Elsinochrome A photosensitizers: Alternative drugs for photodynamic therapy

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has already been a multifunctional modality for various tumors and nontumorous diseases. However, the development of photosensitizers is relatively delayed, compared with the tremendous progress in laser technology. Elsinochrome A (EA), a perylenequinonoid pigment from China, has all the typical advantages of perylenequinones. Moreover, singlet oxygen quantum yield of EA is superior to other kinds of photosensitizers and EA could be artificially biosynthesized at present, which make it an alternative candidate for PDT. In this review, the photophysics, photochemistry, photobiology and chemical or biological syntheses of EA photosensitizers are briefly presented. Besides, the future prospects of EA photosensitizers are also proposed.