Redox-Responsive Nanoparticles Self-Assembled From Porphyrin-Betulinic Acid Conjugates For Chemo- And Photodynamic Therapy

The redox-responsive nanoparticle (NanoP-ss-BA) is designed by linking the porphyrin derivative (P) to the naturally occurring betulinic acid (BA) through a disulphide bond. A GSH triggered disassembly of NanoP-ss-BA effectively promotes a singlet oxygen (1O2) production, but also releases lipophilic anticancer drug, BA in situ. Beside this, high phototoxicity of NanoP-ss-BA serves it as a good candidate for photodynamic therapy (PDT).