Photodynamic process induced by chloro-aluminum phthalocyanine nanoemulsion in glioblastoma
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Author Spotlight: Multimodal Imaging Strategies for Optimizing Drug Delivery and Early Detection in Glioblastoma Treatment
Published on: March 1, 2024
Andrielle Castilho-Fernandes1, Tácila G Lopes1, Fernando L Primo1
1Departamente of Chemistry, Center of Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering- Photobiology and Photomedicine (CNET), Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo,14040-901, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil.
Background:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a tumor characterized by rapid cell proliferation and migration. GBM constitutes the most aggressive and deadly type of brain tumor and is classified into several subtypes that show high resistance to conventional therapies. There are currently no curative treatments for malignant glioma despite the numerous advances in surgical techniques, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Therefore, alternative approaches are required to improve GBM treatment.
Methods:
Our study proposes the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for GBM treatment, which uses chloro-aluminum phthalocyanine (AlClPc) encapsulated in a new drug delivery system (DDS) and designed as a nanoemulsion (AlClPc/NE). The optimal dark non-cytotoxic AlClPc/NE concentration for the U87 MG glioma cell model and the most suitable laser light intensity for irradiation were determined. Experimental U87 MG cancer cells were analyzed via MTT cell viability assay. Cellular localization of AlClPc, morphological changes, and cell death via the necrotic and apoptotic pathways were also evaluated.
Results:
AlClPc remained in the cytoplasmic region at 24h after administration. Additionally, treatment with 1.0μmol/L AlClPc under light irradiation at doses lower than 140mJ/cm resulted in morphological changes with 50±6% cell death (p<0.05). Moreover, 20±2% of U87 MG cells underwent cell death via the necrotic pathway. Measurement of Caspase-9 and -3 activities also suggested that cells underwent apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that AlClPc/NE-PDT can be used in the treatment of glioblastoma by inducing necrotic and apoptotic cell death.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that AlClPc/NE-PDT induces cell death in U87 MG cells in a dose-dependent manner and could thus serve as an effective adjuvant treatment for malignant glioma. AlClPc/NE-PDT utilizes a low dose of visible light and can be used in combination with other classic GBM treatment approaches, such as a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy using chloro-aluminum phthalocyanine nanoemulsion effectively treats glioblastoma by inducing cell death. This novel approach offers a promising alternative for malignant glioma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor resistant to conventional therapies.
- Current GBM treatments lack curative options, necessitating alternative approaches.
- GBM subtypes exhibit high resistance to standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate photodynamic therapy (PDT) using chloro-aluminum phthalocyanine (AlClPc) encapsulated in a nanoemulsion (AlClPc/NE) for GBM treatment.
- To determine the optimal non-cytotoxic AlClPc/NE concentration and laser irradiation intensity for U87 MG glioma cells.
- To evaluate the efficacy of AlClPc/NE-PDT in inducing glioblastoma cell death via necrotic and apoptotic pathways.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MTT assay to assess U87 MG cell viability after AlClPc/NE treatment and laser irradiation.
- Investigated cellular localization of AlClPc, morphological changes, and induction of apoptosis and necrosis.
- Determined optimal AlClPc/NE concentration and laser light intensity for effective PDT.
Main Results:
- AlClPc was localized in the cytoplasm of U87 MG cells at 24 hours post-administration.
- Treatment with 1.0μmol/L AlClPc and low-dose laser irradiation induced 50±6% cell death (p<0.05).
- Necrotic cell death accounted for 20±2%, while Caspase-9 and -3 activity indicated apoptosis induction.
Conclusions:
- AlClPc/NE-PDT effectively induces dose-dependent cell death in U87 MG cells.
- This PDT approach shows potential as an adjuvant therapy for malignant glioma.
- AlClPc/NE-PDT uses low-dose visible light and can be combined with chemotherapy and surgery.
