Photostable BODIPY-based molecule with simultaneous type I and type II photosensitization for selective photodynamic cancer therapy

We introduce a new class of photostable, efficient photosensitizers based on boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives that can generate singlet oxygen and superoxide simultaneously under irradiation. First, we report the synthesis and design of how to control the generation of a specifically substituted position of BODIPY. Second, after biologically evaluating the uptake, localization and phototoxicity in cell lines, we conclude that 2,6-di-anisole substituted BODIPY is a potentially selective photodynamic therapy candidate because its photodamage is more efficient in cancer cells than in normal cells without significant dark toxicity.