Hypericum perforatum-derived exosomes-like nanovesicles: A novel natural photosensitizer for effective tumor photodynamic therapy

Natural photosensitizers have been a focus of investigation for their potential application in photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, their efficiency is often hindered by low absorption of visible light. Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles offer valuable molecular insights as a novel photosensitizer. Our analysis involved diverse techniques like transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential. HPDENs were analyzed by utilizing specific probes for singlet oxygen, superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and total ROS. Notably, HPDENs exhibited characteristics of both Type I and Type II photosensitizers. In vitro experiments demonstrated a light dose-dependent reduction in human melanoma cell viability, accompanied by increased ROS production and apoptosis. In vivo PDT with HPDENs resulted in significant tumor necrosis and suppressed tumor growth without observable organ damage. This study highlights HPDENs as promising photosensitizers for PDT due to their unique characteristics and demonstrated efficacy in vitro and in vivo.