Comparative Study on the Efficiency of the Photodynamic Inactivation of Candida albicans Using CdTe Quantum Dots, Zn(II) Porphyrin and Their Conjugates as Photosensitizers.

摘要: The application of fluorescent II-VI semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) as active photosensitizers in photodymanic inactivation (PDI) is still being evaluated. In the present study, we prepared 3 nm size CdTe QDs coated with mercaptosuccinic acid and conjugated them electrostatically Zn(II) meso-tetrakis (N-ethyl-2-pyridinium-2-yl) porphyrin (ZnTE-2-PyP or ZnP), thus producing QDs-ZnP conjugates. We evaluated capability systems, bare conjugates, to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) applied photodynamic cultures Candida albicans by irradiating testing hypothesis a possible combined contribution PDI action. Tests vitro cytotoxicity phototoxicity fibroblasts were also performed presence absence light irradiation. overall results showed an efficient ROS production for all tested systems low (cell viability >90%) radiation. Fibroblasts incubated subjected irradiation higher <90%) depending on QD concentration compared groups. effects demonstrated lower reduction cell (~1 log10) ZnP which high microbicidal activity (~3 when photoactivated. QD-ZnP conjugates reduced against C. suggest that conjugation prevents transmembrane cellular uptake molecules, reducing their photoactivity.