A silyl porphyrin derivative conjugated with 6-deoxy-6-sulfo-α-d-glucopyranose functions as an efficient photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy

•Silyl porphyrin conjugated with sulfo-containing glucose was developed.•Sulfo-containing glucose enhances cellular uptake of silyl porphyrin.•Silyl porphyrin with sulfo-containing glucose exhibited high photocytotoxicity. We synthesized a new silyl porphyrin derivative conjugated with 6-deoxy-6-sulfo-α-d-glucopyranose (SGlc). Conjugation with SGlc improved A549 cellular uptake without significant changes in the photophysical and photochemical properties and subcellular localization. This improved cellular uptake led to enhanced photodynamic activity. Furthermore, conjugation with SGlc suppressed dark toxicity. These advantages were not observed for a conjugate with a glucose molecule. These results indicated that the conjugation with SGlc is a promising strategy for enhancing photodynamic efficacy. [Display omitted]