New generation of porphyrinoids for mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. There were nearly 9.6 million deaths due to cancer, accounting for 44% of all deaths [1]. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which is FDA approved used to treat esophageal, lung and skin cancer, has its limitations toward other cancer types due to the inability of light to penetrate deep inside tissues and the possibility of damaging healthy tissues [2]. Therefore, a new generation of photosensitizers is under development with the aim of improving the effectiveness of PDT. Specifically, research is focused on the development of new photosensitizers that are (i) more active, (ii) more specifically targeted to sub-cellular organelles, and (iii) activated by light deep inside tissues or large tumors [3]. In our project, we will design and develop new porphyrinoids-based photosensitizers targeting mitochondria and inducing apoptotic cell death upon either one- or two-photon excitation triggering the PDT action. The project also involves the synthesis of metallated porphyrinoids for diagnostic applications.