Multimodal use of the porphyrin TMPyP: From cancer therapy to antimicrobial applications

Abstract

The cationic porphyrin meso-tetra(4-[Formula: see text]-methylpyridyl)porphine (TMPyP) has a high yield of singlet oxygen generation upon light activation and a strong affinity for DNA. These advantageous properties have turned it into a promising photosensitizer for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this review, we have summarized the current state-of-the-art applications of TMPyP for the treatment of cancer as well as its implementation in antimicrobial PDT. The most relevant studies reporting its pharmacokinetics, subcellular localization, mechanism of action, tissue biodistribution and dosimetry are discussed. Combination strategies using TMPyP-PDT together with other photosensitizers and chemotherapeutic agents to achieve synergistic anti-tumor effects and reduce resistance to therapy are also explored. Finally, we have addressed emerging applications of this porphyrin, including nanoparticle-mediated delivery, controlled drug release, biosensing and G-quadruplex stabilization for tumor growth inhibition. Altogether, this work highlights the great potential and versatility that TMPyP can offer in different fields of biomedicine such us cancer treatment or antimicrobial therapy.

Novel Cationic Meso-Arylporphyrins and Their Antiviral Activity against HSV-1

“…and their chemical and thermal stability [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. Natural porphyrins and their synthetic analogues are widely used as photosensitizers for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of neoplasms [25][26][27][28][29] and the photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of microorganisms, such as viruses [30][31][32][33][34], bacteria [35][36][37][38] and fungi [39,40].…”

Synthesis, characterization and modeling of self-assembled porphyrin nanorods

“…Meso-5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-N-methylpyridinium) porphyrin (TMPyP 4+ ) is a water-soluble cationic porphyrin, which has been actively used as a water-soluble porphyrin derivative for various biomedical applications, where it can play the role of a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications [22,23] or as ligand able to bind DNA structures like G-quadruplexes [24][25][26][27]. TMPyP 4+ has also been used as a cationic building block to obtain selfassembled nanostructures.…”

Reactive Dissolution of Organic Nanocrystals at Controlled pH

“…Among many organic materials, porphyrin molecules represent relevant building‐blocks for functional material whose optical/electronic properties can be modulated electrochemically or by the proper control of pH and solvent . Nowadays, controlling the morphology of advanced organic materials is a key task for their applications in different fields, ranging from the fabrication of organic electronic devices, sensors, as well as applications to the biomedical field . In this framework, studying the formation of porphyrin thin films, their phase stability and dissolution mechanisms is beneficial.…”

“…[3] Nowadays, controlling the morphology of advanced organic materials is a key task for their applications in different fields, ranging from the fabrication of organic electronic devices, [4] sensors, [5][6][7] as well as applications to the biomedical field. [8][9][10][11] In this framework, studying the formation of porphyrin thin films, their phase stability and dissolution mechanisms is beneficial.…”