Sahinoglu, SinemSanli-Mohamed, Gulsah2026-02-252026-02-2520252194-05092194-0517https://doi.org/10.57647/pibm-2025-17593https://hdl.handle.net/11147/18922Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, underscoring the need for innovative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional modalities. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a non-invasive approach that leverages light-activated photosensitizers to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated tumor cell death. IR783, a near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) heptamethine cyanine dye, has shown promise as a theranostic agent in cancer therapy due to its tumor-selective uptake and pro-apoptotic effects. However, its clinical potential is hindered by poor stability, rapid dissociation in polar environments, low quantum yield, and suboptimal tumor accumulation. In this study, we developed a multifunctional nanoplatform by encapsulating IR783 into UiO-66, a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF), to enhance the delivery and photodynamic performance of the dye (IR783@UiO-66). The system was structurally characterized, and its biocompatibility and drug release profiles were evaluated. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the cytotoxic and phototoxic effects of IR783, UiO-66, and IR783@UiO-66 on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231) and normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A), under LED irradiation at varying light intensities (18-144 J/cm2) and exposure durations (7.5-60 min). The results demonstrated that IR783@UiO-66 significantly reduced cancer cell viability in a dose-and light-dependent manner while sparing normal cells. Free IR783 showed slightly higher phototoxicity, attributed to differences in release kinetics and loading efficiency. UiO-66 alone exhibited negligible cytotoxicity under irradiation, confirming its safety profile. This study highlights the potential of UiO-66 as a promising nanocarrier for enhancing IR783-mediated PDT, offering a synergistic strategy for targeted and efficient breast cancer therapy.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessPhotodynamic Therapy (PDT)Breast CancerIr783UiO-66Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)Article10.57647/pibm-2025-17593