Abstract: Compositions having a texaphyrin-lipophilic molecule conjugate loaded into a biological vesicle and methods for imaging, diagnosis and treatment using the loaded vesicle are provided. For example, liposomes or red blood cells loaded with a paramagnetic texaphyrin-lipophilic molecule conjugate have utility as a blood pool contrast agent, facilitating the enhancement of normal tissues, magnetic resonance angiography, and marking areas of damaged endothelium by their egress through fenestrations or damaged portions of the blood vascular system. Liposomes or cells loaded with a photosensitive texaphyrin-lipophilic molecule conjugate can be photolysed, allowing for a photodynamic therapy effect at the site of lysis. Availability of red blood cells loaded with a photosensitive texaphyrin-lipophilic molecule conjugate provides a method for delivering a photodynamic therapeutic agent to a desired site with a high concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: Compositions having a texaphyrin-lipophilic molecule conjugate loaded into a biological vesicle and methods for imaging, diagnosis and treatment using the loaded vesicle are provided. For example, liposomes or red blood cells loaded with a paramagnetic texaphyrin-lipophilic molecule conjugate have utility as a blood pool contrast agent, facilitating the enhancement of normal tissues, magnetic resonance angiography, and marking areas of damaged endothelium by their egress through fenestrations or damaged portions of the blood vascular system. Liposomes or cells loaded with a photosensitive texaphyrin-lipophilic molecule conjugate can be photolysed, allowing for a photodynamic therapy effect at the site of lysis. Availability of red blood cells loaded with a photosensitive texaphyrin-lipophilic molecule conjugate provides a method for delivering a photodynamic therapeutic agent to a desired site with a high concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: Texaphyrin metal complex-oligonucleotide and -oligonucleotide analog conjugates are provided where the texaphyrin is bound to an internal linkage of the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog, the conjugates having catalytic activity for the hydrolysis of ribonucleic acid. Further, conjugates demonstrating catalytic turnover are described, the conjugates being especially effective under conditions where the concentration of RNA target exceeds that of available conjugate.

Abstract: A method of phosphate ester hydrolysis including incubating a solution of an aqueous phosphate ester with a metallotexaphyrin complex under conditions and for a time sufficient to hydrolyze the phosphate ester. The metal is a metal cation having catalytic activity for ester bond hydrolysis in aqueous solution. Phosphate ester substrates include nucleic acid such as RNA, phosphoric anhydrides, phospholipids, and alkyl phosphate esters.

Abstract: Methods of cleavage of a polymer of deoxyribonucleic acid using photosensitive texaphyrins are disclosed. A preferred method of use is the site-specific cleavage of a polymer of deoxyribonucleic acid and a preferred texaphyrin is a derivatized texaphyrin having binding specificity, in particular, a texaphyrin covalently coupled to a site-directing molecule, preferably an oligonucleotide.

Abstract: A texaphyrin having substituents containing ethoxy groups, methods for using texaphyrins in photodynamic therapy, and cleavage of a polymer of deoxyribonucleic acid are disclosed. The in vivo treatment of tumors and atheroma is demonstrated using Lu(III)texaphyrin complexes. A preferred method of use is the site-specific cleavage of a polymer of deoxyribonucleic acid and a preferred texaphyrin is a derivatized texaphyrin having binding specificity, in particular, a texaphyrin covalently coupled to a site-directing molecule, preferably an oligonucleotide.

Abstract: A method of phosphate ester hydrolysis including incubating a solution of an aqueous phosphate ester with a texaphyrin metal complex. The metal is a metal cation having catalytic activity for ester bond hydrolysis in aqueous solution, in particular, a lanthanide metal cation, preferably Eu(III) or Dy(III). A preferred substrate is RNA and a preferred texaphyrin is a derivatized texaphyrin having binding specificity, in particular, a texaphyrin covalently coupled to a site-directed molecule, preferably an oligonucleotide.