Cancer Photodynamic Therapy Using Naturally Derived Photosensitiser Conjugates

Nanotechnology and plant-derived compounds offer promising alternatives for improving targeted cancer therapy. This presentation outlines green-synthesized nanoparticles encapsulated in liposomes and loaded with the photosensitiser pheophorbide-a (PPBa) and Berberine (BBR), for photodynamic therapy against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 and Lung cancer A549 cells. AuNPs were synthesized using plant phytochemicals and incorporated into liposomes, followed by PPBa loading to form AuNPs-LIP-PPBa.

Characterization confirmed successful synthesis, with particle sizes of 61–67 nm and varied morphologies. In vitro studies showed preferential accumulation in cancer cell organelles, particularly mitochondria. The nanoformulation exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with increased LDH release and reduced ATP viability. Mechanistic investigations revealed enhanced reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane disruption, and apoptosis. Upregulation of intrinsic apoptotic pathways. These findings demonstrate that this plant-based nanoformulation is a promising targeted photodynamic therapy for breast and lung cancers, supporting further preclinical development.

Subject Matter Level: Intermediate - Assumes basic knowledge of the topic

What You Will Learn:
• Principles of cancer photodynamic therapy and its application
• How nanotechnology and plant-derived photosensitisers enhance targeted cancer therapy
• Mechanisms of action, including cellular targeting and apoptosis

Who Should Attend:
• Early career researchers and professionals

About the Presenter: Blassan George from University of Johannesburg

Professor Blassan George is a Professor and Deputy SARChI Chair at the Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg. His research expertise is in photodynamic therapy, with a focus on natural photosensitisers for cancer treatment.

Prof. George has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and holds a Scopus h-index of 33 and a Google Scholar h-index of 36. Prof. George actively supervises Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral fellows. He also teaches Cell Biology at the undergraduate level.

He is an NRF Y1-rated researcher, has secured funding from SAMRC, NRF, and CSIR, and serves as an external examiner and reviewer. Within the university, he serves on the Higher Degrees Committee, Senate, ethics, NRF internal rating and scholarship panels, and occupational safety committees. He is also Deputy Chairperson of the DHET Research Outputs Evaluation Panel, a board member of the African Phytomedicine Scientific Society, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology.