Discrimination between Human Colorectal Neoplasms with a Dual-Recognitive Two-Photon Probe.

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Histologic diagnosis using biopsy samples of colorectal neoplasms is the most important step in determining the treatment methods, but these methods have limitations in accuracy and effectiveness. Herein, we report a dual-recognition two-photon probe and its application in the discrimination between human colorectal neoplasms. The probe is composed of two monosaccharides, d-glucosamine and ß-d-galactopyranoside, in a fluorophore for the monitoring of both glucose uptake and ß-gal hydrolysis. In vitro/cell imaging studies revealed the excellent selectivity and sensitivity of the probe for glucose transporter-mediated glucose uptake and ß-gal activity. Cancer-specific uptake was monitored by increased fluorescence intensity, and additional screening of cancer cells was achieved by changes in emission ratio owing to the higher activity of ß-gal. Using human colon tissues and two-photon microscopy, we found that the plot of intensity versus ratio can accurately discriminate between colorectal neoplasms in the order of cancer progression (normal, adenoma, and carcinoma).

Novel hydrophilic galactose-conjugated chlorin e6 derivatives for photodynamic therapy and fluorescence imaging.

We synthesized new hydrophilic chlorin e6 derivatives with two and four galactose fragments conjugated to the macrocycle via carbon atom in position 6 of the galactose fragment. Galactose fragments were inserted by alkylation of the amino groups of chlorin e6 amides with one and two ethylene diamine fragments on the macrocycle periphery with triflate of diacetone galactose, followed by removal of diisopropylidene protection by 70% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid. The synthesized compounds were shown to be capable of penetrating the membrane of HeLa cells; they have intense red fluorescence inside the cell and have phototoxic properties towards HeLa cells (upon LED irradiation at 660 nm and light exposure value of 12 J/cm2). These properties, along with water solubility, allow us to consider the synthesized compounds to be promising as potential antitumor PSs and diagnostic compounds for visualizing malignant tumors and creating on their basis preparations for simultaneous diagnostics and therapy of oncological diseases.