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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

An In Vitro Approach to Photodynamic Therapy
Published on: August 17, 2018
Porphyrin-ferrocene conjugates for photodynamic and chemodynamic therapy
Zhitao Lei1, Xiaoyu Zhang, Xiaohua Zheng
1College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, 438 Heibei Avenue, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066004, P. R. China. xiaoyuzhang@ysu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Chemodynamic therapy can convert endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at tumor localization into the toxic hydroxyl radical (˙OH) destroying tumor cells. Photodynamic therapy as a noninvasive method utilizes photosensitizers (PSs) to convert O2 into cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (e.g., 1O2) upon laser irradiation, which is dependent on the content of oxygen. The combination of the two therapeutic strategies on a single platform can enhance the anticancer effect. Herein, we report a porphyrin-ferrocene theranostic agent for combined photodynamic and chemodynamic therapy. Compared to monotherapy, the as-prepared porphyrin-ferrocene conjugates exhibit superior efficiency and potency in killing cancer cells at low drug doses. This study suggests the rational design of molecular structures as multifunctional therapeutics for potential clinic application.
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