A HYDROPHILIC CARRIER FOR PHOTOSENSITIZERS THAT CLEAVES WHEN THEY CATALYZE THE FORMATION OF SINGLET OXYGEN

摘要

The invention provides a composition of matter comprising two beta -cyclodextrin molecules and a cleavable linker attached to and joining each such beta -cyclodextrin. This invention further provides a composition which comprises a hydrophilic matrix comprising the above-described composition of matter and a photosensitizer encapsulated within the matrix, wherein the cleavable linker is cleaved upon exposure to light of a wavelength appropriate for the light to be absorbed by the photosensitizer. This invention also provides a method of killing a tumor cell which comprises bringing into proximity with the tumor cell the above-described composition and exposing the composition to light so as to cleave the cleavable linker and release the photosensitizer.