Design And Synthesis Of Zinc Protoporphyrin Ix-Adamantane/Cyclodextrin/Cellulose Nanocrystals Complexes For Anticancer Photodynamic Therapy

Two protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) adamantane derivatives were synthesized and then metallated with zinc. The ZnPpIX derivatives, exhibiting a high singlet oxygen quantum yield, were tested for their photodynamic activity against the HT-29 cell line. In order to enhance their water-solubility and their cellular bioavailability, these photosensitizers were encapsulated into the hydrophobic cavity of cyclodextrins (CD) previously attached to cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) via electrostatic interactions. Under illumination, the encapsulated adamantanylporphyrins exerted an enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity, as compared with the corresponding free photosensitizers.