Membrane photodamage by new lipophilic lumazine derivatives

Abstract

Considering the previous studies on pterin derivatives, carried out as a cooperation project between the Argentinean and Brazilian groups, this project is aimed to expand the study of lipophilic type I photosensitizers to new compounds derived from lumazine. In this way, the alkyllumazines, recently synthesized by the Argentinean group, will be here investigated according to the following particular objectives:*To study the fluorescence properties of the lumazine derivatives when they are intercalated in lipid biomembranes, investigating their possible use as fluorescent probes.*To investigate the generation of singlet oxygen after UVA irradiation of lumazine derivatives intercalated in biomembranes, helping to elucidate the mechanism of action of this new class of photosensitizers.*To explore the effects of photosensitized lipid peroxidation by lipophilic lumazine derivatives in model membranes, using different lipids as substrates and comparing efficiencies with pterin derivatives. (AU)