancer cells with high cysteine level under laser irradiation, while staying deactivated and non-emissive in healthy cells. Remarkably, this is the first example of a cysteine-responsive small organic therapeutic agent, holding promise for the development of new dual phototherapy photosensitizers.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Anna S. Sogomonyan, Sergey M. Deyev, Victoria O. Shipunova
Summary: Oncotheranostic nanoagents based on PLGA nanoparticles have been developed for HER2-targeted diagnostic and photodynamic therapy. These nanoparticles can be activated by red/green light, allowing for effective imaging and treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Rodrigo C. Silva, Hilde H. Buzza, Eli S. A. Ducas, Kleber T. Oliveira, Vanderlei S. Bagnato, Guilherme R. L. Souza, Luciane M. Almeida, Pablo J. Goncalves
Summary: A supramolecular assembly of methylene blue and curcumin was synthesized and evaluated for its potential in photodynamic antiangiogenic therapy. The results demonstrated that the MB-Curc assembly exhibited a synergistic vascular effect, causing significant damage to the vascular network after irradiation.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Agata Blacha-Grzechnik
Summary: Research has shown that conjugated polymers can serve as an effective light-activated source of singlet oxygen due to their high absorption and efficient energy transfer properties. These polymers with extended pi-conjugated bonds have novel possibilities to explore.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Paromita Sarbadhikary, Blassan P. George, Heidi Abrahamse
Summary: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising alternative in cancer diagnosis and treatment, utilizing light-induced activation of photosensitizers to kill cancer cells. PDT offers advantages such as minimal invasiveness and spatio-temporal control, with proper planning of parameters being crucial for efficacy. The design of PS formulations for imaging-guided PDT has shown promising potential, with recent advances in activatable phototheranostic agents enhancing the specificity of treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ling Di, Zhengqiang Xia, Honghao Wang, Yang Xing, Zhanxu Yang
Summary: Switchable and adjustable AIE activity of Pt(II) complexes in aqueous media has been achieved by finely tuning the rotation activity of substituents, leading to improved performance and faster response in oxygen sensing films constructed with low-cost ethyl cellulose.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jincong Yan, Tian Gao, Zhongzhong Lu, Jingbo Yin, Ye Zhang, Renjun Pei
Summary: Aptamers, short oligonucleotide sequences with selective binding abilities, have shown promise in improving controlled and accurate delivery of photosensitizers into tumor sites for enhanced photodynamic therapy. Modification of aptamers onto PSs or nanocarriers enables specific recognition and binding to tumor cells, resulting in superior therapeutic efficiency. The development of aptamer-targeted platforms for tumor therapy holds potential for synergistic treatment modalities like PDT, photothermal therapy, and chemotherapy.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ingvild U. Hageberg, Katrianne Arja, Benedikte E. Vindstad, Johannes K. Bergvoll, Odrun A. Gederaas, Thor-Bernt Melo, K. Peter R. Nilsson, Mikael Lindgren
Summary: We studied a new synthetic method, photophysical properties, and photosensitizing effects of glycosylated 4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine] fused chlorin agents. The glycochlorins showed superior biological activity compared to the unglycosylated chlorin, with the proto form being more effective than the Zn-stabilized variant. Cell studies indicated that the photosensitizer localized in the mitochondria, cell membrane, and lysosomes, with dominance in the lysosomes.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Hajer Saadi, Zohra Benzarti, Pedro Sanguino, Joao Pina, Najmeddine Abdelmoula, Joao Sergio Seixas de Melo
Summary: The undoped and Co-doped ZnO nanopowders were synthesized effectively using the chemical co-precipitation process. Various experimental techniques were used to characterize the crystal structure, morphology, vibrational, optical, and dielectric properties of the prepared samples. The study focused on the impact of cobalt doping on the different characteristics of ZnO nanopowders. The results showed that cobalt doping affected the structural, optical, and morphological properties, as well as the dielectric constant and electrical conductivity of the ZnO nanopowders.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriel Gonzalez, Miroslav Kvasnica, Katarina Svrckova, Sarka Stepankova, Joana R. C. Santos, Miroslav Perina, Radek Jorda, Susana M. M. Lopes, Teresa M. V. D. Pinho E. Melo
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is an intellectual disorder characterized by brain damage and atrophy, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. Cholinesterase inhibitors have been widely studied for their potential in treating the disease. This study evaluated the effectiveness of 16 chiral steroids as cholinesterase inhibitors and neuroprotective agents. Some of the tested compounds showed inhibitory effects on cholinesterase, with one compound demonstrating selectivity for butyrylcholinesterase. Another compound displayed high neuroprotective effects and improved cell morphology. These findings provide valuable insights into the structure-activity relationship of these compounds.
JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Santo, Rosemeyre A. Cordeiro, Patricia V. Mendonca, Armenio C. Serra, Jorge F. J. Coelho, Henrique Faneca
Summary: Cationic glycopolymers have shown great potential as gene delivery systems due to their biocompatibility and binding affinity to specific receptors. However, their synthesis process is complicated, and they have solubility issues. In this study, a mini-library of well-defined poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride-co-poly(2-lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate) (PAMA-co-PLAMA) glycopolymers was synthesized using ARGET ATRP. The generated glycoplexes demonstrated high specificity and efficiency in gene delivery, and when combined with small amounts of docetaxel, they showed potent antitumor activity in HCC models.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Daniela Santo, Patricia V. Mendonca, Armenio C. Serra, Jorge F. J. Coelho, Henrique Faneca
Summary: This study developed a lactobionic acid-based gene delivery nanosystem to downregulate c-MYC expression and sensitize tumor cells to sorafenib. The nanocarriers prepared with PAMA114-co-PLAMA20 glycopolymer showed the most efficient gene delivery. Silencing c-MYC increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib, demonstrating the potential of PAMA114-co-PLAMA20/MYC shRNA nanosystems combined with low doses of sorafenib for HCC treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Neuza Domingues, Andre R. A. Marques, Rita Diogo Almeida Calado, Ines S. Ferreira, Cristiano Ramos, Jose Ramalho, Maria I. L. Soares, Telmo Pereira, Luis Oliveira, Jose R. Vicente, Louise H. H. Wong, Ines C. M. Simoes, Teresa M. V. D. Pinho e Melo, Andrew Peden, Claudia Guimas Almeida, Clare E. Futter, Rosa Puertollano, Winchil L. C. Vaz, Otilia V. Vieira
Summary: This article reports that cholesteryl hemiazelate (ChA) is involved in the dysfunction of lysosomes and the exocytosis of these organelles, which may be important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. ChA leads to the enlargement of peripheral lysosomes in macrophages and the accumulation of undigested ChA and neutral lipids. This dysfunctional phenotype is mechanistically linked to the nuclear translocation of the MiT/TFE family of transcription factors.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joana Henriques, Joao Pina, Mara E. M. Braga, Ana M. A. Dias, Patricia Coimbra, Herminio C. de Sousa
Summary: This study proposes the development of a new nanosystem for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with an oxygen-rich environment. The nanosystem, CUR-IL@ncSi, consists of silica nanocapsules containing curcumin dissolved in hydrophobic ionic liquids (ILs) with high oxygen dissolving capacities. CUR-IL@ncSi demonstrated the ability to generate singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) and exhibit antimicrobial effects through photodynamic inactivation. These results suggest the potential use of CUR-IL@ncSi in developing biomedical products with enhanced oxygenation and aPDT capacities.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Siri Paulo, Ana Margarida Abrantes, Mariana Xavier, Ana Filipa Brito, Ricardo Teixo, Ana Sofia Coelho, Anabela Paula, Eunice Carrilho, Maria Filomena Botelho, Carlos Miguel Marto, Manuel Marques Ferreira
Summary: This study aimed to compare the sealing ability of different temporary restorative materials used during endodontic treatment. The results showed that Filtek Supreme (TM) had the lowest infiltration values, while Ketac (TM) Silver had the lowest infiltration at 2 and 4 weeks.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ana Salome Pires, Sveva Bollini, Maria Filomena Botelho, Ingrid Lang-Olip, Peter Ponsaerts, Carolina Balbi, Anna Lange-Consiglio, Mathilde Fenelon, Slavko Mojsilovic, Ekaterine Berishvili, Fausto Cremonesi, Maria Gazouli, Diana Bugarski, Alexandra Gellhaus, Halima Kerdjoudj, Andreina Schoeberlein
Summary: Over the past 18 years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic use of perinatal derivatives (PnD). The COST SPRINT Action (CA17116) aims to provide systematic reviews of preclinical studies to understand the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of PnD in diseases and injuries. They describe strategies used to collect and analyze published data for meta-analyses and reviews of PnD therapies, with the goal of establishing standards for assessing safety and clinical benefit.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Marta Nunes Ferreira, Marta Neves Dos Santos, Ines Fernandes, Carlos Miguel Marto, Mafalda Laranjo, Diana Silva, Ana Paula Serro, Eunice Carrilho, Maria Filomena Botelho, Ana Mano Azul, Antonio H. S. Delgado
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding different functional monomers to self-adhesive composites on polymerization kinetics, cell metabolic activity, and sealing ability. The results showed that the choice of functional monomers had a significant impact on polymerization kinetics and cytotoxic potential, but did not improve microleakage and sealing ability. Therefore, claiming self-adhesiveness based solely on functional monomers is questionable.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beatriz Santos Lapa, Maria Ines Costa, Diana Figueiredo, Joana Jorge, Raquel Alves, Ana Raquel Monteiro, Beatriz Serambeque, Mafalda Laranjo, Maria Filomena Botelho, Isabel Marques Carreira, Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro, Ana Cristina Goncalves
Summary: The non-homologous end joining pathway, with DNA-PK playing a critical role, is important for repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). This study indicates that AZD-7648 holds promise as a potential therapy for myeloid leukemias, although there are variations in drug sensitivity among different cell lines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Manuel Marques-Ferreira, Ana Margarida Abrantes, Anabela Paula, Mafalda Laranjo, Ana Salome Pires, Francisco Caramelo, Juan Jose Segura-Egea, Ana Brito, Lina Carvalho, Maria Filomena Botelho, Eunice Carrilho, Carlos Miguel Marto, Siri Paulo
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate whether bisphosphonate therapy is a risk factor for the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in the presence of periapical lesions. The results showed that in the presence of bisphosphonate therapy, periapical lesions did not increase the risk of MRONJ development, and there was lower bone resorption compared to the control group.
Correction
Polymer Science
Andreia S. R. Oliveira, Patricia Pereira, Patricia V. Mendonca, Ana C. Fonseca, Sergio Simoes, Armenio C. Serra, Jorge F. J. Coelho
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carla Gomes, Mariana Costa, Susana M. M. Lopes, Bernardo Albuquerque Nogueira, Rui Fausto, Jose A. Paixao, Teresa M. V. D. e Melo, Luisa M. D. R. S. Martins, Marta Pineiro
Summary: The development of sustainable processes requires the integration of green chemistry principles. In this study, a solvent-free synthesis method was developed to prepare new copper catalysts, which efficiently catalyze cycloaddition reactions under solvent-free mechanochemical conditions. Through this process, the principles of atom economy, reduction of solvents and auxiliaries, design for energy efficiency, and reduction of derivatives and catalysis are combined.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Margarida G. Santos, Juliana Araujo, Chrislaura Carmo, Leonardo Santos, Maria Filomena Botelho, Mafalda Laranjo, Abilio J. F. N. Sobral
Summary: This study aimed to find BODIPYs with characteristics compatible with human cell lines for use as imaging agents. Six BODIPY derivatives with different physicochemical characteristics were synthesized and characterized. The biocompatibility of these compounds was evaluated using various assays. The results showed that BODIPYs 3 and 6 demonstrated good uptake and low hemolytic activity.
