Protective effect of TiO₂ nanowhiskers on Tetra Sulphonatophenyl Porphyrin (TSPP) complexes induced oxidative stress during photodynamic therapy

Background: Tetra Sulphonatophenyl Porphyrin (TSPP) is well known photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy; nevertheless, its well-known adverse effects hamper its potential use. Recently, nano TiO₂'s potential role in biomedical has been defined for various disease theranostics, including cancer and other infections. Thus, in this contribution we have explored the possibility of utilizing TiO₂ nanowhiskers as novel strategy to lower TSPP adverse effects both in vitro, and in vivo. Methods: Various concentrations of TSPP, TiO₂-TSPP, and TiO₂ were injected to three different rat groups, while fourth group was kept as control. Toxic effects were evaluated on excretory and circulatory system by using histopathology, fluorescent microscopy, complete blood cells count (CBC) and serum enzymes. Results: In complete blood cells count, all cells were significantly (p < 0.01) affected by the various concentration and treatment groups. The various dose concentrations and treatment also significantly (p < 0.01) affected the serum enzyme parameters including AST, ALT, LDH, Creatinine and BUN level. The low concentration of TSPP-TiO₂ was found to be the safest, on the bases of serum enzyme parameters, CBC, histopathology, and fluorescent microscopic analysis. The MTT assay was used to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity, and the results demonstrated maximum viability in illuminated TSPP-TiO₂ nanowhiskers group when compared with TSPP treated group. Conclusions: It was evident that increase in concentration of TSPP increased the toxic effects; however, the TiO₂ nanowhiskers combination with TSPP decreased these adverse effects. Moreover, TSPP (0.1 mM) combined with TiO₂ nanowhiskers (0.6 mM) was safer than TSPP (0.1 mM) alone.