Triazine–Carbosilane Dendrimersomes Enhance Cellular Uptake and Phototoxic Activity of Rose Bengal in Basal Cell Skin Carcinoma Cells

BACKGROUND: The search for new formulations for photodynamic therapy is intended to improve the outcome of skin cancer treatment using significantly reduced doses of photosensitizer, thereby avoiding side effects. The incorporation of photosensitizers into nanoassemblies is a versatile way to increase the efficiency and specificity of drug delivery into target cells. Herein, we report the loading of rose bengal into vesicle-like constructs of amphiphilic triazine-carbosilane dendrons (dendrimersomes) as well as biophysical and in vitro characterization of this novel nanosystem. METHODS: Using established protocol and analytical and spectroscopy techniques we were able to synthesized dendrons with strictly designed properties. Engaging biophysical methods (hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential measurements, analysis of spectral properties, transmission electron microscopy) we confirmed assembling of our nanosystem. A set of in vitro techniques was used for determination ROS generation, (ABDA and H(2)DCFDA probes), cell viability (MTT assay) and cellular uptake (flow cytometry and confocal microscopy). RESULTS: Encapsulation of rose bengal inside dendrimersomes enhances cellular uptake, intracellular ROS production and concequently, the phototoxicity of this photosensitizer. CONCLUSION: Triazine-carbosilane dendrimersomes show high capacity as drug carriers for anticancer photodynamic therapy.