Photo-redox activated drug delivery systems operating under two photon excitation in the near-IR

Nanoscale. 2014 May 7;6(9):4652-8. doi: 10.1039/c3nr06155h.

Abstract

We report the design and synthesis of a nano-container consisting of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with the pore openings covered by "snap-top" caps that are opened by near-IR light. A photo transducer molecule that is a reducing agent in an excited electronic state is covalently attached to the system. Near IR two-photon excitation causes inter-molecular electron transfer that reduces a disulfide bond holding the cap in place, thus allowing the cargo molecules to escape. We describe the operation of the "snap-top" release mechanism by both one- and two-photon activation. This system presents a proof of concept of a near-IR photoredox-induced nanoparticle delivery system that may lead to a new type of photodynamic drug release therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Electron Transport
  • Infrared Rays
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Photons
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Porosity
  • Rhodamines / chemistry
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • MCM-41
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Rhodamines
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • rhodamine B