Photosensitization of oropharyngeal (HEp-2) cancer cells induced by the action of the xanthene erythrosin

Abstract

The photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been outstanding as a promising alternative for treating several diseases. However, the lack of detailed knowledge on the mechanisms of action prevents exploitation of the therapy full potential. In this research project we shall investigate the cellular cytotoxicity derived from the action of erythrosin B photosensitizer, a compound derived from the family of xanthene. Cytotoxicity experiments will be performed by adding different concentrations (mM - ¼M) of erythrosin B into in vitro culture of cells derived from oropharyngeal cancer (HEp-2). Besides the effect of erythrosin B different concentrations, the influence of different incubation periods (12, 24 and 48h) on the cell culture will be analyzed, to ensure the use of the photosensitizer in PDT. In a second step, the erythrosin incorporated to the cells will be photo-activated using a light source with appropriate wavelength, in order to determine the photodynamic efficiency of the photosensitizer towards cell mortality. This research project is designed within the research project from Fapesp (2016/13280-0) in development at the Department of Biotechnology of FCL/UNESP, Assis. (AU)