Photochemical internalization explained

Photochemical internalization (PCI) is a drug and gene therapy delivery method originally developed to improve the release of macromolecules and hydrophilic chemotherapeutic agents from endosomes and lysosomes to the cytosol of targeted cancer cells. PCI is based on the use of endosomal and lysosomal localizing amphiphilic photosensitizers which, after activation by light, induce photochemical reactions resulting in destruction of endocytic membranes mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The photochemical destabilization of the membrane of the endocytic vesicle result in an endosomal escape of the entrapped drugs.^[1] The technology was invented by Kristian Berg at the Norwegian Radium Hospital.

Further reading

• Nature Communications. Harnessing photochemical internalization with dual degradable nanoparticles for combinatorial photo–chemotherapy. Pasparakis. George. Manouras. Theodore. Vamvakaki. Maria. Argitis. P Panagiotis. 5. 10.1038/ncomms4623. 2041-1723. 7 April 2014. 3623 . 24710504 . 3988806. 2014NatCo...5.3623P .
• Book: Methods in Molecular Biology. Photodynamic Therapy. Berg. Kristian. Weyergang. Anette. Prasmickaite. Lina. Bonsted. Anette. Høgset. Anders. Strand. Marie-Therese R.. Wagner. Ernst. Selbo. Pål K.. Photochemical Internalization (PCI): A Technology for Drug Delivery. 635. Humana Press. 2010. 133–145. 10.1007/978-1-60761-697-9_10. 20552345. 978-1-60761-696-2.

Notes and References

1. Selbo PK, Weyergang A, Høgset A, Norum OJ, Berstad MB, Vikdal M, Berg K (2010) Photochemical internalization provides time- and space-controlled endolysosomal escape of therapeutic molecules. J Control Release, 148 (1): 2-12. doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2010.06.008