Mesoporous silica nanoparticles boost aggressive cancer response to hydrophilic chlorin e6-mediated photodynamic therapy

Abstract Background Chlorin e6 trisodium salt (Ce6) is a newly developed hydrophilic photosensitizer designed to mediate anticancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). The response of different cancer types and strategies boost efficiency Ce6-PDT are poorly studied. Objectives This study aimed investigate the Ce6-PDT, identify unresponsive ones, develop nanosystem for enhancement. Methods Sk-Br-3, MCF-7, U87, HF-5 cells were tested in 2D cell cultures. Ce6 uptake, PDT-mediated phototoxicity, ROS production, caspase 3/7 levels, death mode examined. Furthermore, U87 spheroids treated with Ce6-PDT. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) synthesized loaded Ce6. Cellular uptake phototoxicity MSN-Ce6 compared free vitro vivo. Results was detectable cytoplasm within 15 min. showed highest cellular uptake. Upon most responsive ones an 11-fold increase production. Here, 5 µM 4 J/cm 2 enough reach IC50. induced both necrotic caspase-dependent apoptotic 75% reduction volume. Also, MCF-7 responded well treatment. Sk-Br-3 breast cells, on other hand, least 80% viability after treatment (5 Ce6, 8 ). However, conjugates increased sevenfold decreasing IC50 irradiation dose by order magnitude. In very aggressive rat model , MSN-Ce6-PDT led suppression tumor volume 50% elevation Bax 3 90% control while corresponding values 30% 70%, respectively. Conclusion chlorin even more its MSN conjugate show high activities PDT.