Disclosed are novel compounds, compositions, and methods that are
particularly useful in photodynamic therapy. In particular, the inventive
compounds, compositions, and methods relate to the formation of cytotoxic
radical species in the presence of light. Significantly, the compounds,
compositions, and methods of the present invention do not require the
presence of oxygen in the photodynamic therapy and, as such, rely on a
unimolecular mechanism for producing the radicals. The inventive
compounds, compositions, and methods can be used, for example, in the
treatment of cancers as well as infections caused by microorganisms such
as protozoa, fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
