Dual Anticancer and Antibacterial Applications of Active Particle Aggregates Containing Metal Phthalocyanines in Dark

Cancer is still a significant worldwide health concern, and the side effects of traditional chemotherapy emphasize the need for safer and more potent treatment methods. The structural diversity and specific biological action of bioorganic molecules make them essential components of many anticancer medications. Therefore, the anticancer and antibacterial activity of metal phthalocyanine agents were designed, synthesized, thoroughly characterized, and assessed in this study. These agents were loaded in both natural and artificial nanoparticles, such as chitosan (Chi), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), to improve therapeutic efficacy. Morphological and physicochemical properties were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Complexes formed were increased in particle size and improved biological efficacy. Both free and metal phthalocyanine complexes were tested against breast (MDA-MB-453) and liver cancer (HEPG2) cell lines and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, with metal phthalocyanine complex formulations showing superior activity. Notably, gallium phthalocyanine (II) showed the strongest anticancer and antibacterial properties, indicating its potential as a promising future treatment option without light activation.