Nanoformulation of Lipophilic Osmium Photosensitizers in Liposomes and Micelles as a General Strategy for Improving Reproducibility and Reducing Quenching†

Abstract

AbstractNanoformulation of an osmium photosensitizer within liposomes and micelles is used to improve the water‐solubility of this highly lipophilic molecule. This highlight report describes a recent paper by Cameron, Obaid and McFarland on this topic and discusses the context for this report. Nanoformulation has been explored as a strategy before, but this represents the first usage of this strategy with highly potent metal‐based photosensitizers having phototherapeutic indices (PIs) in excess of 104. The nanoformulation strategy is effective due to reducing aggregation and self‐quenching of the photosensitizer molecules.