Fluorescence evaluations for porphyrin formation during topical PDT using ALA and methyl-ALA mixtures in pig skin models

- The optimization of topical PDT using mixtures of ALA and MAL: elevated production and homogeneity of PPIX what assure an effective treatment.
- There was an indication that the mixtures may have advantages compared to individual compositions.
- 40%-ALA and 60%-MAL showed elevated PPIX production by widefield fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy fluorescence.
- 50% from both ALA and MAL showed PPIX production near the ALA.
- The kinetic study, M4 showed to produce PPIX faster than ALA and other proportions by spectroscopy fluorescence.

BackgroundPhotodynamic Therapy (PDT) using Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and derivative molecules as topical medication and as a precursor of protoporphyrin (PPIX), is limited due to low permeation through skin or efficiency in porphyrin production. This behavior affects the production and homogeneity of PPIX distribution on superficial skin and in the deeper skin layers. Many authors propose alternatives to solve this such as, modification in the ALA and derivativemolecules, modifying the chemical properties of emulsion external phase or incorporating a delivery system to the emulsion. The goal of this study is to discuss what proportion of ALA and Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) on mixtures increase the amount and uniformity of PPIX formation at superficial skin by fluorescence evaluations.MethodsThe study was conducted in vivo using a pig skin model. PPIX production was monitored using fluorescence spectroscopy and widefield fluorescence imaging on skin surface. 20% of ALA and MAL cream were done mixing the following proportions: ALA, M2 (80% ALA-20% MAL), M3 (60% ALA-40% MAL), M4 (50% ALA-MAL), M5 (40% ALA-60% MAL), M6 (20% ALA-80% MAL) and MAL.ResultsMixtures M3, M4, and M5 showed the most PPIX production on skin by widefield fluorescence imaging and fluorescence spectroscopy in 3 h of incubation. These results suggest that 50% of ALA and MAL in the same mixture increase the PPIX production in amount, homogeneity and time production when compared to ALA and MAL. This has a positive impact on photodynamic damage optimizing the PDT treatment.