Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel -Tetraphenyltetrabenzoporphyrins for Photodynamic Therapy.

To discover effective photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT), a series of new -tetraphenyltetrabenzoporphyrin (-PhTBP) derivatives were designed, prepared, and characterized. All -PhTBPs own two characteristic absorption bands in the range of 450-500 and 600-700 nm and have the ability to generate singlet oxygen upon photoexcitation. Most of the -PhTBPs demonstrated high photoactivity, among which compounds I, I, I, and I induced apoptosis and also exhibited excellent photodynamic activities . Nonetheless, the liver organs of the I and I-PDT groups showed clear calcifications, whereas the liver tissues of the other PDT groups showed no calcification. It was indicated that compared to phenolic -PhTBPs, glycol -PhTBPs exhibited superior biological safety in mice. According to comprehensive evaluations, -PhTBP I displayed excellent photodynamic antitumor efficacy and biological safety and can be regarded as a promising antitumor drug candidate.