Phototherapeutic applications of benzophenone-containing NIR-emitting photosensitizers based on different receptor modulations.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) plays a crucial role in treating cancer and major infectious diseases. However, the hypoxic microenvironment and deep-seated tumors often compromise the effectiveness of photosensitizers (PSs). PSs primarily generate type-II reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are limited under hypoxic conditions.