Work

Multifunctional Organelle‐Targeting Probes for Intracellular Imaging and Enhanced Cancer Phototherapy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a promising modality for cancer treatment; however, its clinical application is hindered by challenges such as glutathione (GSH)‐mediated quenching of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autofluorescence interference during visible light imaging. This study introduces Cy‐NBD‐5F, a photosensitizer engineered to address these limitations. Upon activation by GSH, Cy‐NBD‐5F exhibits 5.5‐fold fluorescence enhancement at 701 nm, producing its reduced form, Cy‐OH‐5F, which demonstrates enhanced ROS generation, including a 1.4‐fold increase in singlet oxygen and 1.2‐fold increase in superoxide anion radicals. Under light irradiation, Cy‐OH‐5F induces significant cytotoxicity (IC50 < 3 µM). Additionally, the molecule predominantly localizes within lysosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum, showing organelle‐specific effects to improve therapeutic efficacy. These findings show the potential of Cy‐NBD‐5F as a precise and effective tool for cancer theranostics.

Source: Chemistry - A European Journal

DOI: 10.1002/chem.202500831