Selective photosensitization through an AND logic response: optimization of the pH and glutathione response of activatable photosensitizers

Chem Commun (Camb). 2015 Aug 7;51(61):12258-61. doi: 10.1039/c5cc01261a.

Abstract

A series of pH and GSH responsive photosensitizers were designed and synthesized. pKa values were optimized by adjusting the inductive contribution of substituents to reach a pH range (6.0-7.4) relevant to the tumour microenvironment. pH-Activatable behaviour and redox mediated release of the quencher from the PS by GSH allow the construction of an AND logic operator for selective photodynamic action in aqueous solutions.