Therapeutic Avenues of Bacteriochlorophyll Derivatives

Background: Bacteriochlorophylls are specialized bacterial pigments produced naturally in certain bacteria to convert captured light into chemical energy. These substances and their metabolic precursors (bacteriochlorophyllides) demonstrate high effectiveness in diagnosing and treating diverse medical conditions. They are particularly useful for deep-tissue cancer imaging and in tumor eradication. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across scientific databases, viz. Google Scholar, PubMed, SciHub, and Web of Science. Results: BChl a conjugates like Redaporfin®, Tookad®, have been clinically tested in improving tumor eradication via a PDT approach. They have also been reported to be antioxidants and anti-ageing, and to exert significant activity on glioblastoma cells. BChl-ser-treated tumors result in total oxygen depletion within the tissue, highlighting their therapeutic relevance. The specific light absorption range allows for deeper penetration into necrotic tissues while maintaining low toxicity. This property facilitates effective tumour removal via photodynamic therapy by increasing photodamage in the target area. Conclusion: The derivatives of light-harvesting pigment, bacteriochlorophyll, exhibit diversified applications ranging from ecology to therapeutics. Notably, their conjugates were found to be pharmacologically active, particularly in the treatment of specific types of tumors. Furthermore, Bacteriochlorophyll pigments and their derivatives show significant potential in non-oncological fields.