Volume 22, Issue 15 p. 2526-2529
Communication

Methemoglobin-Albumin Cluster Incorporating Protoporphyrin IX: Dual Functional Protein Drug for Photodynamic Therapy

Taiga Yamada

Taiga Yamada

Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8551 Japan

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Prof. Dr. Teruyuki Komatsu

Corresponding Author

Prof. Dr. Teruyuki Komatsu

Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8551 Japan

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First published: 22 June 2021
Citations: 2

Graphical Abstract

A core-shell protein cluster comprising a methemoglobin (metHb) at the center and human serum albumin containing protoporphyrin IX (HSA-PPIX) at the periphery was synthesized as a unique photosensitizer with O2-generation property. The metHb-HSA3-PPIX2 is protein drug showing dual task for photodynamic therapy.

Abstract

We describe the synthesis, photophysical properties, and photodynamic activity of a methemoglobin (metHb) wrapped covalently by human serum albumins (HSAs) incorporating protoporphyrin IX (PPIX): a metHb-HSA3-PPIX2 cluster. The metHb core catalyzes H2O2 disproportionation to generate O2 in tumor tissue. The HSA3-PPIX2 shell acts as a photosensitizer for 1O2 formation. The metHb-HSA3-PPIX2 cluster acts as a dual functional protein drug for photodynamic therapy.