Chlorin e6 (Ce6)

Chlorin e6 is a natural chlorin-class pigment derived from chlorophyll, widely studied as a second-generation photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to its strong absorption in the red region of the visible spectrum, which allows deeper tissue penetration compared to first-generation agents. It is not a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but rather a small molecule that acts as a photosensitizing agent. When administered and subsequently activated by light, Chlorin e6 generates cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, leading to selective destruction of target (e.g., tumor) cells. It is an attractive PDT candidate due to its relatively low cost, efficient light absorption, and effectiveness in preclinical models of cancer. Chlorin e6 itself is not a therapeutic target in the traditional sense, but a tool or drug candidate used to target diseased tissues via PDT.

Other names

PhotolonPhytochlorinChlorine e6(2S-trans)-18-carboxy-20-(carboxymethyl)-13-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-3,7,12,17-tetramethyl-8-vinyl-21H,23H-porphine-2-propionic acidChlorin e6 trisodium saltChlorin e6 trimethyl esterNSC-75785EINECS 252-329-6CAS 19660-77-6FDA UNII 5S2CCF3T1Z

Upon irradiation with red light (e.g., 664 nm laser), Chlorin e6 generates reactive oxygen species (mainly singlet oxygen) that induce cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death, particularly in tumor tissues.