Abbruzzetti, Stefania (2018) Protein-based nanocarriers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and subdiffraction localization of the theranostic agent. Il nuovo cimento C, 41 (3). pp. 1-10. ISSN 1826-9885
|
Text
ncc11630.pdf Download (411kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Nano-structures for photodynamical therapy can be assembled starting from a photosensitizer (PS) and a protein-based carrier, exploiting hydrophobic interactions. These chemical constructs preserve the PS photophysical and photosensitizing properties by preventing aggregation of non water-soluble PSs. This allows to obtain bio-compatible nanostructures that enhance the bio-availability of the PS. We demonstrate the interaction of Hypericin (Hyp), a naturally occurring PS that generates singlet oxygen with a high quantum yield, with two different proteins, apo-myoglobin and β-lactoglobulin. The constructs are highly effective against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. subtilis). Interestingly, Hyp both free and bound to the protein can be exploited in super-resolution STED fluorescence microscopy, allowing for an accurate localization at cellular level of the PS and the photoinduced oxidation effects. Therefore, these structures show a double functionality, both therapeutic (based on photosensitization) and diagnostic (based on imaging),so that they can be considered theranostic agents. In conclusion, we demonstrate the potential of the protein-based nanostructures as water soluble and bio-compatible systems that can be relevant for applications in antimicrobial decontamination, both in clinical and in food and food-processing environment applications.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | 500 Scienze naturali e Matematica > 530 Fisica |
| Depositing User: | Marina Spanti |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Nov 2020 08:59 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Nov 2020 08:59 |
| URI: | http://eprints.bice.rm.cnr.it/id/eprint/20245 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
