Conjugated Polymeric Materials in Biological Imaging and Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Conjugated polymers (CPs) have attracted much attention in the fields of chemistry, medicine, life science, and material science. Researchers have carried out a series of innovative researches and have made significant research progress regarding the unique photochemical and photophysical properties of CPs, expanding the application range of polymers. CPs are polymers formed by the conjugation of multiple repeating light-emitting units. Through precise control of their structure, functional molecules with different properties can be obtained. Fluorescence probes with different absorption and emission wavelengths can be obtained by changing the main chain structure. By modifying the side chain structure with water-soluble groups or selective recognition molecules, electrostatic interaction or specific binding with specific targets can be achieved; subsequently, the purpose of selective recognition can be achieved. This article reviews the research work of CPs in cell imaging, tumor diagnosis, and treatment in recent years, summarizes the latest progress in the application of CPs in imaging, tumor diagnosis, and treatment, and discusses the future development direction of CPs in cell imaging, tumor diagnosis, and treatment.

A comprehensive review on singlet oxygen generation in nanomaterials and conjugated polymers for photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cancer

“…The strategic combination of dye-based and near-infrared (NIR) conjugated nanopolymers is the main focus, to increase the production efficiency of singlet oxygen. 127 This strategy, which demonstrates the development of PDT methodologies through the design and use of cutting-edge polymeric materials, is a sophisticated and focused approach. The synergistic combination of these elements shows a promising path toward the creation of more specialized and effective treatments for a range of illnesses, especially when it comes to the treatment of cancer.…”

H2O2-triggered controllable carbon monoxide delivery for photothermally augmented gas therapy

“…Conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNPs), prepared from conjugated polymers (CPs), offer substantial potential in areas like imaging and therapy, thanks to their impressive optical capabilities. 55–61 As CPNPs are entirely composed of benign organic components, they circumvent the toxicity concerns associated with metal ions while offering optical advantages equivalent to or occasionally surpassing those of inorganic semiconductor nanoparticles. 62,63 CPNPs have also demonstrated an efficient conversion of photon energy into thermal energy, rendering them suitable for applications in photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and PTT.…”