Hallmarks of anticancer and antimicrobial activities of corroles

Corroles provide a remarkable opportunity for the development of cancer theranostic agents among other porphyrinoids. While most transition metal corrole complexes are only therapeutic, post-transition metallocorroles also find their applications in bioimaging. Moreover, corroles exhibit excellent photo-physicochemical properties, which can be harnessed for antitumor and antimicrobial interventions. Nevertheless, these intriguing, yet distinct properties of corroles, have not attained sufficient momentum in cancer research. The current review provides a comprehensive summary of various cancer-relevant features of corroles ranging from their structural and photophysical properties, chelation, protein/corrole interactions, to DNA intercalation. Another aspect of the paper deals with the studies of corroles conducted in vitro and in vivo with an emphasis on medical imaging (optical and magnetic resonance), photo/sonodynamic therapies, and photodynamic inactivation. Special attention is also given to a most recent finding that shows the development of pH-responsive phosphorus corrole as a potent antitumor drug for organelle selective antitumor cytotoxicity in preclinical studies. Another biomedical application of corroles is also highlighted, signifying the application of water-soluble and completely lipophilic corroles in the photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms. We strongly believe that future studies will offer a greater possibility of utilizing advanced corroles for selective tumor targeting and antitumor cytotoxicity. In the line with future developments, an ideal pipeline is envisioned on grounds of cancer targeting nanoparticle systems upon decoration with tumor-specific ligands. Hence, we envision that a bright future lies ahead of corrole anticancer research and therapeutics.