Breaking photoswitch activation depth limit using ionizing radiation stimuli adapted to clinical application

Current photoactive molecular systems for therapeutic applications are limited by their activation requirement of low-energy photons, restricting activation to shallow depths. This paper presents a strategy using high-energy ionizing radiation (IR), such as gamma rays, to activate a photosensitive system at any depth. This is achieved by converting the energy from the IR into lower energy particles that activate the azobenzene-based radioswitch, triggering a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. This approach expands the potential applications of photosensitive systems and opens avenues for novel therapeutic strategies.

Alban Guesdon-Vennerie, Patrick Couvreur, Fatoumia Ali, Frédéric Pouzoulet, Christophe Roulin, Immaculada Martínez-Rovira, Guillaume Bernadat, François-Xavier Legrand, Claudie Bourgaux, Cyril Lucien Mazars, Sergio Marco, Sylvain Trépout, Simona Mura, Sébastien Mériaux, Guillaume Bort