Development of BODIPY-Based Photosensitizing Nanoparticles for the Photodynamic Therapy of Skin Cance

• Grant number: 25/23978-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Renata Fonseca Vianna Lopez
• Grantee: Ana Clara Bastos dos Santos Sachett
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/03521-0 - Investigation of physical methods associated with drug delivery systems in the local immune and antimicrobial response, AP.TEM

Abstract

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with increasing incidence in Brazil and worldwide. Conventional therapies, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have several disadvantages, including adverse effects and aesthetic disfigurement. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) emerges as an innovative alternative, involving the administration of a photosensitizing agent followed by irradiation of the area with light at a specific wavelength, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that selectively destroy cancer cells. Boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives have shown promise as photosensitizers due to their excellent photophysical properties and ability to generate ROS. However, their hydrophobicity limits skin penetration, which is essential for the effectiveness of PDT. Encapsulation of BODIPYs in liposomes can improve solubility and skin penetration, offering an effective topical administration. This project aims to develop and evaluate new BODIPY-based photosensitizers for PDT in treating skin cancer. The study considers a series of previously synthesized BODIPY derivatives for their ability to generate ROS. The most promising photosensitizer will be encapsulated in liposomes or conjugated to phospholipids. The potential of BODIPY to self-organize into nanostructures when conjugated to phospholipids will be investigated. The efficacy of ROS generation by the BODIPY-containing liposomes and the nanostructure obtained with the BODIPY-phospholipid conjugate will be examined to understand their behavior in biological systems better. This study is expected to provide important insights for developing more effective and less invasive photodynamic therapies for skin cancer treatment, potentially positively impacting future clinical practice. (AU)