Selective photo-ablation of glioma cells using an enzyme activatable photosensitizer

Abstract

An activatable photosensitizer based on methylene blue was developed and validated for its efficacy in the selective killing of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase expressing cells. The ¹O₂ deactivation via bond breakage, rapid in situ enzymatic photosensitivity conversion, long lysosomal retention, and nucleus relocation collectively contribute to its strong and selective photodynamic effects.