Peroxyoxalate Chemiluminescent Reaction as a Tool for Elimination of Tumour Cells Under Oxidative Stress

Abstract The overproduction of hydrogen peroxide is an inherent feature of some tumour cells and inflamed tissues. We took advantage of this peculiarity to eliminate cells using chemiluminescent peroxyoxalate reaction. We designed dispersions containing polyoxalate and tetramethylhematoporhyrin (TMHP) in dimethylphthalate droplets stabilized with Pluronic L64. The porphyrin plays the dual role. On the one hand, it serves as an activator of the peroxyoxalate reaction of polyoxalate with intracellular hydrogen peroxide and experiences excitation as a result of the reaction. The light emitted in the reaction in the model system without cells was used to optimize the dispersion’s composition. On the other hand, TMHP acts as a photosensitizer (PS) causing cell damage. The formation of singlet oxygen led to cell elimination if the dispersions were used in combination with inducers of oxidative stress: hydrogen peroxide, paraquat, antitumour drug doxorubicin, or a nutritional additive menadione. The PS-induced cytotoxicity correlated with the level of intracellular ROS. The developed approach targeted to endogenous ROS is orthogonal to the classical chemotherapy and can be applied to increase its efficiency.