Reversible pH-switchable NIR-II nano-photosensitizer for precise imaging and photodynamic therapy of tumors.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted widespread attention from researchers as an emerging cancer treatment method. There have been many reports on various types of NIR-II photosensitizers for imaging and treatment of tumor sites. However, there are few reports on the development of NIR-II organic small molecule photosensitizers that have intelligent response to the tumor microenvironment, precise imaging, real-time treatment, and high biocompatibility.

Activatable self-assembled organic nanotheranostics: Aspartyl aminopeptidase triggered NIR fluorescence imaging-guided photothermal/photodynamic synergistic therapy.

Phototherapy has developed as a powerful method for remedial modalities. The conventional photosensitizers are "always on" state and lack tumor targeting, which contributed to poor therapeutic effect and high toxicity. Therefore, we developed an aspartyl aminopeptidase (DNPEP) activated self-assembled organic nanoparticles (NRh-Asp NPs) with sensitive external irradiation-induced photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT).

Bioluminescence imaging of fibroblast activation protein-alpha in vivo and human plasma with highly sensitive probe.

Fibroblast activation protein-alpha (FAPα) has emerged as a biomarker of tumor stromal fibroblasts. FAP was overexpressed in stromal fibroblasts of human malignancies and positively correlated with the depth of tumor invasion, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastases, high TNM stage and poor prognosis. However, the circulating FAP levels in the plasma of gastric cancer patients and the relationship between FAP levels and gastric cancer remain unknown.

Bioluminescence Imaging of Selenocysteine in Vivo with a Highly Sensitive Probe.

Selenocysteine (Sec), a vital member of reactive selenium species, is closely implicated in diverse pathophysiological states, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and male infertility. Monitoring Sec in vivo is of significant interest for understanding the physiological roles of Sec and the mechanisms of human diseases associated with abnormal levels of Sec. However, no bioluminescence probe for real-time monitoring of Sec in vivo has been reported.