Light-controlled dual-functional amphiphilic probe with NO-release and simultaneous intramitochondrial self-assembly of nanostructures for supramolecular cancer therapeutics

Abstract

Organelle-targeted light-controlled drug release as well as formation of self-assembled structures system for regulating the cellular fate of cancer cells is an emerging as a potent cancer therapeutic strategy.1 Achieving the NO-release as well as self-assembly of amphiphilic NO-prodrug inside a cell or cellular organelle with external stimuli is not reported due to the several challenges. Nitric oxide (NO), a diatom radical, has been recognized as the first signaling molecule, playing critical roles in in human body.2,3 A precise spatial and temporal control over the NO-release is the major requirement in clinical applications.4 Here, we have synthesized an amphiphilic N-nitrosamine having fluorescent molecule (A). The introduction of N-nitrosamine moieties efficiently inhibits the molecular interactions of A before NO-release. Under light irradiation, A releases NO followed by self-assembly via formation of J-aggregates with a remarkable bathochromic shift of ~30 nm. A is very stable under dark conditions, NO-release was effectively triggered using low power low energy wavelength irradiation (800 nm, ≤28 mW). The biological influence of light induced NO-release as well as self-assembly nature of A in vitro studies are under progress.