Combination of porphyrins and DNA-alkylation agents: Synthesis and tumor cell apoptosis induction

A series of porphyrin-DNA cross-linking conjugates were synthesized. Their cytotoxicities to tumor cells were tested using MTT assays first. Then, HeLa cell apoptosis induced by these cationic porphyrins under the light was examined by laser confocal microscopy, flow cytometric analysis, and further confirmed by observing the morphological changes and DNA fragmentation mainly.