Photosensitiser-antibody conjugates for photodynamic therapy

Abstract

Research into targeting of photodynamic sensitisers to specific biological tissue has been an area of increasing interest over the last twenty years. A significant number of these investigations have involved the use of antibodies or antibody fragments, and the field of photosensitiser bioconjugation is now an established area in its own right. This review seeks to bring together the diverse range of methodology now available for the efficient attachment of photodynamic agents to antibodies. The chemistry involved to obtain the complementary functionality required, on both photosensitiser and antibody, for successful conjugation is also discussed. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry and Owner Societies.