Multimodal use of the porphyrin TMPyP: From cancer therapy to antimicrobial applications

The cationic porphyrin meso-tetra(4-[Formula: see text]-methylpyridyl)porphine (TMPyP) has a high yield of singlet oxygen generation upon light activation and a strong affinity for DNA. These advantageous properties have turned it into a promising photosensitizer for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this review, we have summarized the current state-of-the-art applications of TMPyP for the treatment of cancer as well as its implementation in antimicrobial PDT. The most relevant studies reporting its pharmacokinetics, subcellular localization, mechanism of action, tissue biodistribution and dosimetry are discussed. Combination strategies using TMPyP-PDT together with other photosensitizers and chemotherapeutic agents to achieve synergistic anti-tumor effects and reduce resistance to therapy are also explored. Finally, we have addressed emerging applications of this porphyrin, including nanoparticle-mediated delivery, controlled drug release, biosensing and G-quadruplex stabilization for tumor growth inhibition. Altogether, this work highlights the great potential and versatility that TMPyP can offer in different fields of biomedicine such us cancer treatment or antimicrobial therapy.