Figure 3.

Cytotoxicity of NP–ZnPc(TAP)₄–Ptx, NP–ZnPc(TAP)₄ and ZnPc(TAP)₄ for H1299 cells.

Notes: A total of 8,000 adherent cells were cultivated in 1-well of 96-well plates and absorbed NP–ZnPc(TAP)₄–Ptx, NP–ZnPc(TAP)₄, or ZnPc(TAP)₄ at different concentrations (0.5 µM, 1 µM, 5 µM, 10 µM, 20 µM, or 50 µM) for 24 hours. Then, cells were illuminated with light fluence of 1.5 J/cm² for 1 minute. After 24 hours for apoptosis, viable cells were checked by MTT. (A) The phototoxicity of three samples depended on their concentrations, and NP–ZnPc(TAP)₄–Ptx had the strongest phototoxicity for the synergistic effect of PDT and chemotherapy. (B) Dark toxicity was detected in the same way, just without illumination. NP–ZnPc(TAP)₄ and ZnPc(TAP)₄ had hardly any dark toxicity, and the dark toxicity of NP–ZnPc(TAP)₄–Ptx was significantly weaker than its phototoxicity. ***P<0.001.

Abbreviations: NP, nanoparticle; ZnPc, zinc phthalocyanine; Ptx, paclitaxel; PDT, photodynamic therapy.