Advancements and Future Prospects in Hypocrellins Production and Modification for Photodynamic Therapy
Xiang Zhang,
Qiulin Wei,
Liwen Tian,
Zhixian Huang,
Yanbo Tang,
Yongdi Wen,
Fuqiang Yu,
Xiaoxiao Yan,
Yunchun Zhao,
Zhenqiang Wu,
Xiaofei Tian
Affiliations
Xiang Zhang
School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou 510006, China
Qiulin Wei
School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou 510006, China
Liwen Tian
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening & Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Joint Laboratory for New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou 510515, China
Zhixian Huang
School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou 510006, China
Yanbo Tang
School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou 510006, China
Yongdi Wen
School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou 510006, China
Fuqiang Yu
Yunnan Key Laboratory for Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming 650204, China
Xiaoxiao Yan
School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou 510006, China
Yunchun Zhao
School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou 510006, China
Zhenqiang Wu
School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou 510006, China
Xiaofei Tian
School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 East Out Loop, University Park, Guangzhou 510006, China
Hypocrellins (HYPs), naturally occurring 3,10-xylene-4,9-anthracene derivatives sourced from Shiraia bambusicola and Hypocrella bambusae, exhibit significant photobiological activities. Despite their capability for generating a high yield of reactive oxygen species, including singlet oxygen and superoxide anion radical, their application in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is constrained. This limitation is due to their low dark phototoxicity, weak absorption within the therapeutic window of PDT (600–900 nm), and inherent hydrophobicity, which hinder their immediate use in amphipathic PDT applications. This review comprehensively discusses the research advancements in the bioactivities and biosynthesis of HYPs, alongside the reported chemical and physical modifications that enhance their water solubility and extend their therapeutic window. Additionally, it explores potential strategies for developing pharmaceuticals, photocatalytic agents, and photosensitive pesticides based on HYPs.