Open AccessLight‐Driven Cascade Mitochondria‐to‐Nucleus Photosensitization in Cancer Cell Ablation
Author(s) -
Wang KangNan,
Liu LiuYi,
Qi Guobin,
Chao XiJuan,
Ma Wen,
Yu Zhiqiang,
Pan Qiling,
Mao ZongWan,
Liu Bin
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202004379
Subject(s) - mitochondrion , organelle , nucleus , photosensitizer , photodynamic therapy , cancer cell , cell , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , biophysics , cancer research , cancer , biology , biochemistry , photochemistry , genetics , organic chemistry
Nuclei and mitochondria are the only cellular organelles containing genes, which are specific targets for efficient cancer therapy. So far, several photosensitizers have been reported for mitochondria targeting, and another few have been reported for nuclei targeting. However, none have been reported for photosensitization in both mitochondria and nucleus, especially in cascade mode, which can significantly reduce the photosensitizers needed for maximal treatment effect. Herein, a light‐driven, mitochondria‐to‐nucleus cascade dual organelle cancer cell ablation strategy is reported. A functionalized iridium complex, named BT‐Ir, is designed as a photosensitizer, which targets mitochondria first for photosensitization and subsequently is translocated to a cell nucleus for continuous photodynamic cancer cell ablation. This strategy opens new opportunities for efficient photodynamic therapy.