A BODIPY-modified polymeric micelle for sustaining enhanced photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been gaining popularity in both scientific research and clinic applications due to its non-invasiveness and spatiotemporal targeting properties. Nevertheless, the local hypoxic microenvironment in tumor tissue impedes PDT universality. To overcome this drawback, a 2-pyridone-bearing BODIPY photosensitizer was synthesized rationally and introduced to polyethyleneglycol-b-poly(aspartic acid) to form a photosensitizer-O-1(2) generation, storage/release agent dual-loading system (PEG-b-PAsp-BODIPY). The investigation of the PDT effect at different illumination conditions in vitro and in vivo revealed that the system tremendously inhibited tumor proliferation, indicating that this new PEG-b-PAsp-BODIPY could act as a potentially effective photo therapeutic system for cancer therapeutics. (C) 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising non-invasive and targeted treatment approach. However, the hypoxic microenvironment in tumor tissue limits its effectiveness. In this study, a novel photosensitizer-loaded polymer system was developed, which significantly inhibited tumor proliferation, demonstrating its potential as an effective photo therapeutic system for cancer treatment.