Glycosylated Phosphorous(V) Corrole as effective Photosensitizers for Cancer Photodynamic Therapy via Enhancing...

Developing effective photosensitizers (PSs) is the most important for cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment. Phosphrous corrole complex is a kind of promising photosensitizer. Herein, we report the synthesis and anticancer activity of a novel glycosylated phosphorous(V) corrole PS 5,15-bis(pentafuorophenyl)-10-(4-glycosyl phenyl) corrole phosphorous(V) complex (2-P) which was prepared from the glycosylation of phosphorous(V) 5,15-bis(pentafuorophenyl)-10-(4-oxhydryl phenyl) corrole (1-P). Experimental results indicate that 2-P exhibits significantly higher uptake in cancer cells than 1-P, leading to an enhanced photo-cytotoxicity toward tumor cells while maintaining low dark or phototoxicity to normal cells such as HEK293T. Upon light exposure, 2-P may remarkably increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of tumor cells, a key factor for enhancing the PDT efficacy. This study demonstrates the potential of 2-P as an effective PS for PDT, highlighting the glycosylation modification is an effective strategy for the design of new phosphorous corrole PDT drugs.