Coupling Porphyrins with amphiphilic dendritic peptides for reducing aggregation and enhancing cellular uptake
(M. Hädener, J. Furrer, M. Vermathen in collaboration with the group of Prof. Reymond)
Owing to their relatively hydrophobic planar structures most porphyrinic photosensitizers exhibit a high tendency for self-association reducing their water solubility, phototoxicity and thus their efficacy in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Coupling porphyrins with dendritic peptides is one approach to reduce their aggregation in aqueous media and to enhance their cellular uptake. Derivatives of the dihydro-porphyrin chlorin e6 exhibit favorable light absorption properties and will be used as starting material for the coupling experiments. Due to their inherent fluorescence, cell uptake of the porphyrinic compounds and their corresponding conjugates can be easily monitored.
