Nanophotosensitisers based on cyclodextrin for bio-imaging and PDT

Cyclodextrins (CDs), either as molecule or in self-assembled form, can complex PS guests by non-covalent interactions. In the recent past, we reported different supramolecular assemblies based on amphiphilic CDs (aCD) with high efficacy for application in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) and bio-imaging [1]. Actually, the design of novel nanophototherapeutics for PDT generally complies with efficient uptake of PS within tissues, cell membranes and/or intracellular components with production and diffusion of singlet oxygen in the neighboring areas to the sites of action. Here we report a brief overview on the most recent outcomes on aCD nanossemblies entrapping different PSs with high photodynamic activity or bio-imaging properties such as Zn(II)-phthalocyanine, Pheophorbide A and Bodipy (see Figure 1) [2-3]. The choice of CD carrier and its modification with receptor targeting group can modulate the amount of entrapped PS within of nanoassemblies, its aggregation state and hence the in vitro activity, thus allowing spatial-temporal control of PS release in targeted cells.