A silyl porphyrin derivative conjugated with 6-deoxy-6-sulfo-α-d-glucopyranose functions as an efficient photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy.

We synthesized a new silyl porphyrin derivative conjugated with 6-deoxy-6-sulfo-α-d-glucopyranose (SGlc). Conjugation with SGlc improved A549 cellular uptake without significant changes in the photophysical and photochemical properties and subcellular localization. This improved cellular uptake led to enhanced photodynamic activity. Furthermore, conjugation with SGlc suppressed dark toxicity. These advantages were not observed for a conjugate with a glucose molecule. These results indicated that the conjugation with SGlc is a promising strategy for enhancing photodynamic efficacy.

Synthesis of 3-octadecanoxypropyl 6-deoxy-6-sulfo-α-d-glucopyranoside (ODSG) as a lipase-resistant SQAP derivative.

Sulfoquynovosylacyl propanediol (SQAP; 1) has been developed as a radiosensitizer (anti-cancer agent) for solid tumors, but it was easily cleaved in vivo and had a problem of short residence time. We synthesized a novel compound of a SQAP derivative (3-octadecanoxypropyl 6-deoxy-6-sulfo-α-d-glucopyranoside: ODSG; 2) to solve these problems not easily cleaved by lipase. ODSG (2) cytotoxicity was investigated in vitro, resulting in low toxicity like SQAP (1).