Photodynamic action of Rose Bengal silica nanoparticle complex on breast and oral cancer cell lines

Rose Bengal, an anionic photosensitizer was conjugated to organically modified silica nanoparticles having 3-amino propyl groups by electrostatic or covalent interaction. The drug-nanoparticle complexes were characterized by FTIR, light scattering and zeta potential measurements. Significant changes were observed in the spectroscopic properties of the drug when it is conjugated with nanoparticles. The toxicity of the free drug and drug-nanoparticle complex was studied against oral (4451) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. Both complexes with nanoparticles were more phototoxic than free Rose Bengal, with the covalent complex being the more effective. Studies carried out on cellular uptake, photostability and singlet oxygen generation suggest that enhanced phototoxicity is primarily due to the enhanced uptake of the drug-nanoparticle complex.