Synchronously boosting type-I photodynamic and photothermal efficacies via molecular manipulation for pancreatic cancer theranostics in the NIR-II window

Type I Photosensitizers Based on Aggregation-Induced Emission: A Rising Star in Photodynamic Therapy

“…Under this circumstance, AIE molecules have a remarkable capability which can tailor the equilibrium of energy dissipation by regulating the intramolecular motions. In 2022, Wang et al [ 67 ] reported a multifunctional type I AIE PS, namely, DCTBT, applying to a second near-infrared (NIR-II) FLI-guided type I PDT, simultaneous with high-efficiency PTT functions, for pancreatic cancer, the king of cancer [ 68 , 69 , 70 ]. A conjugated small molecule (CTBT) was modified with diphenylamine moieties on both of the two ends, to endow DCTBT with sufficient intramolecular motions for enhanced PTT efficiency, stronger electron D–A interaction for longer absorption and emission wavelengths, and smaller Δ E S1–T1 for improved ROS generation ability ( Figure 8 a).…”

“…( h ) In vivo NIR-II fluorescence images of subcutaneous PANC-1 tumor-bearing mice at different monitoring times after administration of lip-DCTBT NPs, a: non target NPs, b: target NPs. Reprinted with permission from [ 67 ], copyright 2022, Elsevier.…”

Activatable photothermal agents with target-initiated large spectral separation for highly effective reduction of side effects

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9] Photothermal therapy (PTT), a new type of tumor treatment, has attracted immense attention because of its non-invasiveness, low toxicity, real-time control, high tumor specicity, and so on. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] PTT treatment utilizes a photothermal reagent to produce heat upon laser irradiation for killing the cancer cells in the exposed area. [18][19][20][21][22] Compared with traditional "always-on" photothermal agents, activatable photothermal agents will suppress cancer precisely and minimize side effects on normal tissue.…”

Rational design of a small organic photosensitizer for NIR-I imaging-guided synergistic photodynamic and photothermal therapy

“…However, photosensitizers for type-I PDT remain scarce. 4,11,12 Meanwhile, PTT was limited by uneven heat dispersion in tumors and by the heat shock effect. 13 To overcome the drawbacks of individual phototherapy, the combination of PDT and PTT into one phototheranostic agent is a promising strategy for synergistic cancer therapy.…”