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Iridium (III) complexes encapsulated in Nanoparticles.
P202231104
A family of Iridium (III) complexes of formula [IrCp*(C^N)L]n+Xn- and [IrCp*(C^N)L] is described, where X- is an anion and L is a N, O, S or P-donor ligand. Complexes are encapsulated into nanoparticles, based on polymeric structures of PEG and other units, and these formulations have the application as Photodynamic therapy agents to treat cancer.
The approach of encapsulating Ir complexes into nanoparticles offers different advantages such as i) protection of the molecules against premature degradation; ii) increase their aqueous solubility, iii) higher accumulation in the solid tumour (EPR effect), iv) requirement of lower concentrations, vi) longer bloodstream stability and vii) lower toxicities on healthy cells, since they can accumulate more in tumoral tissues. In addition, the use of light to photoactivate systems can exert highly selective and controlled cytotoxic activity towards malignant cells, resulting in a more targeted therapy that decreases side effects.