Synthesis of Aza-BODIPY Boron Difluoride PDT Agents to Promote Apoptosis in HeLa Cells

BF2 Chelated azadipyrromethene dyes fluoresce in the near infrared and have potential applications in photodynamic therapy. When irradiated above 600nm these aza-BODIPY compounds react with triplet O2 in the body to form a reactive singlet oxygen species which leads to cell death. A small library has been synthesized of these potential PDT agents via a four step process, with varying substituents on the aromatic ring of the starting benzaldehyde and acetophenone. In vitro studies on HeLa cells have revealed an effective photosensitive compound with low dark cytotoxicity and promotion of apoptotic cell death when exposed to light.