Chlorin-PEI-labeled cellulose nanocrystals: synthesis, characterization and potential application in PDT.

Abstract This Letter reports the synthesis and characterization of a new series of water-stable and soluble photosensitizers (PS-CNCs) composed of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) bearing polyaminated chlorin p6. With a view to improve cancer cell targeting, these photosensitizers were assayed for their antitumor activity against HaCat cell line. IC 50 values fell within the nanomolar-range, making these photosensitizers promising for further in vitro and in vivo investigations.