Enhanced Photosensing and Photodynamic Treatment of Colon Cancer Cells Using Methoxy Poly(ethylene glycol)-Conjugated Chlorin e6.

Nanophotosensitizer composed of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MePEG) and chlorin e6 (Ce6) (abbreviated as Pe6) was synthesized for efficient delivery of Ce6 to the colon cancer cells. Pe6 nanophotosensitizer has small diameter less than 100 nm with spherical shape and core-shell structure. They were activated in aqueous solution while Ce6 was quenched due to its poor aqueous solubility. They showed no intrinsic cytotoxicity against normal cells and colon cancer cells. Pe6 nanophotosensitizers showed enhanced cellular uptake, phototoxicity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation at in vitro cell culture experiment. Furthermore, they showed improved tumor tissue penetration and accumulation in vivo animal studies. We suggested Pe6 nanophotosensitizers as an ideal candidate for PDT of colon cancer.