The Creation of a Next-Generation Cancer Treatment Using Photodynamic Therapy

Date of Award

4-16-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Biology

First Reader

Dr. Joseph Bradshaw

Second Reader

Dr. Timothy Hayes

Third Reader

Professor Margaret Reed

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment for various health disorders, including cancer, that uses a photosensitive agent and light. Unlike other cancer treatments, PDT is a focused treatment that kills cancerous cells without harming the surrounding tissues. When a photosensitive agent is administered, it accumulates in the tumor as it binds to low density lipoproteins. When the tumor is exposed to a specific wavelength of light, the photosensitive agent is activated; this results in the release of singlet oxygen, which kills the tumor. The objective of this research was to synthesize and characterize a novel photosensitive agent, H2TPP-2A2E. Purification of the novel material was achieved using column chromatography. In addition, IR, UV-visible, and NMR spectroscopies were used to characterize the product, and purity was determined using HPLC. After determining that the product was purified, cytotoxicity testing in light and dark conditions revealed that H2TPP-2A2E could potentially be used in the next generation of photodynamic therapy.

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