The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia has issued two press-releases about the research results of two groups of ISC RAS scientists.
The research group, headed by the Chief Research Worker, Doctor of Chemical Sciences Elena Antina, has synthesized a BODIPY class luminophor (dye) and for the first time obtained its water-soluble form, which is assumed to be applicable as a biomarker to "illuminate" certain human body cells to exclude the use of toxic solvents. The innovative technique will allow the luminophor to retain all its practically relevant spectral characteristics.
The dye synthesized by the researchers has highly effective absorption and light irradiation in the so-called "phototherapy window region", i.e. within the wavelength region from 650 to 900 nm, where the light has the biggest depth of penetration through the skin to tissues and organs.
The researchers also carried out a detailed analysis of the spectral characteristics of the BODIPY dye in solutions and in its solid ultra-thin films. The next step was to introduce the synthesized luminophor into biorelevant media. The dye was introduced into nanomicelles using the biocompatible polymer Pluronic F127, which ensured its good solubility. In the researchers' opinion, the good ability of the Pluronic F127 micelles to retain its luminophor spectral characteristics means that the obtained micellar materials can be used in biomedicine. The study results provide the foundation for further development of the new field of application of organic BODIPY luminophors.
A research group led by the Head of the Joint Physico-Chemical Center of Solutions of ISC RAS and ISUCT Andrey Kustov has found a way to enhance the efficiency of photodynamic cancer and infection therapy. The group synthesized a monocationic photosensitizer of natural origin that has low toxicity, does not accumulate in tissues and organs and can be quickly eliminated from the human body, has a high purity degree and acts at lower concentrations than other photosensitizers applied in clinical practice.
Pre-clinical investigations on tumour cultures and microbe cells, as well as on laboratory rats with burn wounds and primary tumors, showed that 21 days after the photodynamic treatment with the synthesized photosensitizer, all of the rats were disease-free. During the follow-up period of 90 days (which corresponds to a 5 year period in humans), 25% revealed sarcoma recurrence, but 75% were healthy.
The photosensitizer demonstrated powerful photodynamic activity towards gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Such results became possible due to effective generation of singlet oxygen by the photosensitizer and the drug ability to penetrate the microbe cells. Sixty-five percent of the substance molecules that absorbed a quantum of light and got excited were found to interact with the molecular oxygen dissolved in the body and to produce highly reactive singlet oxygen killing the microorganisms.
The research was done in cooperation with scientists from Ivanovo State University of Chemistry and Technology, Ivanovo State Medical Academy, Ivanovo Regional Clinical Hospital, A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Center, and Belarusian State University.
https://minobrnauki.gov.ru/press-center/news/nauka/63765/?lang=ru
