Light triggering of drug carrier systems for targeted delivery and controlled release

Project code: PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0922

Ctr. No: 71/2011

Funded by: MEN-CD, UEFISCDI

Program: Ideas PCE

Contractor: National Institute of Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics

Project Leader: Dr. Angela Staicu

Start Date: October, 2010

End Date: October, 2016

Project Summary:

The project aims to study the photopysical and photochemical properties of novel complex drug compounds that combine the targeted delivery by nanotubes with visible light triggering for drug release. The novel designed complexes are formed by carbon nanotubes functionalised by a photosensitizer which is linked through photocleavable group to a chemotherapeutic drug. Studies will be performed by time resolved laser spectroscopy techniques as fluorescence, phosphorescence, transient absorption, and Raman. These techniques have the advantages of selectivity, high sensitivity, and real time monitoring of the products and intermediates during irradiation.

Fundamental data on the interacting components implied in the complex structure as quantum yield of oxygen singlet generation, fluorescence lifetime, triplet quantum yield and lifetime, and reaction rates, are important in order to optimize drug efficiency. The ability to manipulate light in terms of its wavelength, intensity, site of application and duration allows precise, triggered control regarding the location, dose and time at which a therapeutic agent is released.