Pdots nanoparticles load photosensitizers and enhance efficiently their photodynamic effect by FRET

Abstract

A new type of nanoparticles, Pdots, and a new methodology of photosensitization are developed to achieve a more efficient photodynamic effect in aqueous solutions and in cells. Pdots are nano-sized particles, composed of conjugated chromophoric polymers coated with PEGylated phospholipids. They exhibit good aqueous colloidal properties, a broad absorption band and a strong and narrow emission band. We show that these characteristics improve biological photosensitization, which is employed in the photodynamic therapy of cancer. Amphiphilic photosensitizers such as Rose Bengal partition, non-covalently but with a high affinity, into the amphiphilic coating of the Pdots, without necessitating covalent attachment. At this close contact, very efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) occurs between the Pdot donor and the sensitizer acceptor. The Pdots serve as broad-band collectors of light, which is funneled, via energy transfer, to the photosensitizer. Therefore, energy transfer from them can additively assist in the activity of the acceptors of energy. The energy transfer mechanism, strong uptake of the Pdot-sensitizer dyads by MCF-7 adenocarcinoma cells and their enhanced photosensitized killing are demonstrated.