CAS 14055-19-7: etioporphyrin I nickel

Etioporphyrin I nickel is a tetrapyrrolic compound that has been used as an intermediate in the synthesis of porphyrins and photosensitizers. Etioporphyrin I nickel is also used as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy involves the use of a photosensitizing agent (etioporphyrin I nickel) to generate cytotoxic oxygen radicals that attack and kill cancer cells or bacteria. The process relies on light activation, which causes the agent to produce reactive oxygen species that cause cell death. This process is non-toxic to healthy cells because they are not sensitive to light.