Sebastian Lijewski

In vitro photodynamic activity of lipid vesicles with zinc phthalocyanine derivative against Enterococcus faecalis

Zinc(II) phthalocyanine bearing eight non-peripheral 2-propoxy substituents was subjected to physicochemical study and, after incorporation in lipid vesicles, assessed as a potential photosensitizer for antibacterial photodynamic therapy. The phthalocyanine derivative obtained in the macrocyclization reaction was characterized by MS and NMR techniques. Moreover, its chemical purity was confirmed by HPLC analysis. X-ray structural analysis revealed that overcrowding of the phthalocyanine derivative leads to a strong out-of-plane distortion of the π-system of the macrocycle core. In the UV-Vis absorption spectra of zinc(II) phthalocyanine two characteristic bands were found: the Soret (300-450 nm) and the Q band (600-800 nm). Photophysical properties of mono- and diprotonated forms of phthalocyanine derivative were studied with time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Its tri- and tetraprotonated forms could not be obtained, because compound decomposes in higher acid concentrations. The presented zinc(II) phthalocyanine showed values of singlet oxygen generation ΦΔ = 0.18 and 0.16, the quantum yield of the photodecomposition ΦP = 3.06∙10-4 and 1.23∙10-5 and the quantum yield of fluorescence ΦFL = 0.005 and 0.004, designated in DMF and DMSO, respectively. For biological studies, phthalocyanine has been incorporated into modified liposome vesicles containing ethanol. In vitro bacteria photoinactivation study revealed no activity against Escherichia coli and 5.7 log reduction of the Enterococcus faecalis growth.

Nurses and Pharmacists in Interdisciplinary Team of Health Care Providers in Photodynamic Therapy

Background: The modern treatment is based on wide cooperation between diverse representatives of medical professions. The photodynamic therapy is a noninvasive method of treatment both neoplastic diseases and miscellaneous noncancerous illnesses. It is complementary and competitive in some way to various traditional treatment techniques, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. This review emphasizes the significance of collaboration between specialists engaged in research, development, and practical use of photodynamic therapy. Methods: A literature search of electronic bibliographic databases and scientific publishers was performed. The relevant literature was analyzed to identify articles on the involvement of nurses, pharmacists, physicians, and other representatives in photodynamic therapy treatment. Results: In the photodynamic therapy, the overall success is not only dependent of a single unit. Coordinated actions of representatives possessing expertise in various fields of medical, and natural sciences are necessary both during joint research, development, and during the course of the photodynamic therapy treatment in clinics. Conclusions: The effective interaction between professionals and the division of responsibilities at different stages of therapy can guarantee the successful treatment. During therapy, the most important role belongs to the patient who is responsible for acting in accordance with schedules elaborated by physicians, nurses, and pharmacists.