Acceptor/π-bridge planarization and donor rotation manipulation for designing an NIR-II AIEgen with high photothermal conversion efficiency to enhance cancer phototherapy

Engineered aptamers for molecular imaging

“…To overcome the aforementioned limitations, one strategy involves the utilization of near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores with longer excitation and emission wavelengths, enabling enhanced tissue penetration and reduced autofluorescence background. 157–160 For example, Hu et al developed and employed an integrated visible and NIR-I/II multispectral imaging system, which demonstrated enhanced contrast, sensitivity, and accuracy for the fluorescence imaging of deep tissues using the second NIR window (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm). 161 Sicco et al utilized Alexa647-modified Sgc8c aptamers with far-red fluorescence to investigate the uptake characteristics of the probe in a murine metastatic melanoma model.…”

Dual-modal imaging-guided agent based on NIR-II aggregation-induced emission luminogens with balanced phototheranostic performance

“…The incorporation of the thiophene ring was also aimed at expanding the molecular distance between the DPZ unit and the large-volume electron acceptor, further facilitating intramolecular rotation and the efficiency of photothermal conversion in the aggregated state. 44–49 The intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect was significantly enhanced due to the extension of the donor and an increase in the degree of donor–acceptor (D–A) conformational distortion, with the Stokes shifts of SC and LSC expanded to 444 nm and 465 nm, respectively. Additionally, the introduction of the thiophene ring is expected to increase the molecular distance between the DPZ unit and the bulky electron acceptor, further promoting intramolecular rotation and enhancing the photothermal conversion efficiency in the aggregated state.…”