Nanoengeneering cyclodextrin and photosensitisers for targeted PDT and imaging

Cyclodextrins (CDs) offers, either as molecule or in self-assembled form, functional constructs to bind PS guests by non-covalent interactions. In the recent past, we reported the design of different supramolecular assemblies of amphiphilic CDs with high efficacy for application in PDT and aPDT [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 nanoparticles (NPs) based on self assembly of CD building block complexing different PSs of undoubted interest for PDT such as Zn(II)-phthalocyanine, Bodipy and Pheophorbide A [2-3]. The choice of CD molecule and eventually the targeting group on it, can determine the amount of entrapped PS within of NPs, modulating the in vitro PDT activity, thus allowing spatial-temporal control of PS release in upcoming in vivo applications.