Enhancement of phototoxicity against human pancreatic cancer cells with photosensitizer-encapsulated amphiphilic sodium alginate derivative nanoparticles

Photosensitizer-encapsulated amphiphilic sodium alginate derivative (Photosan-CSAD) nanoparticles were prepared because of their ability to enhance phototoxicity in the photodynamic therapy of pancreatic cancer . These nanoparticles are spherical, 150–250   nm in size as determined by transmission electron microscopy , and have negative zeta potentials . Upon incubation with human pancreatic cancer cells, the Photosan-CSAD nanoparticles showed high fluorescence activity and reactive oxygen species generation, resulting in strong phototoxicity. However, no dark toxicity was observed. Apoptosis played a leading role in the cell death process induced by the Photosan phototoxicity. These results demonstrate that the Photosan-CSAD nanoparticles are a candidate for the photodynamic therapy of pancreatic cancer.