Enhancement of phototoxicity against human pancreatic cancer cells with photosensitizer-encapsulated amphiphilic sodium alginate derivative nanoparticles

Photosensitizer-encapsulated amphiphilic sodium alginate derivative (Photosan-CSAD) nanoparticles were prepared because of their ability to enhance phototoxicity in the photodynamic therapy of pancreatic cancer. These nanoparticles are spherical, 150-250 nm in size as determined by transmission electron microscopy, and have negative zeta potentials. Upon incubation with human pancreatic cancer cells, the Photosan-CSAD nanoparticles showed high fluorescence activity and reactive oxygen species generation, resulting in strong phototoxicity. However, no dark toxicity was observed. Apoptosis played a leading role in the cell death process induced by the Photosan phototoxicity. These results demonstrate that the Photosan-CSAD nanoparticles are a candidate for the photodynamic therapy of pancreatic cancer. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.