Abstract
The protoporphyron (PPIX)-lipid (PL-C17) liposomes were successfully prepared from the corresponding micelles by post-inserted method. Both the PL-C17 micelles and liposomes were distributed in plasma membrane and cytoplasm after incubation of the cells with PL-C17 liposomes for 1h. They translocated from plasma membrane into a certain organelle in the cells after incubation in the photosensitizer-free medium. Higher photo-cytotoxicity was observed in the PL-C17 micelles and liposomes localized in plasma membrane in comparison with those localized in the cytoplasm under light irradiation. The LDH assay revealed that cytopathic damages of the plasma membrane were observed in the PL-C17 micelles and liposomes highly localized in plasma membrane. The fluorescent intensity of the calcein-encapsulating DOPC liposomes post-inserted with PL-C17 increased after light irradiation, suggesting that the membrane disruption is possibly caused by oxidation of membrane lipids with ROS generated from photosensitizers and affects the photo-cytotoxicity in PDT.