Design and in vitro photodynamic evaluation of self-illuminating nanospheres loaded with polyurethane containing protoporphyrin IX for anticancer and antibacterial applications

Abstract

Locally induced photodynamic therapy (PDT) with internally generated light could offer opportunities for the efficient treatment of deep tissue tumors and bacteria hidden in places where external light cannot reach. To achieve this, luminol acrylamide was synthesized and used to prepare nanospheres that were loaded with a polyurethane photosensitizer and the enzyme horseradish peroxidase. With H₂O₂ the nanoparticles were self-illuminating and showed good antibacterial abilities and also anticancer effects via a PDT mechanism indicating efficient self-luminous functionality. The self-luminating nanospheres could potentially be used in sterilization and for cancer depression.