Figure 5.

Schematic of light-activated and targeted cytosolic delivery of membrane-impermeable compounds. (a) Antibody-functionalized NPs are loaded with fluorescent Alexa546 model dye and targeted to cells expressing P-gp-green fluorescent protein (GFP bound to the P-glycoprotein transporter). After NPs endocytosis (b), the cargo was released in the endosome (c). Exposure to light at the dye’s excitation wavelength (546 nm) promoted ROS-mediated membrane damage (d) with cytosolic delivery of Alexa546 exclusively in the P-gp expressing cells. Reprinted with permission from [87]. Copyright 2010 American Chemical Society.