Nanoscale
Metal–Organic Framework for Highly
Effective Photodynamic Therapy of Resistant Head and Neck Cancer
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Abstract
Photodynamic
therapy (PDT) is an effective anticancer procedure
that relies on tumor localization of a photosensitizer followed by
light activation to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (e.g., <sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub>). Here we report the rational design of a Hf–porphyrin
nanoscale metal–organic framework, DBP–UiO, as an exceptionally
effective photosensitizer for PDT of resistant head and neck cancer.
DBP–UiO efficiently generates <sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub> owing
to site isolation of porphyrin ligands, enhanced intersystem crossing
by heavy Hf centers, and facile <sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub> diffusion
through porous DBP–UiO nanoplates. Consequently, DBP–UiO
displayed greatly enhanced PDT efficacy both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>, leading to complete tumor eradication
in half of the mice receiving a single DBP–UiO dose and a single
light exposure. NMOFs thus represent a new class of highly potent
PDT agents and hold great promise in treating resistant cancers in
the clinic